Electroacupuncture for treating first-episode depression
Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture on Treating the First Episode of Mild to Moderate Depression
This study is testing if electroacupuncture can help people who are experiencing their first episode of mild to moderate depression feel better compared to those receiving a placebo treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 204 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Shanghai) |
| Trial ID | NCT05818735 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating patients experiencing their first episode of mild to moderate depression. A total of 204 eligible participants will be randomly assigned to receive either EA treatment with placebo drugs or sham acupuncture with escitalopram. The trial includes a 12-week intervention period with multiple acupuncture sessions and a follow-up period of 6 months to assess outcomes. Primary and secondary outcomes will be measured using standardized depression scales and questionnaires.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals experiencing their first episode of mild to moderate depression without prior antidepressant treatment.
Not a fit: Patients with secondary depressive disorders or those who have previously received acupuncture treatment within the last year may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide an effective alternative for patients with first-episode depression who do not respond well to traditional antidepressants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupuncture in treating depression, suggesting that this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Participants who meet the diagnostic criteria of depression according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. 2. Participants whose HDRS-17 score is 17-25 (mild-to-moderate depression). 3. Participants who suffer from depression for the first time. 4. Patients who have not taken any previous antidepressants. 5. Patients who are assessed as low risk for suicide. 6. Participants who have not received acupuncture treatment for at least 1 year. 7. Participants who voluntarily agree with the investigation and sign a written informed consent form. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Participants with secondary depressive disorders caused by organic diseases, medicine or psychotic disorders. 2. Participants who are in the depressive episode of bipolar disorder, or suffering from dysthymia, reactive depression and depressive syndrome caused by other diseases. 3. Participants who had severe organic brain diseases and other serious physical diseases. 4. Participants with a history of alcohol abuse or drug dependence. 5. Participants who have enrolled in other clinical trial within 1 months. 6. Pregnant or lactating women.
Where this trial is running
Shanghai
- Shanghai Mental Health Center — Shanghai, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Shifen Xu, Doctor — Shanghai Municipal Hospital of Traditioal Chinese Medicine
- Study coordinator: Shifen Xu, Doctor
- Email: xu_teacher2006@126.com
- Phone: 8613761931393
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.