Can Acupuncture Treat Post-stroke Depression?

An 8-week, assessor-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted. A total of 138 patients with post-stroke depression (PSD) will be randomly assigned to the combination acupuncture treatment (CAI) (n = 69) or least acupuncture stimulation (LAS) (n = 69) for 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Treatment outcomes will be measured using the 17-item Hamilton Self-Rating Depression Scale (HAMD-17), the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) for depression symptoms; Barthel Index (BI) for physical function, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) for cognitive performance. The assessment will be performed at baseline and once monthly thereafter. The study will be conducted in School of Chinese Medicine Clinics, Tung Wah Hospital, Kowloon Hospital.