Comparing Acupuncture With Medication to Reduce Depression, Anxiety and Comorbid Sleep Disorders in China

The main objective of this study is to compare medication (usual care; active comparator) with acupuncture (as experimental intervention) to identify the most (cost)effective and environmentally sustainable intervention to reduce depression, anxiety and comorbid sleep disorders in adults (18-65) in China.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Chinese nationals 18-65 years old 2. At least one of the screening scores below suggestive of depression/anxiety tendencies: 1. Depressive state: Depression Self-Rating Scale (SDS) raw score ≥43; standard score ≥53 (27) 2. Anxiety state: Anxiety Self-Rating Scale (SAS) raw score ≥40; standard score ≥50 (28) Note: (standard score = raw score X 1.25) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with severe comorbid physical illnesses that prevent them from completing the full course of treatment; 2. Patients with a risk of suicide; 3. Patients with a history of head trauma, loss of consciousness, or severe mental disorders; 4. Patients with drugs or alcohol abuse; 5. Patients who have received physical treatment methods within the past 3 months; 6. Patients who have received antidepressant or antipsychotic medication treatment within the past 3 months; 7. Patients with severe skin lesions or skin diseases.