A Clinical Rct Study On Scalp Electric Acupuncture With Auricular Acupuncture For Treatment Of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Objective:To study the therapeutic effects of scalp electric acupuncture combining with auricular acupuncture in treating posttraumatic stress disorder(PTSD) through Randomized Control Trial(RCT). And to provide the solid evidence to clinical applications of acupuncture and a new method to prevent PTSD.Methods:A total of 138 patients were recruited in this trial and randomly divided into two groups:paroxetine hydrochloride group (control group) and scalp electric acupuncture with auricular acupuncture group (treatment group). Each group was treated for 12 weeks. Patients were scored relatively before the treatment, six weeks after the treatment, and twelve weeks after the treatment, using Clinician-administered Scale for DSM-Ⅳ(CAPS), Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD), and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA).Results:The research was finished well, with a balanced grouping, a stable baseline,and a significant comparability. Five cases were excluded by criteria. Among the recruited 138 cases,127 cases were completed,2 cases were lost to follow up, and 9 cases quitted. Both of the two groups were effective. The score differences before and after the treatment had the statistical significance in both two groups (P<0.01), but not obvious differences between the two groups (P>0.05). Both of the two treatments can obviously ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, with a statistical significance in the comparison between before and after treatment. The treatment group had a milder adverse reaction and event.Conclusion:Scalp electric acupuncture combining with auricular acupuncture can obviously ease the symptoms of depression and anxiety of ptsd patients. The overall effects are similar between acupuncture group and paroxetine hydrochloride group, but the former had a milder adverse reaction and event.