Basic and clinical research on acupuncture for post-stroke depression: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Integrative Medicine
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Post-stroke depression (PSD) affects 20%-65% of stroke survivors.
• Limited therapeutic options exist due to antidepressant side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in acupuncture for PSD.
• To highlight acupuncture's multi-target mechanisms and clinical applications.

Main Methods:

• Narrative review of current research on acupuncture for PSD.
• Synthesis of findings on acupuncture's effects on biological pathways and clinical outcomes.

Main Results:

• Acupuncture modulates neurotransmitters, neurotrophic factors, HPA axis, inflammation, oxidative stress, brain-gut axis, and homocysteine.
• Various acupuncture techniques (electroacupuncture, scalp/auricular) and comprehensive therapies show efficacy in improving depressive symptoms and function.

Conclusions:

• Acupuncture presents a promising, safe, multi-modal therapeutic option for PSD.
• Further research is required for standardized protocols, mechanistic understanding, and large-scale controlled trials.