Effect of Acupressure on Post Natal Depression

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: this study was conducted to investigate the effect of acupressure on post partum depression (PPD). Methods: 40 females with PPD were randomly distributed into two equal groups. Their ages ranged from 20 to 30 years. They were selected during the first year after delivery from obstetrics, gynecology and psychiatry outpatient clinics at EL KASR EL AINI Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. Group (A) Study group (n=20) received acupressure sessions on Lu1, GV20 & GB20 acupoints three times a week plus daily home program plus routine care for four weeks while Group (B) Control group received only routine care and acted as control group. All females in both groups (A & B) were assessed by Zung self rating depression scale before and after treatment period. Results: There was a statistical significant decrease in the values of Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS) in Group A (study group) (56.88 ± 9.68) when compared with its corresponding value in Group B (control group) (72.69 ± 8.79). Conclusion: On the basis of this study, it could be concluded that acupressure was effective in improving postpartum depression.