Modified Xiao Chai Hu Decoction combined with mirtazapine shows superior effectiveness in treating persistent depressive disorder compared to traditional Chinese medicine alone.

2022 Frontiers in Pharmacology Modified Xiaochaihu Decoction Combined with Mirtazapine in the Treatment of Persistent Depression: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Xin Li, Xiuyu Li, Man Gong, Chaoqun Li, Jing Li, Chao Zhou, et al.

Randomised Controlled Trial Depression Mirtazapine Xiao Chai Hu Tang

For the study, patients from the Naval General Hospital diagnosed with persistent depressive disorder were selected and divided into two groups. One group received modified Xiaochaihu Decoction only, while the other group was treated with a combination of modified Xiaochaihu Decoction and mirtazapine. To track progress, measurements were taken using the self-rating depression scale and the traditional Chinese medicine scale at the beginning of treatment, and again after a period of 12 weeks. Moreover, an account of any adverse reactions was also kept.

The study results indicate the total effective rate was significantly higher in the combined group compared to the control group. It was also found that while post-treatment scores of the depression scales were lower in both groups, the difference between the groups was not statistically significant. However, the combined group reported higher improvement rates for symptoms like insomnia, bitter taste, languid, and belching/anorexia. An increased frequency of adverse events was also noted in the combined group.

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