Depression
Acupuncture for Depression in Denver
Depression is not simply sadness or a single “chemical imbalance.”
It is a complex condition involving interacting biological, psychological and environmental factors and can affect mood, motivation, cognition, appetite, sleep, energy and physical function.
Prognosis
Depression is treatable, although recovery can take time and some people require more than one approach.
Antidepressants themselves generally require several weeks before their full effects become apparent.
What Does the Research Say?
Research increasingly supports acupuncture both as a stand-alone intervention in selected patients and as an adjunct to conventional treatment.
A 2024 network meta-analysis found acupuncture, psychotherapy and antidepressants broadly comparable on clinical response measures across the included evidence.
Other systematic-review evidence has found particularly encouraging results when acupuncture or electroacupuncture is added to antidepressant treatment, with some comparisons showing greater symptom improvement than medication alone.
Typical Course of Care
Treatment generally begins weekly for approximately 6–8 weeks before the overall response is judged.
Useful measures include:
Mood
Motivation
Sleep
Energy
Anxiety
Physical symptoms
PHQ-9 scores when appropriate
Acupuncture and Other Treatment
Depression is an area where integration matters.
Psychotherapy and antidepressant medication remain established treatments, and acupuncture can be layered into either approach rather than requiring a patient to choose between them.
For some people, improvements in sleep, anxiety or physical symptoms may occur before mood fully changes.
Severe depression, suicidal thoughts, psychosis or a major deterioration in functioning requires prompt mental-health evaluation.
Schedule an evaluation at Backupuncture of Denver at 720.370.2711 or through online booking, located at 950 S Cherry St, Ste 1675, Denver, CO 80246 to discuss acupuncture as part of a comprehensive depression treatment plan.