The Acupuncture Treatment Effect in Patients With Schizophrenia

The Quality of Life of Acupuncture Treatment Effect in Patients With Schizophrenia

Among various psychiatric disorders, this study focuses specifically on patients with schizophrenia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effects of acupuncture on antipsychotic medication-related side effects and psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia. This is a single-blind randomized study. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Neiguan and Shenmen. Both the Neiguan and Shenmen groups will receive acupuncture treatment twice weekly, with each session lasting 30 minutes, for a total of four consecutive weeks. Assessments will be conducted prior to acupuncture intervention and after each acupuncture session. All assessment data will be collected and analyzed using statistical methods including descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and t-tests. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE-I) and multiple linear regression analyses will be applied to examine differences in psychological health, quality of life, and happiness before and after acupuncture intervention. It is anticipated that acupuncture will reduce antipsychotic-related side effects, improve psychiatric symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, and subsequently enhance patients' quality of life and happiness.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Diagnosis of schizophrenia according to DSM-5 criteria for at least six months
• Personal and Social Performance Scale score ≥ 50

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe medical illnesses (e.g., cancer, chronic liver disease, renal failure)
• History of stroke or other causes of hemiplegia
• Severe dermatological disease or limb edema
• High risk of violence or suicide
• Alcohol or substance abuse or dependence
• Severe cognitive impairment
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Severe hepatic, renal, cardiac, pulmonary, or hematological disease
• Major infectious diseases (e.g., HIV infection)
• Refusal to provide informed consent