Research Progress on the Combined Use of Acupuncture and Pharmacotherapy in the Treatment of Depression

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder that seriously endangers both physical and mental health. Conventional antidepressant treatments, including pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, are often limited by delayed onset, unstable efficacy, poor patient compliance, and frequent adverse effects. In recent years, the combination of acupuncture and pharmacotherapy has attracted increasing attention due to its synergistic efficacy, enhanced safety, and reduced side effects. This review summarizes recent advances in the clinical and mechanistic studies of acupuncture combined with Western or traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of depression. The therapeutic mechanisms involve modulation of neurotransmitters, regulation of immune and neuroendocrine functions, and bidirectional braingut axis adjustment. Clinical studies have shown that this combined approach not only alleviates depressive symptoms but also improves quality of life and demonstrates unique advantages in special populations such as adolescents, elderly patients, and perimenopausal women. Moreover, acupuncturedrug combination therapy is associated with fewer adverse effects compared with pharmacotherapy alone. Recent innovations, such as hydrogel-assisted acupuncture systems, further broaden the potential applications of integrative treatments. Although promising, challenges remain in standardization, protocol optimization, and individualized treatment strategies. Future research should focus on establishing unified clinical guidelines, expanding evidence in special populations, and elucidating underlying mechanisms to promote the broader clinical application of acupuncturepharmacotherapy in depression.