Is There Evidence for Use of Acupuncture in Post-partum Depression?

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Published: Dec 18, 2017
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18192/uojm.v7i2.2196
Keywords:
Acupuncture, Post-partum depression

Main Article Content

Henry Liu
University of Ottawa, Faculty of Medicine

Abstract

Postpartum depression is a significantly debilitating condition that affects up to 12% of women, resulting in immense distress to the mother, child, and family. Conventional therapy involves the use of psychotherapy and antidepressant medications. Nevertheless, more women are turning towards alternative medicine such as acupuncture due to recent research citing its effectiveness and reduced potential for adverse effects. This paper reflects on the current evidence for the use of acupuncture as monotherapy, the challenges encountered in acupuncture research and its effectiveness as adjunctive therapy in postpartum depression. 

Résumé

La dépression post-partum est une condition débilitante importante qui affecte jusqu’à 12% des femmes, entraînant une détresse immense pour la mère, l’enfant et la famille. La thérapie conventionnelle implique l’utilisation de psychothérapie et d’antidépresseurs. Néanmoins, plus de femmes se tournent vers la médecine alternative comme l’acupuncture en raison de la recherche récente citant son efficacité et sa réduction du potentiel d’effets indésirables. Cet article se penche sur les preuves actuelles de l’utilisation de l’acupuncture en monothérapie, les défis rencontrés dans la recherche en acupuncture et son efficacité en tant que thérapie d’appoint dans la dépression post-partum. 

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2017): Women's Health
Section
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