Keywords
Escitalopram
Depression
Serum 5-HT
ACTH
Submitted : 2026-03-04
Accepted : 2026-03-19
Published : 2026-04-03
Abstract
Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effects of Modified Baihe Dihuang Decoction combined with Escitalopram (ESC) in treating depression. Methods: A total of 200 patients with depression admitted to the hospital from May 2023 to May 2025 were selected and randomly divided into two groups using a random number table. The experimental group received combined treatment with Modified Baihe Dihuang Decoction and ESC, while the control group received ESC monotherapy. The therapeutic effects of the two groups were compared. Results: The total effective rate of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) and the total effective rate of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes in the experimental group were higher than those in the control group (p < 0.05). After 6 weeks of treatment, the cortisol (Cor) level in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group. The HAMD scores after 2, 4, and 6 weeks of treatment were lower in the experimental group than in the control group. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) were better in the experimental group than in the control group, and the Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) score was lower in the experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Combined treatment with Modified Baihe Dihuang Decoction and ESC for patients with depression can improve clinical efficacy, alleviate TCM syndromes, reduce depressive symptoms, regulate neurotransmitter and hormone secretion, and exhibit high medication safety.
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