A
Case on Acupuncture for Schizophrenia
The
British acupuncture journal, Acupuncture
in Medicine, reported a case study on acupuncture for schizophrenia. This
study describes the use of acupuncture as an add on treatment for a patient
with chronic schizophrenia. The 63-year-old woman suffered from persistent
hallucinations and even physical pain as a result of the hallucination of a
black bird that kept pecking her back. The patient received 12 weekly
acupuncture treatments. A clinical diagnostic interview and psychological
testing (on sleep quality, depression, and on positive and negative symptoms)
were conducted before, immediately after and 3 months after the acupuncture
treatment. The results of the diagnostic interview gave important insights into
the treatment effects. The patient experienced improved daily functioning and
noticed a change in hallucinations. Although the hallucinations still occurred,
she felt less disturbed by them. Interestingly, pain decreased markedly. In
addition, the results showed that the overall score of the positive and
negative symptoms did not change immediately; however, a decrease in symptoms
occurred 3 months after acupuncture treatment. Moreover, the patient described
an immediate improvement in sleep; this was confirmed by a daytime sleepiness
questionnaire. The patient was not able to complete a (longer) test on sleep
quality beforehand but did so after the treatment period. Finally, a delayed
improvement in the depression scale was found. Although larger clinical
intervention studies on acupuncture and schizophrenia are needed, the results
of this case study indicate that acupuncture may be beneficial as an add on treatment
tool in patients with schizophrenia.
To read the entire report, click here.
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