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Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Influence of Emotional Factors on the Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Overweight Complicated with Hyperlipidemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

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Using acupuncture to treat depression: a feasibility study.

M Whiting¹, G Leavey, A Scammell

¹Wandsworth Primary Care Research Centre, Wandsworth PCT, London, UK.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine

|June 3, 2008

Summary

This acupuncture feasibility study found high patient enthusiasm and successful blinding using sham acupuncture. Findings will inform a larger phase III trial for mild-to-moderate depression.

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Area of Science:

Integrative Medicine
Clinical Trial Design
Mental Health Research

Background:

Mild-to-moderate depression presents a significant public health challenge.
Acupuncture is a potential complementary therapy requiring rigorous evaluation.
Feasibility studies are crucial for designing effective randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the feasibility of a full-scale randomized controlled trial (RCT) for acupuncture in treating mild-to-moderate depression.
To evaluate key trial design elements including control group intervention, participant blinding, and outcome measures.
To determine the acceptability of such a trial among participants.

Main Methods:

A pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) involving 19 participants with mild-to-moderate depression.

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Influence of Emotional Factors on the Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Overweight Complicated with Hyperlipidemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Influence of Emotional Factors on the Efficacy of Acupuncture Treatment for Overweight Complicated with Hyperlipidemia: A Retrospective Cohort Study

Published on: November 21, 2025

Participants were randomized 2:1 to receive either verum (real) acupuncture or sham (placebo) acupuncture for 12 sessions.

Depressive symptoms and quality of life were assessed using the Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI) and RAND 36 Item Health Survey.

Main Results:

Low treatment dropout rates and high participant enthusiasm for acupuncture research were observed.
The sham acupuncture control effectively maintained participant blinding.
Outcome measures demonstrated sensitivity to changes in depressive symptoms and quality of life.

Conclusions:

The study successfully established the feasibility of conducting a larger RCT on acupuncture for depression.
Key design parameters, including blinding and outcome measures, are suitable for a phase III trial.
This research provides a strong foundation for future efficacy studies of acupuncture in mental health.