Autonomic Nervous System and Meridian Energy in Patients With Schizophrenia

Explore the Differences in Autonomic Nervous System and Meridian Energy Between Patients With Schizophrenia and Healthy Individuals

This study aims to explore the differences in autonomic nervous function and meridian energy between schizophrenia patients and healthy individuals. By understanding the meridian and organ conditions of individuals, the study aims to align with the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) concept of "treating disease before it arises" and provide comprehensive care to patients, thereby improving the quality of care.

Data collection was conducted at a medical center in northern Taiwan. Sample size estimation was performed using G*Power 3.1. A total of 50 patients with schizophrenia were assigned to the disease group, and 50 healthy individuals were assigned to the control group, with a total of 100 participants expected. Data collection included: personal demographic questionnaire, body constitution questionnaire (BCQ), WHOQOL-BREF (Taiwan version) for quality of life, brief psychiatric rating scale (BPRS), heart rate variability (HRV), meridian energy

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Disease group：

   • Diagnosed with schizophrenia by a physician (ICD-10 code F20, such as F20.0, F20.1, F20.2, F20.3, F20.5, F20.89, or F20.9), with stable condition, and has not had any changes in medication dosage or admission to a psychiatric acute care unit in the past 3 months.
   • Aged between 18 and 65 years.
   • Able to understand, speak, read, and write Mandarin or Taiwanese.

2. Control group：

   • No history of chronic illness and no acute symptoms within the past month.
   • Aged between 18 and 65 years.
   • Able to understand, speak, read, and write Mandarin or Taiwanese.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Disease group：

   • Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, severe neurological disorders (e.g., organic brain disorders, early-stage dementia or diagnosed dementia), or substance abuse issues.
   • Individuals who have used medications affecting the autonomic nervous system within the past month, such as mood stabilizers, antidepressants, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors inhibitors, β-blockers, or antiarrhythmics.
   • Individuals with metallic implants that could affect heart rate variability.
   • Individuals with involuntary and uncontrollable body tremors.
   • Women currently menstruating.
   • Pregnant women.

2. Control group：

   • Individuals with cardiovascular conditions, severe neurological disorders (e.g., organic brain disorders, early-stage dementia or diagnosed dementia), or substance abuse issues.
   • Individuals who have used medications affecting the autonomic nervous system within the past month, such as psychiatric medications, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors inhibitors, β-blockers, or antiarrhythmics .
   • Individuals with metallic implants that could affect heart rate variability.
   • Individuals with involuntary and uncontrollable body tremors.
   • Women currently menstruating.
   • Pregnant women.