Can acupuncture ease teen anxiety and depression?

NCT ID NCT06638450

Not yet recruiting Symptom relief Sponsor: The University of Hong Kong Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 14, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study tests a special type of acupuncture—dense cranial electroacupuncture plus body acupuncture—in 148 teens aged 15-22 with mild to moderate anxiety or depression. Participants receive treatment twice a week for 8 weeks, and researchers measure changes in anxiety, depression, sleep, and quality of life, along with saliva stress hormones. The goal is to see if this approach can reduce psychological distress and improve well-being.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: dense cranial electroacupuncture stimulation plus body acupuncture
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a non-drug option to help teens manage anxiety, depression, and sleep problems.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage trial with no blinding for participants, and results may not apply to all teens. Acupuncture effects can be influenced by placebo response.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anxiety depressive disorder insomnia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

INSOMNIA PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS

Contacts and locations

Locations

The University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 000000, Hong Kong

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