Objective To find therapeutic effect of acupuncture treating depression. Methods Eighteen cases of depression divided into two groups： one group treated with electroacupuncture （8 cases）, the other with medication （10 cases）. For the group with electroacupuncture, Shenting （神庭 GV 24）, Baihui （百会 GV 20）, Pishu （脾俞 BL 20）, Weishu（胃俞 BL 21）, Dachangshu （大肠俞 BL 25）, Xiaochangshu （小肠俞BL 27） were selected for treatment; and for the group of medication, venlafaxine was given as usual. 30 days later, an open unidirectional qualitative response sequential method was taken to compare the therapeutic effects of two groups. Result The therapeutic effects from two 8 cases proved that the group of electroacupuncture was better than the group of medication. Conclusion For depression, scalp acupuncture accompanied by acupuncture on the Back-shu points has a better effect for depression, and is superior to medication.
