ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for post-stroke depression (PSD).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The randomized, double-blind control study was designed. 43 post-stroke patients with current major depression episode (DSM-IV) were randomly assigned to an observation group (23 cases) and a control group (20 cases). The conventional symptomatic, supportive and anti-infection treatment in neurological internal medicine was applied to all of the cases in two groups. In observation group, acupuncture was applied to Baihui (GV 20), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Sishencong (EX-HN 1), Taichong (LR 3), etc. Additionally, the placebo was taken orally. In control group, acupuncture was applied to non-acupoint spots (5 mm lateral to the acupoints selected in observation group) with shallow needling technique. Moreover, Fluoxetine was taken orally. The treatment lasted for 6 weeks. Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Asberg antidepressant side effect scale (ASES), adverse response of acupuncture and efficacy were compared between two groups.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The total effective rate was 73.9% (17/23) in observation group and was 80.0% (16/20) in control group, indicating equivalent efficacy between two groups. After treatment, HAMD score was reduced remarkably as compared with that before treatment in two groups (P < 0.05). ASES scores in 4 weeks of treatment and after treatment in observation group and ASES score after treatment in control group were reduced remarkably as compared with those before treatment (all P < 0.05). ASES scores in 4 weeks of treatment and after treatment in observation group were reduced much more remarkably as compared with those in control group (both P < 0.05). The incidences of adverse response of acupuncture were 13.0% (3/23) and 15.0% (3/20) respectively in observation group and control group, indicating that the adverse response was transient and had not recurred after symptomatic measures.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Acupuncture for PSD is as effective as fluoxetine, without obvious drug-induced adverse reaction involved.</p>