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

Contenu principal de l'article

Henry Liu

Résumé

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. 

Renseignements sur l'article

Rubrique
Commentary

Références

1. Bennett HA, Einarson A, Taddio A, Koren G, Einarson TR. Prevalence of depression during pregnancy: systematic review. Obstet Gynecol. 2004;103(4):698-709.

2. American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. 5th ed. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2013.

3. Stewart DE, Vigod S. Postpartum depression. N Eng J Med. 2016;375(22):2177-86.

4. Whitaker RC, Orzol SM, Kahn RS. The co-occurrence of smoking and a major depressive episode among mothers 15 months after delivery. Prev Med. 2007;45(6):476-80.

5. Fitelson E, Kim S, Baker AS, Leight K. Treatment of postpartum depression: clinical, psychological and pharmacological options. Int J Womens Health. 2010;3:1-14.

6. Appleby L, Warner R, Whitton A, Faragher B. A controlled study of fluoxetine and cognitive-behavioural counseling in the treatment of postnatal depression. BMJ. 1997;314(7085):932-6.

7. Burt VK, Suri R, Altshuler L, Stowe Z, Hendrick VC, Muntean E. The use of psychotropic medications during breast-feeding. Am J Psychiatry. 2001;158(7):1001-9.

8. Lanza di Scalea T, Wisner KL. Antidepressant medication use during breast- feeding. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2009;52(3):483-97.

9. Fortinguerra F, Clavenna A, Bonati M. Psychotropic drug use during breast- feeding: A review of the evidence. Pediatrics. 2009;124(4):e547-56.

10. Stux G, Pomeranz B. Basics of acupuncture. 3rd ed. Berlin (DE): Springer- Verlag; 1995.

11. Wu J, Yeung AS, Schnyer R, Wang Y, Mischoulon D. Acupuncture for depression: a review of clinical applications. Can J Psychiatry. 2012;57(7):397-405.

12. Manber R. Schnyer RN, Lyell D, et al. Acupuncture for depression during pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. 2010;115(3):511-20.

13. Mehling WE, Jacobs B, Aeree M, et al. Symptom management with massage and acupuncture in postoperative cancer patients: a randomized controlled trial. J Pain Symptom Manage. 2007;33(3):258-66.

14. Wang B, Lei F, Cheng G. Acupuncture treatment of obesity with magnetic needles - a report of 100 cases. J Tradit Chin Med. 2007;27(1):26-7.

15. Ezzo J, Streitberger K, Schneider A. Cochrane systematic reviews examine P6 acupuncture-point stimulation for nausea and vomiting. J Altern Complement Med. 2006;12(5):489-95.

16. Huang HL, Peng L, Zheng S, Wang LS. Observation on therapeutic effects of acupuncture plus psychological intervention for postpartum depression. J Acupunct Tuina Sci. 2014;12(6):358-61.