Presenters at the recent Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine's (SMFM) annual meeting, The Pregnancy Meeting , held in Chicago, IL, unveiled findings that show that acupuncture may be an effective treatment for depression during pregnancy.
Dr. Schyner, an author of the study stated, "Depression during pregnancy is an issue of concern because it has negative effects on the mother and the baby as well as the rest of the family."
While the rates of depression in pregnant women are comparable to rates seen among similarly aged non-pregnant women and among women during the postpartum period, there are fewer treatment studies of depression during pregnancy than during the postpartum period.
Anti-depressant treatment during pregnancy can affect the developing baby and mothers as well.
The 150 study participants with Major Depressive Disorder were randomly placed in one of three groups: one that received acupuncture specific depression treatment; one that received control acupuncture-they received acupuncture that was not specific for depression and the last received massage.
The women received 12 sessions during a two month period. Junior acupuncturists masked to treatment assignment needled participants at points prescribed by senior acupuncturists. The mother's symptoms of depression were rated at the beginning, and after four and eight weeks of treatment.
The women receiving acupuncture specific treatment for depression experienced a significantly greater decline in the severity of depression compared to both control groups or the non-specific acupuncture group alone. They also had a higher response rate (63%) than the combined controls or control acupuncture alone. The reduction of symptoms and response rates between the control groups did not differ significantly.
Mild and transient side effects were reported by 43/150 participants (4 in massage; 19 in the control acupuncture and 20 in the depression specific group). Significantly fewer participants reported side-effects in the massage group than the two acupuncture groups.
Dr. Schyner said, "The results of our study show that the acupuncture protocol we tested could be a viable treatment option for depression during pregnancy.
Looking to find the best deal on acupuncture, then visit www.yoursite.com to find the best advice on holistic health information for you.
