A new study by the University of York has shown that the use of acupuncture alongside counselling is beneficial for the treatment of persistent depression.
In a randomised controlled trial, researchers selected 755 patients with depression to receive 12 weekly sessions of acupuncture with usual care, counselling with usual care or usual care alone. Usual care included the use of antidepressants.
The scientists concluded both acupuncture and counselling were associated with significantly reduced depression at 3 months when compared to usual care alone, and that these interventions alongside usual care can benefit patients with recurring depression.
These findings suggest that further research into optimal treatment regimens for the treatment of depression with acupuncture and counselling is merited.
The article appeared in online journal PLOS Medicine, link below:
PLOS Medicine: published 24 Sep 2013 | info:doi/10.1371/journal.pmed.1001518
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