Relation Between Physical Activity and Depression in People with Borderline Personality Disorder

Borderline personality disorder (BPD), characterized by marked mood instability, impulsivity, and relationship difficulties, is highly comorbid with depression. Depression manifests as persistent feelings of sadness, emptiness, or irritability, as well as significant somatic and cognitive impairments that interfere with daily functioning. Physical activity (PA) is now presented as a first-line monotherapy for depressive disorders. In addition, some recent studies also indicate an effect of PA on BPD symptoms. However, no studies have analyzed the effects of PA on depressive symptoms in people diagnosed with BPD. Objective: This study aimed to examine the relationship between PA and depressive disorder in individuals diagnosed with BPD. Method: Online questionnaires were completed by individuals with BPD in eight French- and English-speaking countries, covering sociodemographic characteristics, health status (symptoms of BPD and depression), and level of PA (including type, intensity, and time allocated). Results: Logistic regression analysis revealed that both leisure-related (p =.013) and transport-related PA .(p =.035) are associated with a reduction in the likelihood of experiencing various depressive disorder. Spearman correlations indicated significant associations between both leisure-time PA (ρ = -.291, <.001) and total PA (ρ = -.179, p = .026) with depressive disorder. Conclusions: Engaging in PA is associated with a lower likelihood of experiencing depressive disorder. PA therefore represents a promising therapeutic option for individuals with BPD, both as a preventive factor against depressive disorder and as an accessible complementary intervention.