Comparison of the Effectiveness of Acupuncture Combined with Psychotherapy Versus Antidepressants in Treating Depression Among Adolescents: A Meta-Analysis Based on Chinese Literature

Abstract

Background

Non-Suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI) refers to deliberate and repeated acts of damaging one's own body tissue without suicidal intent. It has have become a serious public health problem in the world. This study is to set a meta-analysis for exploring effectiveness of acupuncture combined with psychotherapy compared to antidepressant in treatment of adolescent depressive patients.

Methods

Chinese and English literature related to treatment with combination of acupuncture and psychotherapy compared to antidepressant for adolescent patients with depression in China were searched. The comments, letters, reviews, and case reports were excluded. The index of depression, anxiety, and effectiveness in patients with was synthesized and discussed.

Result

A total of three studies were included, in which their studying type is acupuncture combined with psychotherapy compared to antidepressant in treatment of depressive patients. The lower score of anxiety and depression were found in combined acupuncture with psychotherapy compared to antidepressant in the end of treatment in adolescent depressive patients. It is found that higher rate of efficacy in combined acupuncture with psychotherapy compared to antidepressant in the end of treatment in adolescent depressive patients.

Conclusion

The severity of anxiety and depression was significantly lower and higher effective rate in adolescent depressive patients with combination of acupuncture and psychotherapy than antidepressant after treatment. These results fully demonstrate the important role of complying with treatment guideline, in which non-pharmacotherapy was first choice.