A pilot study of acupuncture augmentation therapy in antidepressant partial and non-responders with major depressive disorder

Albert S. Yeung, Victoria E. Ameral, Sarah E. Chuzi, Maurizio Fava, David Mischoulon*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

27 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background:: Acupuncture is widely used for treating major depressive disorder (MDD). There is evidence supporting acupuncture as an antidepressant monotherapy, but its efficacy as augmentation in antidepressant partial and non-responders has not been well-investigated. Methods:: Thirty subjects (47% female, mean age 48 ± 11 years) with a history of SCID-diagnosed MDD and partial or non-response after ≥ 8 weeks of antidepressant therapy were assigned 8 weeks of standardized 30-min open acupuncture augmentation sessions on a weekly (n = 24) or twice-weekly (n = 6) basis. Change in the Hamilton-D-17 score was the primary outcome measure, and response rates (based on HAM-D-17 score improvement of ≥ 50%) the secondary outcome. Results:: Twenty subjects (40% female; 18 in weekly and 2 in twice-weekly treatment) completed the study. In the intent-to-treat (ITT) sample (N = 30), HAM-D-17 scores decreased from 18.5 ± 3.8 to 11.2 ± 5.3 in the weekly group (p < 0.001), and from 18.5 ± 3.3 to 11.8 ± 4.8 in the twice-weekly group (p = 0.03). Improvement did not differ significantly between treatment arms (p = 0.76). Response rates were 47% for all ITT subjects, 50% for the weekly group and 33% for the twice-weekly group (p = 0.66). The most common side effects included soreness/pain (n = 7), bruising (n = 4), and mild bleeding (n = 1) at the needle site. One subject discontinued because of side effects (pain). Limitations:: Open design, small sample, polypharmacy with antidepressants. Conclusions:: Once or twice-weekly acupuncture augmentation was safe, well-tolerated and effective in antidepressant partial and non-responders, suggesting good feasibility in outpatient settings. Replication in controlled trials is warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)285-289
Number of pages5
JournalJournal of Affective Disorders
Volume130
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 2011

Funding

This study was supported by the MGH Depression Clinical and Research Program's clinical practice revenues. Only the authors of the manuscript were involved in the study design, collection, analysis and interpretation of data, writing of the report, and the decision to submit the paper for publication.

Keywords

  • Acupuncture
  • Antidepressant
  • Augmentation
  • Depression

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Clinical Psychology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health

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