Acupuncture at five-zang back-shu points and Geshu for depression: a randomized controlled trial

Objective To observe the efficacy and adverse reaction of acupuncture at five-zang back-shu points and Geshu for depression,so as to provide references for the clinical treatment of depression. Methods Sixty patients of depression were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,30 cases in each one. Patients in the treatment group were treated with acupuncture at five-zang back-shu points and Geshu,while patients in the control group were treated with oral administration of Citalopram. HAMD was observed before treatment,1,2,4,8 weeks into treatment and 12 weeks after treatment,also clinical cured rate and adverse reaction were recorded. Results At each time point during treatment period,the HAMD and each factor were significantly reduced( P 0. 05 or P 0. 01),and the difference between two groups was not significant( P 0. 05),indicating the two methods were both effective with similar short-term efficacy. 12 weeks after treatment,the cured rate was 77. 8% in the treatment group and 75. 0% in the control group,and the difference between two groups was not significant( P 0. 05),indicating the two methods had similar longterm efficacy. During the trial,1 patient in the treatment group had adverse reaction,which was significantly lower to 4 patients in the control group. Conclusion The efficacy of acupuncture at five-zang back-shu points and Geshu was similar to that of Citalopram.However,acupuncture takes effect more quickly,and has better improvement on anxiety / somatization,sleep disorder and cognitive disorder than western medication. Besides,acupuncture adverse reaction is less,safety is high and patient compliance is satisfactory.