Acupuncture Reduces Depression During Pregnancy

Acupuncture could aid in reducing depression symptoms during pregnancy, according to a study from the Stanford University School of Medicine.

The study was conducted after it was found that almost 15% of pregnant women suffer from major depressive disorder, a disorder which is characterized by emotions of dread and hopelessness, as well as an absence of interest in what were pleasurable activities.

Pregnancy can often bring to light pre-existing psychiatric and emotional problems. Treating depression during pregnancy is vitally important so that the mother can maintain a sense of well-being and stay healthy. If depression is not treated, it can pose risks not only to the mother, but also her baby.

The study was conducted on 150 women were between 12 and 30 weeks pregnant, and who also met the criteria for major depressive disorder.

The participants were separated into groups and received one of three different treatments: acupuncture designed specifically for depression; control acupuncture, where needles are inserted into points which do not help alleviate depressive symptoms, or massage. The participants went through 8 weeks of therapy and were reassessed for depression symptoms at 4 and 8 weeks by an interviewer who wasn't aware of which treatment was being given.

The study found that the women who received the acupuncture for depression experienced a greater reduction in their depression symptoms than the participants from the other groups.