The objective of this study was to compare the therapeutic effects of Auricular Concha Electro-acupuncture and Citalopram on patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

In this study, 106 patients with MDD were randomly divided into the auricular concha electro-acupuncture group and the citalopram group by the evaluation blind method and randomized control design, and were treated for 8 weeks and 4 weeks follow-up. In No. 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 Weekend, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 Item (HAM-D17) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A) were performed for all patients. During the No. 0/8 weekend, patients were tested and analyzed for peripheral blood NE, 5-HT, DA, Cortisol, ACTH, GABA, glutamic acid, BDNF and BFGF, and the brain is also examined and analyzed by fMRI.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. The diagnosis is consistent with DSM-V diagnostic criteria for mild-to- moderate depression;
2. Patients with the first onset or recurrence of the disease have not been treated with antidepressant or without antidepressant treatment before treatment for 3 months;
3. Age from 18 to 65 years old, with no gender;
4. Outpatient;
5. 17 Item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score > 7, and <24;
6. Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. In addition to depression, it conforms to the diagnostic criteria of any psychiatric disease;
2. Patients with a history of schizophrenia or other mental illness;
3. Patients with cognitive impairment or personality disorder;
4. In the past 6 months, patients who have met the DSM-V criteria for substance related and addictive disorders;
5. Before entering the group, any other antidepressant treatment is being accepted;
6. Patients with serious body disease, such as heart disease (namely Ⅱ and Ⅱ above cardiac function) , obvious abnormalities of liver and kidney function (Biomarkers more than 3 times normal);
7. Serious suicidal ideation or suicidal behavior.