Depression is a common disorder characterized by a pervasive and persistent lowering of mood. With the rapid economic development, the increasingly faster pace of modern life, people have to deal with greater and greater psychological pressure. It is no wonder that the incidence of depression shows an obvious rising tendency. This book covers the definition, etiology, pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of depression as well as some main diagnostic points and differential diagnosis from both the angle of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and that of Western medicine. It also analyzes the TCM pattern identification of depression, summarizes the progress that has been made over the last few decades through researching the way acupuncture works in the treatment of this condition. It also gives some clinical applications of acupuncture treatments and puts forward specific acupuncture methods to treat depression based on TCM pattern identification and treatment. Lastly, it lists the commonly used acupuncture points related to this condition and gives some examples of typical clinical cases.

The book should be helpful to acupuncturists at home and abroad, teachers and student of TCM universities and colleges, Chinese personnel practicing abroad, foreign students and non-professionals.

 

Part 1 Basic Knowledge

Chapter 1 Depression: Introduction
Section 1 Definition
Section 2 Epidemiology

Chapter 2 Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Main Points
Section 1 Clinical Manifestation
Section 2 Diagnostic Main Points
Section 3 Commonly Used Methods of Examination

Chapter 3 Differential Diagnosis
Section 1 Dementia
Section 2 Schizophrenia
Section 3 Neurasthenia
Section 4 Extensive Anxiety Disorders

Chapter 4 Etiology and Pathogenesis
Section 1 Biological Factors
Section 2 Psychological Factors
Section 3 Social Factors

Chapter 5 TCM Understanding of Depression
Section 1 Etiology and Pathogenesis
Section 2 Pattern Identification of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Section 3 Pattern Identification of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine

Part 2 Acupuncture Treatment and Typical Cases

Chapter 1 Acupuncture Treatment
Section 1 Treating Depression with Acupuncture
Section 2 Progress Made in Research on the Mechanism of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Depression
Section 3 Pattern Identification and Treatment
Section 4 Other Acupuncture Treatment
Section 5 Frequently Used Acupuncture Points
Section 6 Points Requiring Attention

Chapter 2 Typical Cases