Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Depressed Patients Taking Antidepressant Medications

Effectiveness of Acupuncture Augmentation on Treatment Resistant Depressed Patients

In this research study, the investigators piloted a uniform acupuncture treatment protocol among adults with depression who were taking an antidepressant medication that was providing only partial or no symptom alleviation. The study's aims were evaluate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of acupuncture augmentation treatment among this population. The investigators hypothesized that acupuncture as an augmentation treatment would be associated with a response rate of at least 50%, which the investigators defined as a decrease in depressive symptoms from the beginning to the end of the study of 50% or more, and that the response would be greater among patients who received acupuncture 2 times per week (vs. 1 time per week). The investigators also hypothesized that acupuncture would be associated with minimal side effects.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages 18-65
• A HAM-D-17 score of >= 14
• Partial or nonresponse to a standard antidepressant (monotherapy or combination) at an adequate dose over the past 8 or more weeks (natural agents such as omega-3 fatty acids, St John's wort, SAMe, and folic acid, were allowed as antidepressants)
• Concurrent psychotherapy was allowed, provided that it was not initiated within the 3 months prior to study entry.

Exclusion Criteria:

• A primary diagnosis other than major depressive disorder, or any history of psychosis or mania
• Conditions that could make it difficult to conclusively determine that depressive symptoms were the result of major depression and not some other condition, including any form of substance abuse or dependence within the last 6 months, other medical conditions that could be the basis of a depression (including epilepsy, history of an abnormal EEG, severe head trauma, or stroke)
• Serious uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes, severe congestive heart failure), or other medical conditions that had not been stable for at least 3 months
• Having had electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during the past year
• Current active suicidal or self-injurious potential necessitating immediate treatment.