Effects of acupuncture on the symptoms of anxiety and depression caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder. 


Author: Carvalho F, Weires K, Ebling M, de Souza Rabbo Padilha M, Ferrão YA, Vercelino R.

Affiliation: Faculdade União das Américas, , Foz do Iguaçu, Paraná, Brazil. 
Conference/Journal: Acupunct Med.
Date published: 2013 Sep 12
Other:
  Special Notes:  doi: 10.1136/acupmed-2013-010394   ,  Word Count: 181  
    

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this investigation was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture and sham acupuncture on the symptoms of anxiety and depression brought on by premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

METHODS:

In a single-blind randomised clinical trial, 30 volunteers with PMDD were assigned alternately to group 1 (acupuncture) or group 2 (sham acupuncture), and completed an evaluation of symptoms of anxiety and depression using the Hamilton Anxiety (HAM-A) and Hamilton Depression (HAM-D) Rating Scales. The procedure was performed twice a week for two menstrual cycles, for a total of 16 attendances for each participant.

RESULTS:

Before the intervention the mean HAM-A and HAM-D scores did not differ between groups. Following the intervention symptoms of anxiety and depression were reduced in both groups; however, the improvement was significant in group 1 compared to group 2, as shown by a mean reduction in HAM-A scores of 58.9% in group 1 and 21.2% in group 2 (p<0.001). The reduction in the mean HAM-D scores was 52.0% in group 1 and 19.6% in group 2, resulting in a significant difference (p=0.012).

CONCLUSIONS:

The results suggest that acupuncture could be another treatment option for PMDD patients.

KEYWORDS:

Acupuncture



PMID: 24029029