Multimodal MRI Study of Acupuncture's Rapid Antidepressant Mechanisms and Response Prediction in Depression

A Multimodal MRI-Based Study on the Rapid Antidepressant Mechanisms of Acupuncture and Individualized Treatment Response Prediction in Depression

This study aims to investigate the rapid antidepressant effects of acupuncture and to explore the underlying brain mechanisms using multimodal MRI techniques. In addition, the study will evaluate whether individual treatment responses can be predicted based on neuroimaging and clinical data.

Participants diagnosed with mild to moderate depression will be enrolled and will receive acupuncture treatment. Depression-related clinical assessment scales and brain imaging data will be collected before and after treatment.

The results of this study may help to better understand the mechanisms of acupuncture in rapid antidepressant treatment and support the development of personalized treatment strategies.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 to 59 years, and right-handed;
2. Patients who have received systematic antidepressant treatment (including antidepressant medications, sedative-hypnotics, electroconvulsive therapy, or transcranial magnetic stimulation) within the 4 weeks prior to enrollment;
3. Having a total score on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) greater than 7 and less than or equal to 24;
4. Voluntary participation in the study, with written informed consent provided by the patient themselves or their legally authorized guardian.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Diagnosis of other major psychiatric disorders or presence of psychotic symptoms.
2. History of other severe somatic diseases (e.g., cardiovascular/cerebrovascular diseases, autoimmune diseases), or current/past neurological or organic brain diseases.
3. Current or past history of alcohol dependence or abuse of other psychoactive substances.
4. Women who are lactating, pregnant, or menstruating.
5. Patients who have participated in other clinical drug trials within the past 3 months.