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Munching on a fry up just as good at beating depression as traditional therapy say boffins

Mental health experts say a full English could be just as effective in treating depression as psychological treatment

TUCKING into a full English breakfast or learning guitar could help beat depression.

Researchers say behavioural activation — doing things daily that give you pleasure — is cheaper and just as good as psychological techniques.

Indulging in a bit of what you fancy could help fight depression
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Indulging in a bit of what you fancy could help fight depressionCredit: Getty Images

Experts at Exeter University tested 400 patients, with half given the treatment and the rest getting standard cognitive behaviour therapy.

After 18 months both groups had a 50 per cent reduction in symptoms.

Behavioural activation could be key in cutting NHS costs
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Behavioural activation could be key in cutting NHS costsCredit: Getty Images

Prof David Richards said: “Staff could be trained much more easily and cheaply without any compromise on quality. It’s an exciting prospect.”

Dr Liz England, of the Royal College of GPs, said the idea should be explored further to help ease NHS cash woes.

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