Published online Oct 16, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i29.7017
Peer-review started: July 12, 2023
First decision: August 2, 2023
Revised: August 5, 2023
Accepted: September 18, 2023
Article in press: September 18, 2023
Published online: October 16, 2023
Depression is a prevalent mental health condition that requires effective treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers obvious advantages, fewer adverse reactions, and a lower recurrence rate in the treatment of depression.
This study was motivated by the need to evaluate the clinical benefits of Guipi decoction, known for its calming effects, combined with escitalopram oxalate tablets in individuals with depression. By assessing the impact of this combination therapy on TCM syndrome scores, depressive symptoms, and sleep quality, the study aimed to contribute to the development of safe and effective treatment options for individuals with depression.
The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical benefits of Guipi decoction combined with escitalopram oxalate tablets for individuals with depression by assessing the impact of this combination therapy on TCM syndrome scores, depressive symptoms measured by the Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) and self-rating depression scale (SDS), and sleep quality measured by the Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI), and monitoring adverse reactions.
In this study, a total of 80 patients diagnosed with depression were enrolled and divided into either a control group or an experimental group. All participants received oral escitalopram tablets as the standard treatment. The experimental group additionally received Jiajian Guipi decoction and reduced Governor vessel fumigation for a duration of 4 wk. Various assessment tools were used to measure the effects of the treatment. These measurements were performed before and after the treatment and compared between the two groups. Adverse reactions were closely monitored throughout the study.
After 4 wk of treatment, both the experimental and control groups demonstrated a significant reduction in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores compared to their pre-treatment scores. However, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group. Similarly, both groups showed significantly lower post-treatment SDS and HAM-D-24 scores compared to their pre-treatment scores, with the experimental group exhibiting lower scores than the control group. The total treatment efficiency was significantly better in the experimental group (97.14%) compared to the control group (77.78%). Additionally, after 4 wk of treatment, both groups had significantly lower PSQI scores compared to those before the treatment, with the experimental group showing lower scores than the control group. Furthermore, the incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group.
The combination of Guipi decoction and escitalopram oxalate tablets is an effective and safe treatment for depression. After 4 wk of treatment, both groups showed a significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores, indicating an improvement in the TCM symptoms associated with depression.
The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the clinical benefits of combining Guipi decoction with escitalopram oxalate tablets for the treatment of depression. Further research could explore the long-term effects of this combination therapy and its impact on relapse rates and overall remission rates in individuals with depression. Additionally, investigating the underlying mechanisms by which Guipi decoction and escitalopram interact could contribute to a better understanding of the synergistic effects observed in this study. Future studies may also consider comparing the effectiveness of this combination therapy with other standard treatments or alternative interventions for depression. Overall, these research perspectives can broaden our knowledge and contribute to enhanced treatment strategies for individuals with depressive disorders.