Acupuncture and counselling for depression in primary care: a randomised controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depression is a significant cause of morbidity. Many patients have communicated an interest in non-pharmacological therapies to their general practitioners. Systematic reviews of acupuncture and counselling for depression in primary care have identified limited evidence. The aim of this study was to evaluate acupuncture versus usual care and counselling versus usual care for patients who continue to experience depression in primary care.

Methods and findings

In a randomised controlled trial, 755 patients with depression (Beck Depression Inventory BDI-II score ≥ 20) were recruited from 27 primary care practices in the North of England. Patients were randomised to one of three arms using a ratio of 2.2.1 to acupuncture (302), counselling (302), and usual care alone

SUBMITTER: MacPherson H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3782410 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature