Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 50

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.

More Depression trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
Enrollment280 (estimated)
SponsorUniversidade do Sul de Santa Catarina
Government
Locations1 site (Palhoça, Santa Catarina)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 1, 2023
Main results expectedDecember 15, 2025
Study endsDecember 30, 2025
Registry record updatedJanuary 20, 2025
Trial IDNCT05855421 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.