Acupuncture for Depressionhttps://unsplash.com/@paulgilmore_?utm_source=unsplash&utm_medium=referral&utm_content=creditCopyText

Why patients seek alternative treatment for depression

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 Patients, who receive conventional treatment for depression:

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  • Psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy provide significant relief for approximately 50-70% who complete the treatment (Elkin at al., 1989).
  • Of those who enrol in treatment, about one third terminate the treatment prematurely (Elkin at al., 1989) due to:
    • Dissatisfaction with the current treatment
    • Intolerable side effects
  • Even among those who recover, from an episode of major depression, more than one third show a clinical relapse within 18 months (Shea et al., 1992)

There is no surprise why patients are turning away from conventional therapy and choose acupuncture for depression.