• Yuze Shao, Kai Wang, Zhenyuan Jiang, Xiaowen Yu, Wenrong An, Yue Han, and Zhonglin Wang.
• Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
• Medicine (Baltimore). 2020 Nov 20; 99 (47): e23199.

BackgroundMajor depression disorder (MDD) is a severe health threat characterized by persistent depression, loss of interests, lack of initiative, and even suicidal tendencies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is well tolerated and effective in treating adult MDD. However, research on the evaluation of efficacy and acceptability of different TCM strategies for adult MDD is insufficient. Consequently, it is high time to evaluate the efficacy of TCM strategies for adult MDD. Meanwhile, the acceptability of different TCM strategies is worth exploring.MethodsComprehensively and systematically retrieve the literature in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (CBM). The literature search will focus on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with TCM in adult MDD. Two reviewers will search the literature and extract relevant data back-to-back. Once mismatched outcomes appear, arbitration will be conducted by a third reviewer. Based on the Bayesian framework, data analysis is carried out with STATA and WinBUGS software. Heterogeneity, transitivity, consistency test, bias risk assessment, subgroup and sensitivity analysis, evidence quality evaluation will be performed accordingly.ResultsThe efficacy and acceptability of different TCM strategies for adults with MDD will be compared and sorted.ConclusionThe study will facilitate the treatment options of adults MDD according to the supporting evidence.Inplasy Registration NumberINPLASY2020100028.

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