A Positron Emission Topographic (PET) Study on Depression Patient With Electroacupuncture

Summary

This is a randomized, assessor-blind, placebo controlled study in major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. Subjects receiving antidepressant drug (FLX) would be assigned to receive either 18 sham / active DCEAS for in 6 weeks. Changes in the severity of depressive symptoms over time are measured using depression rating scales. Brain glucose metabolic levels are measured using PET at baseline and endpoint. The most intriguing and expected result might be that acupuncture treated-patients may display comparable or even better outcomes and the clinical improvements by acupuncture are correlated with the restoration of the activities in the related brain regions.

Timeline

Start

2012-06

Primary completion

2015-05

Completion

2015-05

Drugs

Indications