Acupuncture for depression: An overview of systematic reviews

Abstract Introduction As current evidence on the effectiveness of acupuncture for depression is inconsistent, this overview aims to summarize and critically evaluate the evidence of relevant systematic reviews (SRs). Methods A comprehensive literature search was conducted using multiple databases for SRs on acupuncture for depression from their inception to December 2018. Two authors independently selected articles, collected data, and assessed the methodological and reporting quality of identified SRs according to revised Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews (AMASTAR 2) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), respectively. Results Nine SRs were included in this overview. The items of AMSTAR 2 in most SRs were poorly reported, and only one SR achieved a decent overall rating and considered to be of moderate quality assessed by AMSTAR 2. A total of 7 SRs obtained a decent rating by PRISMA. No firm conclusions were made on the effectiveness of acupuncture for depression. Conclusion The methodological and reporting quality of SRs on acupuncture for depression was suboptimal. In future studies, more efforts are needed to improve the quality of SRs in this area.