Acupuncture for Depression: Scottsdale Sufferers

Is depression prevalent? Are the costs of illness high? You bet. According to the Center for Disease Control, nationwide 1 in 10 adults report having depression and in Arizona the number ranges up to 10.3%. Aside from being potentially debilitating to the patient, depression greatly impacts families and can negatively impact the outcomes of other illnesses, such as arthritis, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Depression can also lead to increased work absenteeism, short-term disability, and decreased productivity. It primarily affects adults ages 45-64 but depression in adolescents is again on the rise.

Standard treatments for depression are antidepressants and psychiatric therapies. Both have shown benefit, individually and especially combined, but there is still a significant percentage, as much as between 40-55% that are not helped by either. While the studies on acupuncture and anxiety are quite compelling, there have not been as many studies on the efficacy of acupuncture and depression. However, a recent study shows solid evidence that acupuncture may be an alternative or adjunct treatment for depression.(1) And from my clinical experience with patients, acupuncture improved and prolonged standard treatment outcomes.

How does acupuncture help with depression?
From a Chinese medicine perspective not all depression stems from the same root cause, so treatments are tailored to the patients pattern, whether it be heart, liver spleen or even lung meridian related. There are also contributing imbalances that can exacerbate depression, such as heat, dampness or phlegm. Science shows that acupuncture increases levels of endorphins and enkephalins, and induces the release of norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine in the brain, similar to medications.

There’s evidence out there, if one wants to find it. I’m looking for Scottsdale psychiatrists and psychologists to partner with so we can help people still suffering and improve the outcomes of others!

(1) McPherson, H. et al. PLOS Medicine. Acupuncture and Counseling for Depression in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Sept. 2013. http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1001518