We will be able to investigate in a sample of patients free of antidepressants whether acupuncture is more effective than placebo.
Between 18 and 75 years of age with no gender-based restriction.
Fulfilling the diagnostic criteria of DSM-5 for major depressive disorder.
A Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HDRS-17) score ≥ 17
Ability to read and understand Mandarin Chinese, at least nine years of education, and willingness to adhere to the study protocol.
Lifetime or current neuropsychiatric conditions, such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance dependence or abuse, dementia, brain injury, epilepsy and so forth.
High suicide risk or presenting with suicidal ideation (a score of more than 2 points on the Suicide question of the HDRS-17) at the time of entry.
Medicated with antidepressant at the start of the trial or history of treatment failure to escitalopram.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding.