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
Processing time: 93 Days and 10.8 Hours
Depression is a widespread mental health condition that requires effective treatment. In the treatment of depression, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers obvious advantages, fewer adverse reactions, and a lower recurrence rate.
To evaluate the clinical benefits of Guipi decoction combined with escitalopram oxalate tablets for individuals with depression.
In total, 80 patients diagnosed as having depression were enrolled in the study and divided into either an experimental group or a control group. All of the patients were orally administered escitalopram oxalate tablets. Additionally, the experimental group received Jiajian Guipi decoction and reduced Governor vessel fumigation over 4 wk. TCM syndrome scores, Hamilton depression rating scale (HAM-D) scores, self-rating depression scale (SDS) scores, and Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores were measured for the two groups and compared before and after the treatment. The two groups were monitored for any adverse reactions.
After 4 wk of treatment, both groups exhibited a significant reduction in TCM syndrome scores compared with their pre-treatment scores (P < 0.05). However, the experimental group exhibited significantly lower TCM syndrome scores than the control group (P < 0.05). Similarly, the post-treatment SDS and HAM-D-24 scores were significantly lower in both groups than the pre-treatment scores (P < 0.05), with the experimental group exhibiting lower scores than the control group (P < 0.05). The total treatment efficiency was significantly better in the experimental group (97.14%) than in the control group (77.78%) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, after 4 wk of treatment, the Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores for both groups were significantly lower than those before the treatment (P < 0.05), with the experimental group exhibiting lower scores than the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P < 0.05).
The combination of Guipi decoction and escitalopram oxalate tablets was found to be an effective and safe treatment for depression. This combination could reduce TCM syndrome scores, improve depressive symptoms, and enhance sleep quality.
Core Tip: The combination of Guipi decoction and escitalopram oxalate tablets showed promising clinical benefits for individuals with depression. In this study involving 80 patients who were divided into either an experimental group or a control group, the experimental group receiving both treatments exhibited significantly lower Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores compared to the control group. After treatment, both groups experienced notable reductions in self-rating depression scale and Hamilton depression rating scale scores, with the experimental group showing greater improvement. The total treatment efficiency was significantly better in the experimental group. Additionally, both groups demonstrated improved sleep quality based on Pittsburgh sleep quality index scores. The experimental group had a lower incidence of adverse reactions compared to the control group. These findings indicate that the combined therapy effectively reduced TCM syndrome scores, improved depressive symptoms, and enhanced sleep quality in patients with depression. Thus, Guipi decoction combined with escitalopram oxalate tablets demonstrates potential as a safe and effective treatment option for depression, warranting further research and consideration in clinical practice.