Traditional Chinese medicine and depression: The effects of comorbid disorders, completion of treatment, and duration of treatment on efficacy

This study explored the viability of using Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as a treatment for depression. Studies on TCM and depression have yielded limited information, primarily due to the difficulty of standardizing the research to fit within the Western research paradigm. This study attempted to examine TCM within the cultural context in which it is practiced.; Participants (N = 69) completed the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) prior to each TCM treatment session to record any change in their depression scores throughout the duration of treatment. Participants also completed a demographic questionnaire. Length of treatment, completion of treatment, and impact of comorbid disorders were statistically analyzed by using partial correlations to determine their impact on efficacy. Descriptive data were collected to determine the participants' history of alternative medicine use, current use of alternative medical interventions, and other trends pertinent to health maintenance.; Results indicated an increased efficacy for those participants who presented with multiple problems. No relationship was identified between length of treatment and reduction in depressive symptoms. Results also indicated that TCM was not related to a reduction in depressive symptoms. Limitations and suggestions for future research were also addressed.