Observations on the Efficacy of Acupuncture plus Abdominal Respiration in Treating Depression

Objective To investigate the efficacy of acupuncture plus abdominal respiration in treating depression. Methods Sixty-two depression patients were allocated to an acupuncture group of 32 cases and a medication group of 30 cases. The acupuncture group received acupuncture plus abdominal respiration and the medication group took fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac). The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) 24-item score was counted before and after treatment for a comparison of the therapeutic effects. The adverse reactions were examined in the two groups. Results The cure rate and the total efficacy rate were 62.5% and 96.9%,respectively,in the acupuncture group and 46.7% and 93.3%,respectively,in the medication group. A chi square test showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P0.05). Conclusion The efficacy of acupuncture plus abdominal respiration in treating depression is equivalent to that of fluoxetine hydrochloride,but it has a slightly higher cure rate than fluoxetine hydrochloride and does not produce toxic side effects. It is a better way to treat depression.