Acupuncture for treating post-stroke depression
Efficacy of Acupuncture at Acupoints Group Around the Base of Skull for Post-Stroke Depression: a Randomized Controlled Trial
NA · China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences · NCT05310175
This study is testing if electroacupuncture can help people who have depression after a stroke feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 98 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Beijing) |
| Trial ID | NCT05310175 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture applied at specific acupoints around the base of the skull for individuals suffering from post-stroke depression. A total of 98 participants will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving electroacupuncture or a control group receiving sham acupuncture. Treatments will occur three times a week for four weeks, followed by a 24-week follow-up period to assess outcomes. The study seeks to determine if this acupuncture approach can effectively alleviate symptoms of depression in stroke survivors.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 40 to 80 with mild to moderate post-stroke depression who have not received recent antidepressant treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with severe mental illness, significant comorbidities, or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a non-pharmacological option for alleviating post-stroke depression symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored in various contexts, this specific approach for post-stroke depression is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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.
Where this trial is running
Beijing
- China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences — Beijing, China (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yuxiao Zeng — China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
- Study coordinator: Yuxiao Zeng
- Email: zengyuxiao@aliyun.com
- Phone: +86-15901278206
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Post-stroke Depression