Is Electroacupuncture an Effective and Safe Treatment for Poststroke Depression? An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Biomed Res Int. 2021 Aug 24:2021:8661162. doi: 10.1155/2021/8661162. eCollection 2021.

Abstract

Objective: To observe and compare the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture and antidepressants in the treatment of poststroke depression (PSD) using a meta-analysis method.

Methods: The VIP, CNKI, Wanfang, CMB, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched. All randomized controlled trials (RCT) on electroacupuncture treatment of PSD were searched and further screened. Meta-analysis was performed on electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD to explore the difference in efficacy between electroacupuncture and western medicine for PSD.

Results: Nineteen RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the Western medicine group, the meta-analysis showed no significant changes in Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) scores between the electroacupuncture group and the antidepressant group (P > 0.05). The number of adverse events in the electroacupuncture group was less than that in the antidepressant group.

Conclusion: Compared with antidepressants, electroacupuncture is not less effective in improving depression symptoms in PSD patients with greater safety.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depression / etiology
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Electroacupuncture / methods*
  • Humans
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Stroke / psychology*
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / methods
  • Stroke Rehabilitation / psychology

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents