New research suggests acupuncture may help fight related post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an unfortunate reality for U.S. military veterans. Each year, 11-20% of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom veterans and 12% of Gulf War veterans experience PTSD. On the other hand, a Vietnam War veteran’s lifetime prevalence of PTSD is as high as 30% of his lifetime.1
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder are devastating. “The symptoms and effects of post-traumatic stress disorder, commonly known as PTSD, can disrupt daily life. People with PTSD may be separated from family and friends. They may have difficulty concentrating. , they are easily startled and may lose interest in things they were previously interested in. Some may abuse alcohol or drugs to try to dull their emotions.”2
new research3Further evidence suggests that acupuncture may positively impact the psychobiology and symptomatology of PTSD. In this two-group, parallel-group, prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial, Veterans aged 18 to 55 years were assigned to receive either 15 weeks (1 hour sessions) of acupuncture or sham acupuncture (control) and traditional (true) acupuncture. Acupuncture and sham acupuncture were compared. , twice a week, up to a total of 24 sessions).
According to the study, “The primary outcome was pre- to post-treatment change in PTSD symptom severity on the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale-5 (CAPS-5).” The secondary outcome was fear-enhanced. Changes from pre- to post-treatment in fear-conditioned extinction were assessed by startle response. Outcomes were assessed before, during, and after treatment. ”
Analyzes showed that fear-potentiated startle (i.e., fear extinction) was significantly reduced in the acupuncture group, but not in the sham group. “There was a significant correlation between symptom reduction and fear extinction,” the study authors concluded. “The acupuncture intervention used in this study was clinically effective and had a positive impact on the psychobiology of PTSD in veterans.”
References
- Howley EK. “Statistics regarding PTSD among veterans” US News World CorrespondentJune 28, 2019.
- PTSD. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
- Holyfield M, et al. Acupuncture for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA PsychiatryFebruary 21, 2024.
