Global research trends in acupuncture treatment for post-stroke depression: A bibliometric analysis

Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a prevalent and severe sequela of stroke. It is an emotional disorder that significantly impacts functional recovery, prognosis, secondary stroke risk, and mortality among stroke survivors. The incidence rate of PSD is 18 %∼33 %, with symptoms such as low mood, decreased interest, sleep disorders, decreased appetite, impaired attention, and in severe cases, hallucinations and even suicidal tendencies. While diverse therapeutic modalities are employed globally to address PSD, each approach carries its inherent advantages and limitations. Notably, acupuncture stands out as a promising and effective intervention for ameliorating PSD symptoms and enhancing stroke prognosis. This study aims to conduct a bibliometric analysis to scrutinize the current landscape, identify hotspots, and explore frontiers in acupuncture research for PSD.