Acupuncture Treatment of Depression in Cancer Patient’s Home Caregivers

Abstract

Objectives : To assess and compare the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment of depression in Cancer patient's Home Caregivers. Methods : Total 60 cases in Cancer patient's Home Caregivers, who fulfilled the study's eligibility criteria, were recruited and observed(N=40). The individuals were assigned into two groups, the Acupuncture group(N=20) and Control group(N=20). Changes in their Hamilton Depression rating Scale indices, were statistically compared before and after treatment in order to investigate the effectiveness of treatment. Results : 70% Home Caregivers were female and 30% were male, half of the Home Caregivers was patient's spouse or partner and employee. After 6 weeks, Acupuncture group seems to show reduction in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. On the other hand after 8 weeks Control group do not show reduction in the Hamilton Depression rating Scale. Conclusions : The results suggest that acupuncture treatment may provide short-term relief of depressive symptoms in Home Caregivers for Cancer patients. Findings from this non-randomized trial should be interpreted with caution.