Investigation of Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal Axis and Oxytocinergic System Changes in a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial of Acupuncture for Antenatal Depression.

Antenatal depression is common and associated with detrimental impacts on women and their families. Disrupted neuroendocrine functioning is reported in women experiencing perinatal mental health disturbances. Preliminary randomized controlled trial (RCT) evidence suggests acupuncture may provide a safe and effective adjunct treatment; however, underlying mechanisms of effect are unclear.

Residential parenting services: An integrative literature review of characteristics, service usage and parent and staff perspectives.

Aims: The primary aim of the review was to provide an overall assessment of residential parenting services in Australia, by describing the characteristics of infants and parents using residential parenting services, their prior service use and reasons for admission, referral pathways for access and parenting and infant outcomes. The secondary aims were to explore parent and staff perception of the programmes.

Design: An integrative literature review.

Hot and Cold Theory: Evidence in Nutrition.

Ancient scholars across cultures have postulated that by being less potent versions of herbs, food plays a substantive role in the maintenance of health and treatment of disease. A commonality among these traditional medical systems is in relation to the 'heating' and 'cooling' properties of foods. In this chapter, 'hot' and 'cold' classifications of foods are explored, along with ways to optimize health and combat disease.

The feasibility of acupuncture as an adjunct intervention for antenatal depression: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Background: Antenatal depression is common and associated with adverse consequences for mothers, babies, and future generations. Limitations with conventional approaches has resulted in additional therapies being considered. This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture for improving mental health.

Women's experiences of having depression during pregnancy and receiving acupuncture treatment-A qualitative study.

Background: Research indicates some women experiencing depression during pregnancy are dissatisfied with conventional depression treatments due to incomplete effectiveness, dislike of side effects, unsatisfactory experiences with providers and concerns regarding in-utero and breastfeeding safety. Consequently, many explore alternative options including acupuncture. To further understand women's views, preferences and motivations in this regard, as well as their experiences of receiving acupuncture as part of a three-armed pragmatic randomised controlled trial evaluating acupuncture for antenatal depression in Sydney, Australia, in-depth interviews were conducted with a group of acupuncture recipients.

'Acupuncture for antenatal depression: It's worth giving it a go' - A qualitative study.

Background: Treatment strategies for the management of antenatal depression are limited by varied and often modest response rates, unpleasant medication side effects and uncertainty regarding foetal safety. Consequently, many pregnant women experiencing depression seek alternative non-pharmaceutical options. Acupuncture may provide a safe and potentially effective additional treatment, however further investigation is required.

Evaluation of an antenatal acupuncture intervention as an adjunct therapy for antenatal depression (AcuAnteDep): study protocol for a pragmatic randomised controlled trial.

Background: Depressed pregnant women face difficulty navigating a course between the potentially serious consequences of leaving depression untreated and significant limitations associated with conventional therapies, such as foetal toxicity and teratogenicity. Preliminary evidence is suggestive that acupuncture may provide a safe and effective alternative treatment option for antenatal depression; however, additional research is required. The purpose of this study is to further investigate this treatment possibility, with an additional examination of a potential biomechanistic acupuncture effect.