At a glance
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Adjunctive Treatment of Major Depression Utilizing Auricular Acupuncture
In Brief
A clinical study evaluating Auricular Acupuncture and Sham Auricular Acupuncture + Lexapro for Major Depressive Disorder. Completed, enrolled 13 participants across 1 site.
Detailed Summary
This will be a randomized, single blind study of 6 weeks duration involving the use of auricular acupuncture or sham acupuncture in the adjunctive treatment of depression in college students.
Study Details
Timeline
Interventions
Auricular acupuncture is a form of acupuncture which utilizes the surface of the external ear to identify points of inflammation in the body. It does this, in this case, by utilizing the Pointer Excel II probe which can pick up a change in electrical conductivity on the surface of the ear, which reflects an internal point of inflammation or stress. Once the point of inflammation is identified, the Pointer Excel II is equipped with a sensor that it will not only illuminate by way of a small light on the front of the probe will also identify the point of inflammation by way of an auditory signal. Once the point of inflammation is identified auricular acupuncture will treat that point with a micro-current of electricity for several seconds.
Participants will be treated with the SSRI Lexapro 10 mg daily which will be increased to 20 mg daily at week 2. Participants will be treated twice weekly during their follow-up visits with sham auricular acupuncture (No micro-current).