基于CiteSpace分析CNKI数据库关于抑郁症中医体质的研究现状及前沿热点

Current Research and Emerging Trends in the Relationship between Depression and TCM Constitution: A CiteSpace-Based Analysis of the CNKI Database

Abstract: Objective: To systematically review the current status of domestic research on the relationship between depression and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) constitution, and to identify research hotspots and developmental trends, thereby providing theoretical support and directional guidance for future studies. Methods: A literature search was conducted on the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database up to May 19, 2025, to collect academic articles related to “depression” and “TCM constitution”. Using CiteSpace 6.3.1 software, bibliometric and visualization analyses were performed based on authors, institutions, and keywords to construct a knowledge map of the field. Results: A total of 70 articles published in 55 journals were included, with 5 of them classified as core journals. Chinese Archives of Traditional Chinese Medicine had the highest number of publications (4 articles), followed by regional journals such as Henan Traditional Chinese Medicine, World Chinese Medicine, and Hebei Traditional Chinese Medicine. Annual publication trend analysis revealed that the earliest relevant study was published in 2003, with a gradual increase in research output since 2013, peaking in 2019. Both cited and citing references also increased significantly during this period, indicating growing academic interest in this area. Among the 244 identified authors, 20 were considered key contributors, including Li Lingru, Han Zhenyun, and Qiao Defeng, most of whom were affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the Eighth Hospital of Shijiazhuang. Institutional collaboration analysis showed that Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and its affiliated hospitals, along with the Eighth Hospital of Shijiazhuang, constituted the main research centers. Keyword co-occurrence analysis indicated that the top five keywords with the highest betweenness centrality were “depression”, “TCM constitution”, “constitution”, “depressive disorder”, and “correlation”, reflecting the core themes of current research. Cluster analysis further confirmed that the major research clusters were centered around “constitution”, “depression”, and “depressive disorder”, highlighting the focus on the application of TCM constitution identification in clinical interventions for depression. Conclusion: In recent years, research on the relationship between depression and TCM constitution has gained increasing attention, primarily focusing on theoretical exploration, constitution identification methods, and evaluation of clinical intervention outcomes. With the rising research interest, a preliminary collaborative network centered around Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and the Eighth Hospital of Shijiazhuang has been formed. However, inter-institutional and cross-regional collaborations remain limited. Future research should emphasize standardization, mechanistic investigations, and clinical translation, aiming to promote the scientific and standardized application of TCM constitutional theory in the prevention and treatment of depression.