Clinical Study Of Acupuncture To Alleviate Depression Drug Side Effects

PurposeAcupuncture has been used for treatment of depression in conjunction with various antidepressants. The purpose of this study is to observe the efficacy of acupuncture, combined with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), on the treatment of depression and the effects of acupuncture on reducing the side-effects of SSRIs. It also explores the possibility of using acupuncture as a part of a long term therapy for depressionMethodsThe clinical study involved 60 patients receiving SSRI antidepressants for depression, of which 30 patients were given additional acupuncture treatments for comparison. Before, during and after treatments, patients were evaluated using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and side-effects measurement charts.ResultsThe group which received acupuncture as additional treatment showed significant improvement over the group receiving only antidepressants. In addition, the outcome indicated the acupuncture group displayed reduced side-effects symptoms caused by antidepressants. Some patients who continued acupuncture treatments after discharge were able to reduce the amount of drugs taken.ConclusionFrom this clinical observation, we find that acupuncture can help treat the symptoms of depression. Also, acupuncture can help reduce the side-effects of antidepressants. In some patients, continued acupuncture treatment can lead to reducing the use of treatment drugs. Thus, combining acupuncture with SSRI antidepressants is a valuable solution is the treatment of depression.