Acupuncture for Antenatal Depression.
- Conditions
- Antenatal DepressionAlternative and Complementary Medicine - Other alternative and complementary medicineMental Health - DepressionReproductive Health and Childbirth - Antenatal care
- Registration Number
- ACTRN12615000250538
- Lead Sponsor
- Western Sydney University - National Institute of Complementary Medicine
- Brief Summary
Antenatal depression is common, with wide-ranging detrimental consequences. Despite this, symptomologies are frequently inadequately managed. Consequently, women seek out alternatives. Preliminary evidence suggests acupuncture may provide a safe and potentially effective adjunct treatment. This study further examined this possibility. In this RCT, fifty-seven women meeting Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores greater than or equal to 13 were randomised to either individually tailored, depression specific acupuncture, progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) comparator, or treatment as usual. Women were also interviewed regarding their experiences of receiving acupuncture. Focus groups were in addition conducted with midwives to ascertain their views of the study. Findings demonstrated significantly reduced end of the intervention EPDS, stress component of the Depression, Stress and Anxiety scale, and Kessler 6 scores in the acupuncture group, when compared to the PMR and treatment as usual control groups. Mean cortisol: DHEA ratios were in addition significantly increased in the acupuncture group when compared to treatment as usual. Interviews confirmed acupuncture recipients perceived benefits. Midwives also reported receiving positive feedback from participants regarding benefits, as well as observing the improved disposition of recipients. Findings suggest acupuncture reduced or buffered stress, increased coping, and improved psychological well-being.
- Detailed Description
Not available
Recruitment & Eligibility
- Status
- Completed
- Sex
- Female
- Target Recruitment
- 57
Pregnant women will be eligible if they are: 18 years of age or older, at 24 weeks of gestation, currently experiencing a mood disorder and have a Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores of greater than or equal to 13.
Women experiencing: a major depressive episode more than 2 years duration; psychotic or manic features rendering them incapable of consent; post-traumatic stress disorder and phobia to needles; a current psychiatric assessment of suicidal risk; a condition necessitating bed rest; bleeding disorders and or other major obstetric risks will be excluded; as will those receiving acupuncture or PMR outside of the study.
Study & Design
- Study Type
- Interventional
- Study Design
- Not specified
- Primary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method The severity of depression as measured by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) .[Eligibility screening, intervention baseline (week 0), mid intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8) and at 6 weeks postnatal.];The duration of depression as measured by the EPDS[Baseline, mid (week 4), end of intervention (week 8) and at 6 weeks postnatal.]
- Secondary Outcome Measures
Name Time Method Depression, Stress and Anxiety (DASS)[Intervention commencement (week 0), mid intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8) and 6 weeks postnatal.];Quality of life - World Health Organisation Quality of Life Scale (WHOQoL-26).[Intervention commencement (week 0), mid intervention (week 4), end of intervention (week 8) and 6 weeks postnatal.];Adjustment to mothering - Being a Mother (BaM-13 Scale)[6 weeks postnatal];Salivary oxytocin[Baseline (week 0), mid intervention (week 4) and end of intervention (week 8).];Leukocyte oxytocin receptor mRNA expression[Baseline (week 0) and end of intervention (week 8)];Salivary cortisol[Baseline (week 0), mid intervention (week 4) and end of intervention (week 8).];Salivary DHEA[Baseline (week 0), mid intervention (week 4) and end of intervention (week 8).]