Efficacy of Acupuncture at Acupoints Group Around the Base of Skull for Post-Stroke Depression

Efficacy of Acupuncture at Acupoints Group Around the Base of Skull for Post-Stroke Depression: a Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture at acupoints group around the base of skull for post-stroke depression.

98 eligible participants with post-stroke depression will be recruited and randomly assigned to the experimental group and the control group in a ratio of 1:1. Participants in both groups will receive electroacupuncture or placebo acupuncture treatment at acupoints group around the base of skull 3 times a week for 4 weeks, and followed up for 24 weeks.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Conforming to the criteria for the diagnosis of PSD recommended by the "Chinese Expert Consensus on Clinical Practice of Post-Stroke Depression";
2. Aged 40 to 80 years old;
3. The score of HDRS-24 item scale is more than 8 points and less than 35 points, that is, mild to moderate depression;
4. Has not received antidepressant treatment or has been discontinued for more than 2 weeks before entering treatment, and has not participated in other ongoing clinical trials.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects with history of mental illness or family history of mental illness;
2. Subjects with severe heart, liver, kidney, hematopoietic system, endocrine and immune system diseases;
3. Subjects with dementia, aphasia, cognitive dysfunction or unable to cooperate with examination and treatment;
4. Subjects installed with the cardiac pacemaker;
5. Pregnant or lactating patients.