A Meta-analysis of Different Acupuncture Modalities Combined With Antidepressants to Reduce Major Depressive Disorder.

Objectives: Acupuncture is an effective therapy for depression. Nevertheless, the results of clinical studies on major depressive disorder (MDD) remain controversial.

Methods: By November 2023, English-language published randomized clinical trials involving acupuncture for treating MDD were searched. The analysis comprised 9 studies with 809 subjects who met the eligibility criteria. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Quality in Prognostic Studies (QUIPS) tool.

Results: Acupuncture moderately alleviated the severity of MDD, independent of the method used (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.55; confidence interval [CI] 95%: -1.19, 0.09; P = 0.08). The severity of MDD was moderated by MA, regardless of antidepressant use (SMD = -0.49; CI95%: -1.13, 0.14, P = 0.09). Subgroup analysis revealed a nonsignificant reduction in MDD severity when using manual acupuncture alone (SMD -0.52; CI95%: -1.47, 0.44, P = 0.18). MDD severity was reduced by the use of manual acupuncture and antidepressants (SMD = -0.47; CI95%: -0.88, -0.06). Laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture (with or without antidepressants) did not significantly affect the severity of MDD.

Conclusions: Manual acupuncture with or without antidepressants may alleviate the severity of MDD, but its clinical benefit for treating MDD is inconclusive.