4.4. Implications for research and clinical practice
depression, PMD, medication-induced
REGRESSION, REMISSION
The current trial has provided essential data on safety, acceptance and effectiveness of acupuncture for comorbid PMI and PMD. Future trials may consider a wait-list control, expanding the sample sizes, and extending the follow-up period, to confirm the current findings and clarify whether the remission in depression is a specific effect of acupuncture or only a mega-placebo or natural regression. It is also necessary to examine when acupuncture is combined with sedating-antidepressant agent if it can further augment anti-depressive/sleep-promoting effects or further reduce medication-induced AEs. Collecting the information regarding participants' previous acupuncture experience is also encouraged in future study since this experience may affect their acceptability and compliance.Clinically, comorbid PMI and PMD may require multidisciplinary approaches (