October 10th is World Mental Health Day, while this week is designated Mental Illness Awareness Week, and so this week’s posts will address mental health topics. Today’s post will examine research on the use of acupuncture for post-stroke depression.

Statistics from the CDC indicate that nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke each year. Every 40 seconds, someone has a stroke. These strokes result in nearly 140,000 deaths annually. The risk of stroke is nearly twice in blacks compared to whites. In those that survive their stroke, post-stroke depression is common, with the prevalence estimated at 29-35%.

A group of researchers from China performed a meta-analysis of existing randomized controlled trials, examining the effects of acupuncture therapy as a treatment for post-stroke depression. They included seven random controlled studies in their analysis, totaling over 500 participants. Those in the control group received medications which are often given for depression, such as citalopram and fluoxetine. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression was used to evaluate the degree of depression.

The researchers concluded that acupuncture therapy resulted in improved depressive symptoms in the post-stroke subjects, compared to medicine alone. It is important to note that there were no observed adverse effects from the acupuncture therapy.

Stroke is common in the U.S., and worldwide. Depression following stroke is common as well. Given the results of this study, acupuncture treatment may be worthy of consideration for treatment of post-stroke depression.

“Mental pain is less dramatic than physical pain, but it is more common and also more hard to bear.”–  C.S. Lewis

(Source- Medicine (2019) 98:22)

This blog is a review of published medical and scientific literature, and should only be used for informational purposes. It does not constitute medical or health advice, nor does it create a physician-patient relationship with anyone. Discuss any health concerns with your personal physician.