attilio
07.09.2007, 09:31 AM
Hi all,
Taken from: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22373954-5006007,00.html?from=public_rss
A PIN prick could hold the cure for depression, Sydney researchers believe. The University of Technology Sydney is studying whether acupuncture can be used as an effective treatment for clinical depression.
The trial aims to increase the understanding of how acupuncture can be used in combination with drug therapy to treat depression.
If successful, it may also lead to a better understanding of how drug dependency and side effects of traditional depression treatment can be reduced, UTS college of traditional chinese medicine senior lecturer Peter Meier said.
More than 800,00 Australians live with depression each year and one in five people will experience depression at some time in their life, according to depression help group Beyond Blue.
One in four people experience consequences that are the result of depression suffered by another.
And in dollar terms, the cost to the Australian community exceeds $600 million each year.
"Depression is a significant problem in Australia,'' he said.
"The trial is to determine whether acupuncture is going to be a useful adjunct therapy for depression ... if it is going to assist with therapy, therefore leading to any reduction in medication and side effect.
"It's not taking the place of drugs - it's very clear that the the subjects have to remain in the drugs that they been prescribed and that they have to remain with their current GP or psychiatrist.''
About 15 people so far have taken part in the trial which began in April.
Another 25 people who have been diagnosed with depression and are currently on prescribed medication, are needed to take part in the trial.
Those accepted into the trial will be given 12 free acupuncture sessions that are designed to treat their depression, plus $50 for travelling expenses to and from the George St clinic.
Trial coordinator Kirk Wilson, whose background is in psychology, said each participant would have to complete a questionnaires used by health professionals to determine the severity of depression both before and after the trial.
They wold also need to answer a series of more subjective questions about how they felt at the end of the treatment program.
The trial is being conducted out of Meridian Healing Centre Suite 6, Level 10 of the Dymocks Building at 428 George Street.
Anyone interested in taking part should telephone (02) 9231 3377 or visit www.depressionacupuncturetrial.com (http://www.depressionacupuncturetrial.com)
Taken from: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,22373954-5006007,00.html?from=public_rss
A PIN prick could hold the cure for depression, Sydney researchers believe. The University of Technology Sydney is studying whether acupuncture can be used as an effective treatment for clinical depression.
The trial aims to increase the understanding of how acupuncture can be used in combination with drug therapy to treat depression.
If successful, it may also lead to a better understanding of how drug dependency and side effects of traditional depression treatment can be reduced, UTS college of traditional chinese medicine senior lecturer Peter Meier said.
More than 800,00 Australians live with depression each year and one in five people will experience depression at some time in their life, according to depression help group Beyond Blue.
One in four people experience consequences that are the result of depression suffered by another.
And in dollar terms, the cost to the Australian community exceeds $600 million each year.
"Depression is a significant problem in Australia,'' he said.
"The trial is to determine whether acupuncture is going to be a useful adjunct therapy for depression ... if it is going to assist with therapy, therefore leading to any reduction in medication and side effect.
"It's not taking the place of drugs - it's very clear that the the subjects have to remain in the drugs that they been prescribed and that they have to remain with their current GP or psychiatrist.''
About 15 people so far have taken part in the trial which began in April.
Another 25 people who have been diagnosed with depression and are currently on prescribed medication, are needed to take part in the trial.
Those accepted into the trial will be given 12 free acupuncture sessions that are designed to treat their depression, plus $50 for travelling expenses to and from the George St clinic.
Trial coordinator Kirk Wilson, whose background is in psychology, said each participant would have to complete a questionnaires used by health professionals to determine the severity of depression both before and after the trial.
They wold also need to answer a series of more subjective questions about how they felt at the end of the treatment program.
The trial is being conducted out of Meridian Healing Centre Suite 6, Level 10 of the Dymocks Building at 428 George Street.
Anyone interested in taking part should telephone (02) 9231 3377 or visit www.depressionacupuncturetrial.com (http://www.depressionacupuncturetrial.com)