Effects of Acupuncture in Patients with Mild or Moderate Depression Treated with Paroxetine Hydrochloride / 中国中医药信息杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy and reverse reactions of acupuncture combined with paroxetine hydrochloride in the treatment of mild or moderate depression. Methods The patients with mild or moderate depression (n=73) were randomly divided into control group (treated with paroxetine hydrochloride,n=33) and observation group (treated with acupuncture and paroxetine hydrochloride,n=40). The therapeutic course lasted for 6 weeks. The total score changes of Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were observed before treatment and treated for 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks. Rating Scale for Side Effects (SERS) was evaluated before treatment and treated for 2, 4, 6 weeks.Results The total effective rate of clinical efficacy in the observation group was 78.95% (30/38) and the control group was 68.75% (22/32), without significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). The scores of HAMD decreased 4, 6 weeks after the treatment in the control group and 2, 4, 6 week after the treatment in the observation group compared with those in the same group before the treatment (P<0.05,P<0.01). There was a significant difference in HAMD scores between two groups after the treatment for 4 weeks (P<0.05). The scores of SERS showed a significant difference 4, 6 weeks after the treatment between the two groups (P<0.05).Conclusion Acupuncture can improve the curative effect of paroxetine hydrochloride and decrease its side effects in the treatment of depression.