Acupuncture Helpful But Inadequate Treatment for Depression

Following two studies showing the ancient treatment to successfully treat symptoms of depression in young women and pregnant women, University of Arizona researcher Dr. John J. B. Allen reports acupuncture alone is not an adequate treatment for depression.

A current study led by Dr. Allen found that about half of men and women suffering from major depression responded to acupuncture therapy. However, those who received general acupuncture at non-specific points actually did better than those treated at points designated in the treatment of depression.

"The findings are not strong enough to recommend acupuncture as a first-line intervention," [Dr. Allen] said. "But the present findings in combination with the other two studies suggest that acupuncture can be helpful for some people."

Findings are published in the November edition of the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

Read more: Acupuncture alone won't ease depression for most