Clinical observation on post-stroke anxiety neurosis treated by acupuncture.

Author(s): Wu P, Liu S

Affiliation(s): The Affiliated Hospital of Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110032, China.

Publication date & source: 2008-09, J Tradit Chin Med., 28(3):186-8.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial; Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

OBJECTIVE: To observe the therapeutic effect of acupuncture on post-stroke anxiety neurosis (PSAN). METHODS: 34 patients in the treatment group received acupuncture treatment. Points such as Baihui (GV 20), Shenting (GV 24), Yintang (EX-HN 3), Shuigou (GV 26), Hegu (LI 4), Taichong (LR 3), Shenmen (HT 7) and Neiguan (PC 6) were punctured and supplemented by electroacupuncture. 33 patients in the control group orally took Alprazolam. Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) was used to evaluate the severity and relief of anxiety. RESULTS: Anxiety symptoms of the patients in the treatment group were obviously relieved with a total effective rate of 82.35%, and no remarkable difference was found as compared with that of the control group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture is a safe, effective and important method for treating PSAN.