Abstract: Objective To explore the therapeutic effects of electroacupuncture on regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) in patients with post-stroke depression. Methods 21 patients with post-stroke depression were randomly divided into electroacupuncture group (n=11) and drug group (n=10). The electroacupuncture group received electroacupuncture on double Hegu (LI4) and Taichong (LR3) once a day for 8 weeks, while the drug group took fluoxetine hydrochloride dispersible tablets 20 mg a day for 8 weeks. They were evaluated with Hamilton Self-rating Scale for Depression (HAMD) before, and 2 weeks, 4 weeks and 8 weeks after treatment respectively. The rCBF were measured with single positron emission computerized tomography (SPECT) before and 8 weeks after treatment. Results The score of HAMD decreased more in the electroacupuncture group than in the drug group 2 weeks after treatment (P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups 4 and 8 weeks after treatment (P>0.05). The rCBF was significantly greater in the electroacupuncture group than in the drug group. Conclusion That electroacupuncture is effective on post-stroke depression, which may be related with the increase of the rCBF levels.

Key words: post-stroke depression, electroacupuncture, regional cerebral blood flow, single photon emission computed tomography