This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of electroacupuncture (EA) in treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Participants will be randomly assigned to an EA group, a sham EA group, or a waiting-list control group. All participants will continue their routine medication (Paroxetine). The primary goal is to observe the reduction in anxiety symptoms using the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Additionally, the study will use functional MRI (fMRI) and Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS) to explore the brain mechanisms through which EA helps alleviate anxiety.
Meet the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
No antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication in the past 2 weeks.
HAMA score ≥ 14.
Right-handed（for MRI).
Complicated with severe cardiovascular, cerebrovascular, or organic diseases.
History of other psychiatric disorders (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
Contraindications for MRI (e.g., metal implants, claustrophobia).
Pregnancy or lactation.
Parallel
Electroacupuncture (EA)
Procedure/SurgeryElectroacupuncture (EA) is performed at acupoints including GV20 (Baihui), EX-HN1 (Sishencong), GV29 (Shenting), EX-HN16 (Anmian, bilateral), HT7 (Shenmen, bilateral), PC6 (Neiguan, bilateral), CV6 (Qihai), CV4 (Guanyuan), ST36 (Zusanli, bilateral), SP6 (Sanyinjiao, bilateral), and LR3 (Taichong, bilateral). Sterile disposable needles (φ0.18×25mm or φ0.25×40mm) are used. Electric stimulation (continuous wave, 100Hz) is applied to specific point pairs (e.g., left Sishencong + anterior Sishencong) for 30 minutes. The current intensity is adjusted to the patient's maximum tolerance. Treatment is administered 3 times per week for 4 weeks (12 sessions total).
Sham Electroacupuncture (SEA)
Procedure/SurgerySham electroacupuncture (SEA) is performed by inserting needles into non-acupoints located 5-10 mm away from the real points used in the EA group. Shallow needling (depth of 1-2 mm) is applied. A sham EA device with a disconnected electrode lead is used; although the screen displays parameters identical to the EA group, there is no actual current output. The duration, frequency, and total number of sessions are identical to the EA group (3 times/week for 4 weeks).
Routine Medication
DrugAll groups receive Paroxetine Hydrochloride Tablets (20 mg/tablet). The initial dose is 20 mg once daily, taken orally. The daily dose may be increased in increments of 10 mg based on the patient's condition, with a minimum interval of 1 week between adjustments. The maximum daily dose is 50 mg.
Effective rate of HAMA score reduction at Week 4
The percentage of participants who achieved a HAMA score reduction rate of ≥50% from baseline. HAMA scores are evaluated to categorize outcomes as recovered, markedly effective, effective, or ineffective.
Change from Baseline in Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) Scores
HAMA is used to assess the severity of anxiety symptoms. It contains 14 items, including somatic and psychic anxiety. Total scores range from 0 to 56, where higher scores indicate more severe anxiety
Change from Baseline in Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS) Scores
SDSS is used to evaluate the daily functioning of patients. It consists of 10 items, with each item scored from 0 to 2. Higher total scores reflect a higher degree of social disability.
Frequency of Participants with Changes in Paroxetine Dosage
The study will record whether the daily dose of Paroxetine increased, remained unchanged, or decreased compared to the baseline.
Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale (TESS) Scores
TESS is used to evaluate adverse reactions to psychiatric medications, covering symptom severity, relationship with the drug, and measures taken.
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Lishu Gao
Lead sponsor
First People's Hospital of Hangzhou
Sponsor institution
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