Simone M Ormsby1, Caroline A Smith2, Hannah G Dahlen3, Phillipa J Hay4. 1. Adjunct Fellow, NICM Health Research Institute, Level 1, Building J, Western Sydney University, Westmead Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. Electronic address: simone.ormsby@westernsydney.edu.au. 2. Professor of Clinical Research, NICM Health Research Institute, Level 1, Building J, Western Sydney University, Westmead Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW, 2751, Australia. Electronic address: caroline.smith@westernsydney.edu.au.edu.au. 3. Professor of Midwifery, Associate Dean Research and HDR, Midwifery Discipline, Building EB, UWS Parramatta Campus, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. Electronic address: H.Dahlen@westernsydney.edu.au. 4. Professor of Mental Health, Translational Health Research Institute, School of Medicine Western Sydney University and Camden and Campbelltown Hospitals SWSLHD, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia. Electronic address: P.Hay@westernsydney.edu.au.
Abstract
BACKGROUND:Antenatal depression is common and associated with adverse consequences for mothers, babies, and future generations. Limitations with conventional approaches has resulted in additional therapies being considered. This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture for improving mental health. METHODS:Fifty-seven pregnant women with depressive symptomologies were randomised to acupuncture (n=19) plus treatment as usual (TAU), progressive muscle relaxation (PMR, n=19) plus TAU or TAU (n=19). Treatments were conducted from 24 to 31 weeks gestation. Clinical assessments were performed throughout the intervention, as well as at a six-week postnatal follow-up. The primary outcome measure was depression. Secondary outcome measurements were stress, anxiety, psychological distress, quality of life and adjustment to mothering. Intention to treat (ITT), Linear Mixed Model (LMM) repeated measures and per protocol (PP) analyses were conducted. RESULTS: At end-of-intervention there were significantly lower depression scores in the acupuncture group versus TAU and PMR respectively [ITT p<0.001, mean difference (MD) -5.84 (95% CI -9.10 to -2.58); MD -3.42 (95% CI -6.64 to -0.20)]. LMM repeated measures analysis (including postnatal follow-up) also demonstrated significantly lowered acupuncture group scores for stress (p=0.006) and psychological distress (p<0.001) when compared to PMR and TAU. Between group differences were not significant at six-weeks postnatal. No adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: Main limitations are small sample size and the use of self-reported outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Prenatal acupuncture reduced depression, stress and distress, whilst also being well-tolerated and free from adverse events. Further research is warranted.
RCT Entities:
BACKGROUND:Antenatal depression is common and associated with adverse consequences for mothers, babies, and future generations. Limitations with conventional approaches has resulted in additional therapies being considered. This study examined the feasibility and effectiveness of acupuncture for improving mental health. METHODS: Fifty-seven pregnant women with depressive symptomologies were randomised to acupuncture (n=19) plus treatment as usual (TAU), progressive muscle relaxation (PMR, n=19) plus TAU or TAU (n=19). Treatments were conducted from 24 to 31 weeks gestation. Clinical assessments were performed throughout the intervention, as well as at a six-week postnatal follow-up. The primary outcome measure was depression. Secondary outcome measurements were stress, anxiety, psychological distress, quality of life and adjustment to mothering. Intention to treat (ITT), Linear Mixed Model (LMM) repeated measures and per protocol (PP) analyses were conducted. RESULTS: At end-of-intervention there were significantly lower depression scores in the acupuncture group versus TAU and PMR respectively [ITT p<0.001, mean difference (MD) -5.84 (95% CI -9.10 to -2.58); MD -3.42 (95% CI -6.64 to -0.20)]. LMM repeated measures analysis (including postnatal follow-up) also demonstrated significantly lowered acupuncture group scores for stress (p=0.006) and psychological distress (p<0.001) when compared to PMR and TAU. Between group differences were not significant at six-weeks postnatal. No adverse events were reported. LIMITATIONS: Main limitations are small sample size and the use of self-reported outcome measures. CONCLUSION: Prenatal acupuncture reduced depression, stress and distress, whilst also being well-tolerated and free from adverse events. Further research is warranted.
Authors: Mike Armour; Debra Betts; Kate Roberts; Susanne Armour; Caroline A Smith Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2021-01-19 Impact factor: 3.390