Acupuncture for Generalized Anxiety Disorder

Efficacy of Different Electroacupuncture Parameters for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a common mental disorder characterized by persistent excessive worry, which seriously affects patients' quality of life. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been widely used in the clinical treatment of anxiety disorders, but the optimal stimulation parameters remain unclear. This study will adopt a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design to systematically compare the clinical efficacy of three different EA stimulation parameters (2 Hz continuous wave, 100 Hz continuous wave, and 2 Hz/100 Hz dense-disperse wave) in patients with GAD. Multidimensional outcome assessment tools will be used to comprehensively evaluate the therapeutic effects of different stimulation modes. The results of this study are expected to provide evidence-based reference for the selection of electroacupuncture parameters in the treatment of GAD, so as to optimize the clinical treatment regimen and improve the therapeutic effect.

Inclusion Criteria:

Only those who meet the following four criteria simultaneously can be included in this study:

1. Meet the diagnostic criteria for GAD;
2. Between 18 and 60 years old;
3. Conscious and able to communicate normally;
4. Have good compliance, be willing to cooperate with the study, and sign the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclude patients meeting any of the following criteria:

1. Organic mental disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, mania/other psychoses, alcohol/drug addiction, current drug use disorder/lifetime drug abuse, post-stroke/postpartum anxiety;
2. History of suicidal behavior or severe suicidal tendency;
3. Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
4. Mental retardation, unable to cooperate;
5. Electroacupuncture contraindications: bleeding tendency, coagulation dysfunction, internal metal implants;
6. Participation in other clinical trials within 1 month.