This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and acceptability of acupuncture for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants were randomly allocated to one of three groups: acupuncture, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or a waiting list as control. Patients were assessed at the start and end of treatment, and again at a follow-up appointment after three months. Acupuncture was shown to provide large treatment benefits, similar to CBT, with improvements for both maintained three months later. The authors conclude that acupuncture may be efficacious for reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety. They say the research design used in this study, which compares real-world treatment options, has considerable potential for informing clinical decision making.
(Acupuncture for posttraumatic stress disorder – A randomized controlled pilot trial. Journal of Nervous & Mental Disease, June 2007.)
A systematic review of the evidence for the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment of anxiety, has been published by London’s University of Westminster. In all, twelve controlled trials were found, and all had positive findings. The authors conclude the results are promising, and recommend further research.