Efficacy of Shuganjieyu capsule combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of depression

Abstract

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of Shuganjieyu capsule combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of depression. Methods Eighty outpatients and inpatients with depression who sought medical care in the Department of Mental Health, Second Hospital Affiliated to Lanzhou University were randomly divided into 2 groups, the study group and the control group, each consisting of 40 patients. The study group was treated with Shuganjieyu capsule combined with rTMS, while the control group received selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Clinical efficacy and rate of adverse reactions were evaluated before treatment and 1, 2, 4 and 6 courses after treatment, by using Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS). Results After 4 courses of treatment, total efficacy rate of the study group was 92.5%, while that of the control group was 90.0%. No statistical significance could be noted when comparisons were made between them (P>0.05). After 1 to 2 courses of treatment, HAMD scores of the study group were significantly lower than those of the control group (P 0.05). After 6 courses of treatment, the descending rate in the severe depression patients of the study group was (57.0±17.0) %, which was obviously lower than that of the control group (62.0±19.0) %. Statistical significance could be noted when comparisons were made between them (P<0.05). Evaluations of TESS scores in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 6th week after treatment indicated that the rate of adverse reactions in the control group was 42.5%, which was significantly higher than that of the study group (7.5%). Statistical significance could be found when comparisons were made between them (P<0.01). Conclusion Treatment by ShuganJieyu capsule combined with repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has the advantages of faster efficacy, better safty and less adverse reactions in the treatment of depression, and could produce better effect on those patients with mild and moderate depression. Key words: Shuganjieyu capsule; Depression; Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation; Depression; Efficacy evaluation