Impacto da acupuntura na depressão em estudantes universitários: um estudo transversal sobre bem-estar psicológico

Abstract

Acupuncture, a traditional practice of Chinese Medicine, is widely used in the treatment of several diseases. Depression, in turn, is a condition that has a major impact on public health, making it essential to investigate alternative therapies for its treatment. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture in the treatment of depression in university students. The sample, composed of 28 participants selected by convenience, answered, before and after the intervention, sociodemographic questionnaires, the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS 21) and the Quality of Life Questionnaire (SF-36), in addition to undergoing energy assessment using the Ryodoraku method and blood collection for analysis of oxidative stress. Ten acupuncture sessions were performed. Most participants were female, single, up to 28 years of age, living with their families, reported dissatisfaction with their leisure time, reported stress and alcohol consumption. After the intervention, a significant reduction in depression, anxiety and stress levels (DASS-21) and improvement in the domains “general health status”, “vitality”, “emotional aspects” and “mental health” (SF-36) were observed. Regarding oxidative stress, there was an increase in thiol production and a reduction in TBARS levels, indicating an improvement in the antioxidant profile. Acupuncture was effective in reducing depressive symptoms, improving quality of life and modulating oxidative stress, configuring itself as a promising intervention in the treatment of common mental disorders.