An assessor-blinded, randomized comparative trial of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with cranial electroacupuncture vs. citalopram for depression with chronic pain.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Depression accompanying chronic pain (CP) is one of the most common comorbid psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) combined with electroacupuncture at Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29) acupoints compared with citalopram.

Methods

Sixty patients with depression and pain comorbidity were enrolled in a prospective 8-week, single-blind, randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either taVNS combined with electroacupuncture treatment (taVNS: 8 weeks, 3 sessions per week; electroacupuncture: 8 weeks, twice per day, no drugs) or citalopram treatment (8 weeks, 40 mg/day). The primary outcome was Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). T

SUBMITTER: Li S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9386062 | biostudies-literature | 2022

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature