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Electroacupuncture in treating depression: A randomized controlled study

  • Clinical Study
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Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

To observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treating depression.

Methods

By a randomized controlled study method, sixty patients with depression were randomized into an electroacupuncture group and a medication group, 30 in each. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture, and the medication group was orally administrated Paroxetine tablets. They were evaluated by using Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) before and after treatments and the safety was also assessed.

Results

The total effective rate was 83.3% in the electroacupuncture group versus 60.0% in the medication group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). The electroacupuncture group was superior to the medication group in comparing the improvement of HAMD scores after treatment (P<0.05).

Conclusion

Electroacupuncture is an effective approach in treating depression.

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Correspondence to Xiu-ling Chen.

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Chen, Xl., Xu, K., Luo, Rh. et al. Electroacupuncture in treating depression: A randomized controlled study. J. Acupunct. Tuina. Sci. 11, 42–45 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11726-013-0653-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11726-013-0653-x

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