Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Guimen Thirteen Needles Combined with Sertraline Hydrochloride in Treating Mild to Moderate PSD

Aim This study aimed to assess the clinical efficacy of Guimen Thirteen Needles combined with sertraline hydrochloride in treating mild-to-moderate poststroke depression (PSD). Methods A total of 96 mild-to-moderate PSD patients admitted from 2023 to 2024 were divided into observation group (A, combination therapy) and control group (B, sertraline monotherapy), with 48 cases each and matched baseline characteristics. Hamilton rating scale for depression (HAMD)-24; National Institutes of Health stroke scale (NIHSS); modified Barthel index (MBI); Brunnstrom stage scores; serum levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), C-reactive protein (CRP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and dopamine (DA); clinical response rate; and adverse events were compared between the two groups. Results Repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed significant time, group main effects, and time–group interaction for HAMD-24, MBI scores, and all laboratory indicators (all P < 0.05). NIHSS scores had a significant time effect and time–group interaction ( P < 0.05), but no significant group effect ( P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in Brunnstrom stages between Group A and Group B at 2 and 4 weeks of treatment ( P > 0.05). Group A had a significantly higher clinical response rate ( P < 0.05), while adverse event rates were comparable ( P > 0.05). Conclusion The combination of Guimen Thirteen Needles acupuncture and sertraline hydrochloride in treating mild-to-moderate PSD can modulate laboratory indicators, improve neurological function and depressive symptoms, and enhance patient independence.