Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Transcutaneous Electrical Acupoint Stimulation Combined With Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic and disabling mental disorder. Among them, 40-60% of obsessive-compulsive disorder patients do not respond to the current first-line drug treatment and/or psychological therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder has unique advantages. Acupuncture, as a traditional Chinese treatment technique, has been increasingly applied in the treatment of mental disorders such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) can replace acupuncture. With equivalent effects, it can reduce pain and fear and is a non-invasive, safe, and time-saving physical intervention method. TEAS combined with exposure and response prevention therapy may have an additive effect in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. We will conduct a prospective randomized design to explore the integrated and optimized treatment plan of traditional Chinese and Western medicine for obsessive-compulsive disorder, improve the treatment efficiency, and reduce the proportion of chronic patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age: 18 - 50 years old, gender not restricted;
2. Meets the diagnostic criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder as per the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5);
3. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score ≥ 16 points;
4. Has never taken medication or is currently taking medication with a stable dosage for 8 weeks or more;
5. Has a junior high school education or above;
6. Has signed the informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Meets the diagnosis criteria in DSM-5 except for obsessive-compulsive disorder (excluding obsessive-compulsive personality disorder);
2. Has severe obsessive symptoms that prevent the patient from completing the required assessment tests;
3. Has a history of brain injury or surgery, or has an implanted cardiac pacemaker or other metal device in the body;
4. Pregnant or planning to become pregnant women, breastfeeding women;
5. Substance abusers within the past year;
6. Have severe negative thoughts or a high risk of suicide;
7. Other conditions deemed unsuitable for inclusion by the researchers.