Acupuncture treatment for inpatients with major depression
Acupuncture Augmentation Therapy for In-hospital Patients With Major Depression Disorder: a Pragmatic, Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if daily acupuncture can help people in the hospital with major depression feel better when added to their usual treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 84 (estimated) |
| Ages | 21 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Institute of Mental Health, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Singapore) |
| Trial ID | NCT05452746 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of acupuncture as an augmentation therapy for inpatients diagnosed with major depressive disorder. A total of 84 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either daily acupuncture sessions or standard treatment for their depression. The study aims to assess the impact of acupuncture on depressive symptoms, particularly in patients with severe conditions and cognitive dysfunction. The trial is designed as a single-blind randomized controlled trial to ensure unbiased results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 21 and older who have a current diagnosis of major depressive disorder and meet specific severity criteria.
Not a fit: Patients with a history of psychosis, severe medical conditions, or those currently undergoing other intensive treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide an alternative treatment option for patients with major depression, potentially improving their mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored for various conditions, this specific approach for in-hospital patients with severe depression is relatively novel and has limited prior evidence.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age ≥21 years. 2. DSM-V diagnosis of current Major Depressive Episode. 3. Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score of 20 or more. 4. Able to give informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: 1. History of psychosis or mania 2. With current ECT or neurostimulation treatment. 3. With severe heart or renal condition 4. Currently taking blood thinning drug including Aspirin etc. 5. Endocrine abnormalities (e.g., hypothyroidism, unstable diabetes); 6. History of central nervous system involvement (e.g., seizures, brain injury, neurologic ill- ness); 7. Pregnancy.
Where this trial is running
Singapore
- Institute of Mental Health — Singapore, Singapore (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Phern Chern Tor, MBBS — Institute of Mental Health, Singapore
- Study coordinator: Phern Chern Tor, MBBS
- Email: phern_chern_tor@imh.com.sg
- Phone: 63892000
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.