Can electroacupuncture improve symptoms of mild to moderate postnatal depression?

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Postpartum depression; Mental and Behavioural Disorders

• Registration Number: ISRCTN49447857
• Lead Sponsor: China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Brief Summary

Not available

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Results First Posted: 1900-01-01
• Study Start: 2019-05-23
• Study Completion: 2022-12-30
• Last Update Posted: 27 March 2023

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: Completed
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 60

Inclusion Criteria

1. Diagnosed with postpartum depression according to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by psychiatrists
2. Conceived naturally or artificially
3. Aged 20–50 years
4. Overall score of =9 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)
5. Diagnosed with mild to moderate postpartum depression according to the 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (17-HAMD)
6. Postpartum depression onset time within 1 year after delivery
7. Can accept electroacupuncture treatment and complete the prescribed course of treatment
8. Agrees to participate in the study willingly and voluntarily and signs the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria

1. Brain disease or mental retardation, or have difficulty understanding the contents of questionnaires or are unable to communicate effectively
2. History of epilepsy, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder
3. History of suicide attempts
4. Diagnosed with non-depressive psychosis by psychiatrists
5. Addicted to alcohol or drugs
6. Received antidepressant therapy within the past month
7. Hemorrhagic diseases or infectious diseases or otherwise unable to receive acupuncture therapy

Study & Design

• Study Type: Interventional
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Severity of depression using the first 17 answers on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). The 17-HAMD will be measured by a professional psychiatrist at baseline and weeks 2, 4 and 6

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
<br> 1. Severity of depression using the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) at baseline and weeks 2, 4 and 6<br> 2. Postpartum depression assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale at baseline, weeks 2, 4 and 6 and week 10 (4 weeks after treatment end)<br> 3. Alertness assessed using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale at baseline and weeks 2, 4 and 6<br> 4. Maternal functional status assessed using the Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning at baseline, weeks 2, 4 and 6 and week 10 (4 weeks after treatment end)<br> 5. Severity of depression using the first 17 answers on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) at week 10 (4 weeks after treatment end)<br> 6. Participant assessment of depression assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-9) at baseline and weeks 2, 4 and 6<br>