Acupuncture could help manage different types of depression by increasing neuroplasticity, decreasing brain inflammation, and reducing side effects of conventional antidepressant treatment.

2022 Current Neuropharmacology Potential Mechanisms and Clinical Effectiveness of Acupuncture in Depression Yang NN, Lin LL, Li YJ, Li HP, Cao Y, Tan CX, et al.

Review Article Brain Inflammation Chronic Pain-Related Depression Depression

The study under review examines the possible mechanisms and clinical effectiveness of acupuncture in the treatment of different forms of depression. To do this, the researchers examined existing studies and evidence involving both human patients and animal models. A significant aspect of the investigation involved assessing how acupuncture influences neuroplasticity within the hippocampus and neural networks, along with probing the role of this non-pharmaceutical therapy in modulating brain inflammation, which had potential implications for alleviating depressive disorders.

The discussions of the results indicated that acupuncture showed considerable promise in the relief of primary depression, especially in milder cases. It was also found useful in the management of post-stroke depression, pain-related depression, and post-partum depression. The study noted positive outcomes both when acupuncture was offered as a stand-alone treatment, and when combined with conventional pharmacological treatments. It was observed that the combination of acupuncture and anti-depressant drugs not only improved primary and secondary depressive symptoms but also managed to reduce the side-effects often associated with medication regimens, which are frequent contributors to high dropout rates in pharmacological treatments.

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