Biomedical
Effects of Electroacupuncture for Depression-Related Insomnia
Albert Yeung,
David Mischoulon
Peer Reviewed
Abstract
Summary
The article "Effects of Electroacupuncture for Depression-Related Insomnia" by Albert Yeung and David Mischoulon (2022) investigates the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating insomnia associated with depression. The study involved 270 patients who were randomly assigned to one of three groups: EA treatment combined with standard care, sham acupuncture (SA) treatment with standard care, or standard care alone. Over an eight-week intervention period, the EA group exhibited significant improvements in sleep quality, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and reductions in depression severity, assessed using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. These benefits were sustained during a 24-week follow-up period. The study concluded that EA, when combined with standard care, is both effective and safe for treating depression-related insomnia.
Key Questions
What was the primary objective of the study?
The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating insomnia associated with depression.
How was the study conducted?
A total of 270 patients were randomly assigned to one of three groups: EA treatment combined with standard care, sham acupuncture (SA) treatment with standard care, or standard care alone. The intervention lasted for eight weeks, followed by a 24-week observational follow-up.
What were the key findings of the study?
The EA group showed significant improvements in sleep quality and reductions in depression severity compared to the other groups. These benefits were sustained during the follow-up period.
What conclusion did the authors draw from the study?
The authors concluded that electroacupuncture, when combined with standard care, is both effective and safe for treating depression-related insomnia.
