Auricular acupuncture for treating depression during the Covid-19 pandemic
Official title: Efficacy and Safety of Auricular Acupuncture in Depression During the Covid 19 Pandemic: a Multicenter Triple-blinded Randomized Clinical Trial
Run by Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina · NCT05855421 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if auricular acupuncture can help university students with moderate depression feel better during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 280 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Palhoça, Santa Catarina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 1, 2023 |
| Main results expected | December 15, 2025 |
| Study ends | December 30, 2025 |
| Registry record updated | January 20, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05855421 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are university students aged 18 to 50 with moderate depressive symptoms.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with severe depression, suicidal risk, or those who have used auricular acupuncture in the last three months may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of auricular acupuncture in reducing depressive symptoms among university students during the Covid-19 pandemic. Participants with moderate depression, as measured by the PHQ-9, will be randomized into two groups: one receiving auricular acupuncture and the other receiving non-specific auricular acupuncture. The trial consists of 12 sessions over six weeks, with outcomes assessed three months after inclusion. The study aims to provide evidence for a non-pharmacological treatment option for depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a low-cost, effective alternative treatment for depression that is well-accepted by patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there is limited research specifically on auricular acupuncture for depression, similar non-pharmacological approaches have shown promise in other studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 50 years old * PHQ-9 score between 10 and 19 (moderate depression) * Availability for sessions Exclusion Criteria: Use complementary and integrative practices at the last 3 months; Suicidal risk evaluated by question number 9 in the PHQ-9 Severe depression score in the PHQ-9 Prior use of auricular acupuncture Pregnancy Menopause Tape and metal allergy
Where it's running
-
Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina
Palhoça, Santa Catarina, Brazil Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Daniel MO Rodrigues, MSc
- Email: danielmor7@gmail.com
- Phone: 5548 8825-1444
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.