Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture Through Nerve Stimulation in Patients With Anxiety Disorders: Protocol for a Randomized, Assessor-Blind, Three-Arm, Parallel-Group Clinical Trial
Abstract
Background Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health disorders, affecting a significant portion of the population. However, conventional treatments, such as pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, often have limited effectiveness and may lead to undesirable side effects. Consequently, there is a growing demand for new alternative treatments for anxiety disorders. Recent studies suggest that electroacupuncture may demonstrate therapeutic effects in managing anxiety by mediating nerve stimulation. Objective This study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture in treating anxiety disorders through nerve stimulation. Specifically, it will involve stimulating the median nerve at the PC6 acupoint (Neiguan) and the vagus nerve at the TF4 acupoint (Shenmen of ear acupuncture). Methods This study is a randomized, assessor-blind, three-arm, parallel-group clinical trial comprising the PC6 electroacupuncture group, TF4 electroacupuncture group, and a control group. Participants will include patients diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and generalized anxiety disorder. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups, with each group containing 20 individuals. The electroacupuncture groups will receive treatments at the designated acupoints twice weekly for 8 weeks, totaling 16 sessions. The control group will receive usual care without any treatment interventions through the end of the study…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 60 participants or records.
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