Acupuncture May Treat Depression in Pregnancy

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704454304575081753471294546.html?mod=igoogle_wsj_gadgv1&

A new study found that acupuncture may be an effective alternative to anti-depressant medication for pregnant women. As many as 14% of pregnant women are thought to develop significant depression at some point during their pregnancy. Depression in pregnancy is a risk factor for postpartum depression.

"Acupuncture that we have tested works for pregnant, depressed women," said Rachel Manber, an author of the study and professor at Stanford University. However, she cautioned, "no single study is enough to make policy recommendations".

Antidepressants are generally considered safe for use in pregnancy, but research has been limited and concerns continue to grow, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. One study showed that the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension, a potentially serious lung condition, is significantly greater in newborns whose mother took antidepressants.

In the study, 150 clinically depressed pregnant women who weren't previously taking antidepressants were randomly assigned to get either acupuncture for depression, acupuncture not specifically designed for depression, or massage for 8 weeks. Those who got acupuncture for depression had a significant decrease in depressive symptoms, compared with women in the other groups. 63% of the women in the acupuncture for depression group responded to treatment, compared to 44% in the other groups.