[Clinical evidence of acupuncture and moxibustion for depressive disorder: controversy, reflection and prospect].

To clarify the clinical evidence required for integrating acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for depressive disorder into the mainstream psychiatric diagnostic and therapeutic system, as well as the existing deficiencies, this paper summarizes the current state of evidence for acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for depressive disorder from three perspectives: clinical guidelines, systematic reviews, and clinical trials. The differentiation of recommendations of different guidelines and its causes are analyzed, and the key issues such as the design and implementation of clinical research, efficacy evaluation, the integration of mechanisms with clinical practice, and the heterogeneity of acupuncture and moxibustion techniques and protocols are discussed. On this basis, the paper proposes that by conducting high-quality clinical research, constructing a multidimensional efficacy evaluation system, promoting the integration of mechanistic studies with clinical practice, and strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration and the translation of research outcomes, the therapeutic characteristics, target populations, and clinical value of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment for depressive disorder can be further clarified. This will provide a reference for improving the relevant clinical evidence system and promoting standardized application.