Acupuntura en la ansiedad paroxística episódica: efectos en un estudio de caso

Abstract

Introduction

Episodic paroxysmal anxiety is a disease characterized by the sudden and unexpected occurrence of acute anxiety attacks that consist of a sensation of fear or malaise accompanied by physical and cognitive symptoms. The purpose of this study is to verify the effects of acupuncture on episodic paroxysmal anxiety symptoms.

Research problem

What are the effects of acupuncture on the symptoms of episodic paroxysmal anxiety in a case study?

Methods

A case-study was conducted in which an acupuncture point protocol was applied for 10 sessions once a week in a female patient suffering from episodic paroxysmal anxiety. The anxiety scale of Dr Aaron Beck - better known as the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) served as a measurement tool to evaluate the results before the first and after the last session.

Results

After the 10th treatment, the patient's symptoms showed significant progress. There is no worsening of any symptom, and a reduction by one level of severity in all initial 19 symptoms, totalling a reduction of 36 points on the Bai anxiety scale.

Conclusion

We conclude that acupuncture can be an excellent therapy in the relief and control of symptoms in patients with EPA.