Self-administered acupressure for alleviating depression
Self-administered Acupressure for Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study tests if doing self-acupressure can help people with depression feel better compared to a group that receives mental health education.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 250 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05631184 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of self-administered acupressure in reducing depressive symptoms among individuals diagnosed with depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the acupressure group or a mental health education group, with the aim of comparing the outcomes over a 12-week intervention period. The study will measure changes in depressive symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire and assess the feasibility and acceptability of the acupressure intervention for participants.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are Hong Kong residents aged 18 to 65 with moderate depression, as indicated by a PHQ-9 score of 10 or above.
Not a fit: Patients with severe depression (PHQ score of 20 or above) or those with significant cognitive impairment or psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could provide a non-pharmacological option for individuals struggling with depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results for acupressure in managing depressive symptoms, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Hong Kong residents aged 18 to 65 2. Can communicate in Cantonese and comprehend written Chinese 3. Have moderate or above-level depression as measured by the PHQ-9 with a score of 10 or above 4. Willing to give informed consent and comply with the trial protocol. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Have the PHQ score of 20 or above (referral information to community psychological services will be provided) 2. New onset or change of antidepressant medication or dosage in the last 3 months 3. Previous or current diagnosis of schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, or bipolar disorder as screened using the Chinese version of the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 4. Have cognitive impairment diagnosed by the Hong Kong Montreal Cognitive Assessment with a score \< 22 5. Skin lesions or infections at the treatment sites 6. Significant suicidal risk as rated by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale item on suicide (score ≥3) 7. Pregnant or childbearing potential but not using adequate contraception 8. With any major medical condition that causes depression based on the judgement of a psychiatrist.
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- School of Nursing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Wing Fai Yeung, PhD — the School of Nursing, the Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Wing Fai Yeung, PhD
- Email: jerry-wf.yeung@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 852 2766 4151
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.