Recruiting
Efficacy and Safety of Auricular Acupuncture in Depression During the Covid 19 Pandemic
Participants with moderate depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9 will be randomized to receive auricular acupuncture. The triple blinded procedure will be conducted in 12 sessions (6 weeks). The primary outcome is the response to the treatment 3 months after inclusion.
ClinicalTrials.gov IDNCT05855421
PhaseNA
Enrollment280
SponsorUniversidade do Sul de Santa Catarina
Age18 Years – 50 Years
SexALL
Conditions studied
Depressive Symptoms, Depression, Anxiety, Insomnia, Quality of Life
About this study
Participants with moderate depressive symptoms measured by PHQ-9 will be randomized to receive auricular acupuncture. The triple blinded procedure will be conducted in 12 sessions (6 weeks). The primary outcome is the response to the treatment 3 months after inclusion.
Interventions
- Device: Auricular Acupuncture — Aplication of semi-permanents needls in the ear by an experient and specialized professional using tradicional chinese maps and a specific device to find acupuncture points. There is a gap of one day minimum between sessions and two non-consecutive absences are allowed.
Primary outcomes
- Decrease of Depression Symptoms (3 months)
Eligibility information
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age between 18 and 50 years old
* PHQ-9 score between 10 and 19 (moderate depression)
* Availability for sessions
Exclusion Criteria:
Use complementary and integrative practices at the last 3 months; Suicidal risk evaluated by question number 9 in the PHQ-9 Severe depression score in the PHQ-9 Prior use of auricular acupuncture Pregnancy Menopause Tape and metal allergy
Study locations
- Universidade do Sul de Santa Catarina, Palhoça, Santa Catarina 88101000 Brazil
Before you participate: Varda Clinical is an independent discovery tool, not the study sponsor or a medical provider. Eligibility can only be determined by the official study team. Discuss potential risks and benefits with a qualified healthcare professional.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov. Record last refreshed by Varda Clinical: 2026-10-21.