Acupuncture For Schizophrenia

Acupuncture for schizophrenia (Review)
Rathbone J, Xia J
This is a reprint of a Cochrane review, prepared and maintained by The Cochrane Collaboration and published in The Cochrane Library
2009, Issue 2
http://www.thecochranelibrary.com

Copyright 2009 The Cochrane Collaboration. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
HEADER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
BACKGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
OBJECTIVES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
METHODS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
RESULTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DISCUSSION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AUTHORS CONCLUSIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REFERENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DATA AND ANALYSES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analysis 1.1. Comparison 1 ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS, Outcome 1 Global state: Not improved,
endpoint (short term). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analysis 1.2. Comparison 1 ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS, Outcome 2 Behaviour: Leaving the study
early (short term). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analysis 1.3. Comparison 1 ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS, Outcome 3 Adverse events: Extrapyramidal
symptoms (short term). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Analysis 2.1. Comparison 2 ACUPUNCTURE plus ANTIPSYCHOTICS versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS, Outcome 1
Global state: 1. Not improved, endpoint (short term). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Global state: 2. CGI - severity of illness, endpoint (short term, high score=worse). . . . . . . . . . .
Behaviour: Leaving the study early (short term). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mental state: 1. BPRS, not improved </=20% reduction at endpoint (short term). . . . . . . . . . .
Mental state: 2. BPRS, endpoint (short term, high score=worse). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mental state: 4. HAMD, not improved <25% reduction at endpoint (short term). . . . . . . . . . .
Mental state: 5. HAMD, endpoint (short term, high score=worse). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mental state: 6. ZDS, endpoint, (short term, high score=worse). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adverse events: 1. TESS, endpoint (short term, high score=worse). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adverse events: 2. Extrapyramidal symptoms (short term). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHATS NEW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
HISTORY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTRIBUTIONS OF AUTHORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INDEX TERMS
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[Intervention Review]
Acupuncture for schizophrenia

John Rathbone1 , Jun Xia2
1 Cochrane Schizophrenia Group, Institute of Mental Health, Nottingham, UK. 2 Cochrane Schizophrenia Group, Bridge House, Leeds,
UK
Contact address: John Rathbone, Cochrane Schizophrenia Group, Institute of Mental Health, Gateway Building, University of Nottingham Innovation Park Triumph Road, Nottingham, NG7 2TU, UK. John.Rathbone@nottingham.ac.uk.
John.Rathbone@nottingham.ac.uk. (Editorial group: Cochrane Schizophrenia Group.)
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 2, 2009 (Status in this issue: Edited)
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005475
This version first published online: 19 October 2005 in Issue 4, 2005. Re-published online with edits: 15 April 2009 in Issue 2,
2009.
Last assessed as up-to-date: 4 July 2005. (Help document - Dates and Statuses explained)
This record should be cited as: Rathbone J, Xia J. Acupuncture for schizophrenia. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005,
Issue 4. Art. No.: CD005475. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005475.
ABSTRACT
Background
Acupuncture has been shown to be a relatively safe health care intervention with few adverse effects. In contrast, antipsychotic drugs
may have serious adverse effects. The benefits of acupuncture in the treatment of schizophrenia are unclear, and more evidence is needed
to inform clinicians and people with schizophrenia of its effects.
Objectives
To review the effects of acupuncture for people with schizophrenia and related psychoses; evaluating acupuncture alone and in combination regimes compared with antipsychotics alone.
Search strategy
We (JR, JX) undertook electronic searches of the Cochrane Schizophrenia Groups register (April 2005), which is compiled from
systematic searches of major databases, hand searches and conference proceedings. We inspected reference lists and contacted the first
author of each included study.
Selection criteria
We included all relevant randomised controlled trials involving people with schizophrenia-like illnesses, allocated to acupuncture,
electro-acupuncture, laser-acupuncture, placebo, no treatment, or antipsychotic drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies.
Data collection and analysis
We independently extracted the data. For homogeneous dichotomous data, the fixed effects relative risk (RR), the 95% confidence
intervals (CI) and, where appropriate, the number needed to treat (NNT) were calculated on an intention-to-treat basis. For continuous
data, we calculated weighted mean differences with 95% CI.
Main results
We included five trials. Two trials comparing acupuncture to antipsychotics were equivocal for global state and leaving the study early.
Extrapyramidal adverse events were significantly lower in the acupuncture group (n=21, RR 0.05 CI 0.0 to 0.8, NNT 2 CI 2 to 8).
Four out of the five trials also compared acupuncture combined with antipsychotics to antipsychotics alone. Global state outcomes and
leaving the study early were equivocal. BPRS endpoint data (short term) favoured the combined acupuncture and antipsychotic group
(n=109, WMD -4.31 CI -7.0 to -1.6), although dichotomised BPRS data not improved confounded this outcome with equivocal
data. Depression scores HAMD (n=42, WMD -10.41 CI -12.8 to -8.0), HAMD not improved (n=42, RR 0.17 CI 0.1 to 0.5,
NNT 2 CI 2 to 3) and ZDS (n=42, WMD -24.25 CI -28.0 to -20.5) significantly favoured the combined acupuncture/antipsychotic
treatment group, although results were from single, small studies. Treatment emergent adverse events scores were significantly lower in
the acupuncture/antipsychotic group (n=40, WMD -0.50 CI -0.9 to -0.1), again from a single, small study.
Authors conclusions
We found insufficient evidence to recommend the use of acupuncture for people with schizophrenia. The numbers of participants and
the blinding of acupuncture were both inadequate, and more comprehensive and better designed studies are needed to determine the
effects of acupuncture for schizophrenia.
PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY

Antipsychotic drugs have been used to treat schizophrenia since the early 1950s. While effective for some, antipsychotics can still leave
many of those treated with disabling adverse effects, and safer, more effective health care interventions are being researched to try and
redress this problem.
Acupuncture has been used in China to treat mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, for more than 2000 years. It has been
proved that acupuncture has very few adverse effects. Also, it may be more socially acceptable, tolerable and inexpensive than the more
conventional drugs manufactured by the pharmaceutical industry.
This review identifies randomised controlled trials comparing acupuncture to antipsychotics and acupuncture combined with antipsychotics, to antipsychotics alone. The limited data we found provided mostly equivocal outcomes. Although some of the data did
favour acupuncture when combined with antipsychotics, the results came from small studies, and further, more comprehensive trials
are needed before we can confidently determine the efficacy of acupuncture in the treatment of schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
Antipsychotic drugs have been the mainstay of treatment for
schizophrenia since the early 1950s. While effective for some people with the illness, these treatments still leave many with disabling
adverse effects. Acupuncture has been shown to have few adverse
effects (MacPherson 2001a, Ernst 2001) and may be more socially
acceptable, tolerable and inexpensive than the more conventional
drugs available from the pharmaceutical industry.
Chinese medicine, which includes acupuncture and is also referred
to as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), has been used to treat
schizophrenia like illnesses (i.e. Dian Kuang/withdrawal mania)
for over 2000 years (Ming 2001). Acupuncture is practiced as
an accepted health care model in China, Korea and Japan, although the methods used in each country are distinct (Kaptchuk
2002). Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points
(acupoints) by inserting needles into the skin. Its theories for the
aetiology, pathology and treatment of schizophrenia are different
to those of Western medicine. Conventional medicine diagnoses
schizophrenia primarily by operationalised criteria such as the Di-
agnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM-IV) or the International

Classification of Diseases (ICD10) and their equivalents. Chinese
medicine uses different methodology to diagnose mental health
disorders such as schizophrenia by pattern differentiation. The
four diagnostic methods (inspection, listening/smelling, inquiry
and palpation) are the means to obtain patient information (Xu
1991). This information is then analysed using one or several diagnostic models (Zang Fu theory, Eight Principles [yin/yang, interior/exterior, excess/deficiency, hot/cold], Four Levels, Six Divisions, 5 phases, Qi and Blood, Fluids and humours, Three burners)
to arrive at a diagnosis. Thus, two people diagnosed with DSM-IV
schizophrenia could nevertheless, from a Chinese medicine perspective, have different sub-types or patterns and therefore require
different treatment. There are five main patterns which fall within
the disease category of Dian Kuang/withdrawal mania which can
also encompass schizophrenia. The five types are: 1. Phlegm-Fire;
2. Phlegm-damp; 3. Qi stagnation with Blood stasis; 4. Hyperactivity of Fire due to Yin deficiency; 5. Other miscellaneous types
(Zhang 1996).

OBJECTIVES
To review the effects of acupuncture for people with schizophrenia
and related psychoses, evaluating acupuncture alone and in combination regimes compared with antipsychotics alone.
METHODS
Criteria for considering studies for this review

Types of studies
We included all relevant randomised controlled trials. Where a
trial was described as double-blind but it was implied that the
study was randomised, these trials were included in a sensitivity
analysis. If there was no substantive difference within primary
outcomes (see Types of outcome measures) when these implied
randomisation studies were added, then they were included in
the final analysis. If there was a substantive difference, only clearly
randomised trials were utilized and the results of the sensitivity
analysis described in the text. Quasi-randomised studies, such as
those allocating by using alternate days of the week, were excluded.
Types of participants
We included patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform psychosis and schizophrenia-like illnesses, any age, diagnosed by any
criteria.
Types of interventions
1. Acupuncture/electro-acupuncture with or without moxibustion
(a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique that involves the burning of mugwort to facilitate healing) or laser treatment, administered solely or in conjunction with antipsychotic drugs.
2. Placebo (sham acupuncture) or no treatment.
3. Antipsychotic drugs produced by pharmaceutical companies:
any compound, dose, pattern or means of administration.
Types of outcome measures
The following outcomes of interest were identified.
1. Death - suicide or natural causes.
2. Global state
2.1 Relapse*
2.2 No clinically important change in global state - as defined by
each of the studies
2.3 Average endpoint global state score
2.4 Average change in global state scores
3. Mental state
3.1 No clinically important change in general mental state - as
defined by each of the studies*
3.2 No change in general mental state

3.3 Average endpoint general mental state score
3.4 Average change in general mental state scores
3.5 No clinically important change in specific symptoms - as defined by each of the studies
3.6 No change in specific symptoms
3.7 Average endpoint specific symptom score
3.8 Average change in specific symptom scores
4. Behaviour
4.1 Leaving the study early
4.2 No clinically important change in general behaviour - as defined by each of the studies
4.3 No change in general behaviour
4.4 Average endpoint general behaviour score
4.5 Average change in general behaviour scores
4.6 No clinically important change in specific aspects of behaviour
4.7 No change in specific aspects of behaviour
4.8 Average endpoint specific aspects of behaviour
4.9 Average change in specific aspects of behaviour
5. Service outcomes
5.1 Hospitalisation*
5.2 Time to hospitalisation
6. Adverse effects
6.1 Clinically important general adverse effects*
6.2 Any general adverse effects
6.3 Average endpoint general adverse effect score
6.4 Average change in general adverse effect scores
6.5 No clinically important change in specific adverse effects - as
defined by each of the studies
6.6 No change in specific adverse effects
6.7 Average endpoint specific adverse effects
6.8 Average change in specific adverse effects
7. Engagement with services
7.1 No clinically important engagement - as defined by each of
the studies
7.2 No engagement
7.3 Average endpoint engagement score
7.4 Average change in engagement scores
8. Satisfaction with treatment
8.1 Recipient of care not satisfied with treatment
8.2 Recipient of care average satisfaction score
8.3 Recipient of care average change in satisfaction scores
9. Quality of life
9.1 No clinically important change in quality of life - as defined
by each of the studies
9.2 No change in quality of life
9.3 Average endpoint quality of life score
9.4 Average change in quality of life scores
10. Economic outcomes
10.1 Costs of care
* Primary outcomes of interest
Outcomes were divided into short-term (less than three months),

medium term (three to 12 months) and long term (more than one
year).
Search methods for identification of studies

1. Electronic searches
We searched the Cochrane Schizophrenia Groups Trials Register (April 2005) using the phrase: [(*acup* OR *moxibustion*)
in REFERENCE and (*acupuncture* OR *moxibustion*) in
STUDY]
This register is compiled by systematic searches of major databases
(Biological Abstracts CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE,
MEDLINE, RUSSMED, LILACS, PSYNDEX and PsycLIT)
hand searches and conference proceedings (see Group Module).
2. We also inspected the references of all identified studies (included and excluded) for further relevant trials.
Data collection and analysis

1. Selection of studies
We (JR, JX) inspected all reports of studies identified from the
search. A randomly selected sample of 10% of all the reports were
re-inspected in order to ensure that the selection was reliable.
Where disagreement occurred, we resolved this by discussion and
if there was still doubt we acquired the full article for further inspection. Once the full articles were obtained, we independently
decided whether or not they met the review criteria. Again, where
disagreement occurred, we resolved this by discussion and when
this was not possible we sought further information from first authors and added these trials to the list of those awaiting assessment.
2. Assessment of methodological quality
We allocated trials to three quality categories, as described in the
Cochrane Collaboration Handbook (Alderson 2004). When disputes arose as to which category a trial was allocated, again, we attempted resolution by discussion. When this was not possible and
further information was necessary to clarify into which category
to allocate the trial, we did not enter data but allocated the trial
to the list of those awaiting assessment. We only included trials in
Category A or B in the review.
A. Low risk of bias (adequate allocation concealment)
B. Moderate risk of bias (some doubt about the results)
C. High risk of bias (inadequate allocation concealment). For the
purpose of the analysis in this review, trials were included if they
met the Cochrane Handbook criteria A or B.
3. Data extraction
3.1 Reliable extraction
We independently extracted data from selected trials. When disputes arose, we attempted resolution by discussion. When this was
not possible and further information was necessary to resolve the
dilemma, we did not enter data but added this outcome of the
trial to the list of those awaiting assessment.
3.2 Intention to treat analysis

We excluded data from studies where more than 50% of participants in any group were lost to follow up, except for the outcome
of leaving the study early. In studies with less than 50% dropout
rate, everyone allocated to the intervention was counted whether
or not they completed follow up. We considered those leaving
early to have had the negative outcome, except for the event of
death and adverse effects.
Where attrition rates were high (25-50%), we analysed the impact
of including this type of data in a sensitivity analysis. If inclusion of
high attrition data resulted in a substantive change in the estimate
of effect, then we did not pool this data, but presented the data
separately.
4. Data analysis
4.1 Dichotomous/binary data
In the review we used relative risk (RR), (fixed effect) and 95%
confidence interval (CI). Where possible, we made efforts to convert relevant categorical or continuous outcome measures to dichotomous data by identifying cut off points on rating scales and
dividing them into groups accordingly i.e.. moderate or severe
impairment and no better or worse.
4.1.1 Summary statistic: For binary outcomes we calculated a
standard estimate of the relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) (fixed effect). Where possible, we estimated
the number needed to treat (NNT) using an on-line calculator
(http://www.nntonline.net/). If heterogeneity was found (see section 5) we used a random effects model.
4.2 Continuous data
4.2.1 Skewed data: continuous data on clinical and social outcomes are often not normally distributed. To avoid the pitfall of
applying parametric tests to non-parametric data, the following
standards are applied to all data before inclusion: (a) standard deviations and means were reported in the paper or were obtainable
from the authors; (b) when a scale started from the finite number zero, the standard deviation, when multiplied by two, was less
than the mean (as otherwise the mean was unlikely to be an appropriate measure of the centre of the distribution, (Altman 1996);
(c) if a scale started from a positive value (such as PANSS which
can have values from 30-210) the calculation described above in
(b) was modified to take the scale starting point into account. In
these cases skewness is present if 2SD>(S-Smin), where S is the
mean score and Smin is the minimum score. Endpoint scores on
scales often have a finite start and end point and these rules can
be applied to them.
4.2.2 Summary statistic: For continuous outcomes we calculated
weighted mean differences (WMD) and respective 95% CI (fixed
effect). If heterogeneity was found (see section 5) we used a random
effects model.
4.2.3 Valid scales: A wide range of instruments are available to
measure mental health outcomes. These instruments vary in quality and it has been shown that the use of rating scales which have
not been described in a peer-reviewed journal (Marshall 2000)

are associated with bias, or may not be valid, or even ad hoc.

Therefore, some minimum standards were set: (a) the psychometric properties of the instrument should have been described in a
peer-reviewed journal; (b) the instrument should either be a selfreport, or completed by an independent rater or relative (not the
therapist); and (c) the instrument should be a global assessment
of an area of functioning.
4.2.4 Endpoint versus change data: where possible, we presented
endpoint data and if both endpoint and change data were available
for the same outcomes then we only reported the former in this
review.
4.2.5 Cluster trials
Studies increasingly employ cluster randomisation (such as randomisation by clinician or practice) but analysis and pooling of
clustered data poses problems. Firstly, authors often fail to account
for intra class correlation in clustered studies, leading to a unit
of analysis error (Divine 1992) whereby p values are spuriously
low, confidence intervals unduly narrow and statistical significance
overestimated. This causes type I errors (Bland 1997, Gulliford
1999).
Where clustering was not accounted for in primary studies, we
presented the data in a table, with a (*) symbol to indicate the
presence of a probable unit of analysis error. In subsequent versions of this review we will seek to contact first authors of studies
to obtain intra-class correlation co-efficients of their clustered data
and to adjust for this using accepted methods (Gulliford 1999).
Where clustering has been incorporated into the analysis of primary studies, we will also present these data as if from a non-cluster randomised study, but adjusted for the clustering effect.
We have sought statistical advice and have been advised that the
binary data as presented in a report should be divided by a design
effect. This is calculated using the mean number of participants
per cluster (m) and the intraclass correlation co-efficient (ICC)
[Design effect = 1+(m-1)*ICC] (Donner 2002). If the ICC was
not reported it was assumed to be 0.1 (Ukoumunne 1999).
5. Test for heterogeneity
Firstly, we considered all of the included studies within any comparison to judge clinical heterogeneity. Then we visually inspected
graphs used to investigate the possibility of statistical heterogeneity and supplemented this by using, primarily, the I-squared statistic. This provides an estimate of the percentage of variability due
to heterogeneity rather than chance alone. Where the I-squared
estimate was greater than or equal to 75%, we interpreted this as
indicating the presence of high levels of heterogeneity (Higgins
2003). If inconsistency was high, we did not summate the data,
but presented it separately and reasons for heterogeneity were investigated.
6. Addressing publication bias
We entered all data from the included studies into a funnel graph
(trial effect against trial size) in an attempt to investigate the likelihood of overt publication bias (Egger 1997).
7. General
Where possible, we entered data in such a way that the area to

the left of the line of no effect indicated a favourable outcome for
acupuncture.
RESULTS
Description of studies
See: Characteristics of included studies; Characteristics of excluded
studies.
1. Excluded studies
We excluded three studies. Chongcheng 1985 and Zhuge 1993
were not randomised. Zhong 1995 compared electro-acupuncture
to computerised electrode.
2. Awaiting assessment
No studies are awaiting assessment.
3. Ongoing studies
We are not aware of any ongoing studies.
4. Included studies
We included five studies all of which were randomised. Only Gang
1997 reported on blinding, in which the raters were blind to treatment allocation.
4.1 Length of trials
All included studies were short term (less than three months). The
shortest study Zhang 1987 lasted for 20 days. Zhang 1991 was
for five weeks, Gang 1997 and Zhang 2001 were six week studies
and Zhang 1994 was the longest study lasting eight weeks.
4.2 Participants
All participants were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Gang 1997,
Zhang 1991 and Zhang 2001 used operationalised criteria
(DSM/ICD/CCMD). Zhang 1987, Zhang 1994 did not report
using predefined diagnostic criteria. Gang 1997, Zhang 1987,
Zhang 1991 and Zhang 2001 used male and female participants,
whilst Zhang 1994 did not report on gender.
4.3 Setting
All five trials were undertaken in a hospital setting.
4.4 Study size
The numbers of participants randomised ranged between 31
Zhang 1991 to 88 Zhang 1987. Forty people were randomised by
Gang 1997, 69 by Zhang 1994 and 42 by Zhang 2001.
4.5 Interventions
The treatment groups received acupuncture exclusively or in combination with antipsychotics. All the comparator groups received
antipsychotics. Gang 1997 used electro-acupuncture in combination with reduced dose antipsychotics versus chlorpromazine
equivalents (~560mg/day). The treatment group in Zhang 1987
received electro-acupuncture and the comparator group were given
chlorpromazine (300-600 mg/day). Zhang 1991 randomised people into three comparator groups, laser-acupuncture with moxibustion, laser acupuncture with moxibustion and reduced dose

chlorpromazine (150-300 mg/day), or chlorpromazine (350-600

mg/day). Zhang 1994 compared electro-acupuncture to chlorpromazine equivalents (~458 mg/day). Zhang 2001 compared electro-acupuncture combined with antipsychotics to antipsychotics
alone but did not report on the acupoints used or dosages. Details
of acupuncture points, needles and electro-acupuncture frequencies used (when reported) are listed in the included studies table.
4.6 Outcomes
All data outcomes were reported as short term (less than three
months). Data from some studies were unusable because raw scores
were not presented. Instead outcomes were reported as p-values
without means and standard deviations being provided, or the
scale used was not identified. Zhang 2001 predefined no clinical
improvement as HAMD scores reduced by </=25%. Gang 1997
predefined no clinical improvement as BPRS scores reduced by
</=20%.
4.6.1 Outcome scales: details of scales that provided usable data
are shown below. Reasons for exclusion of data from instruments
are given under outcomes in the included studies table.
4.6.1.1 Global state scales
4.6.1.1.1 Clinical Global Impression Scale - CGI (Guy 1970)
The CGI is a three-item scale commonly used in studies on
schizophrenia that enables clinicians to quantify severity of illness
and overall clinical improvement. The items are: severity of illness,
global improvement and efficacy index. A seven-point scoring system is usually used with low scores indicating decreased severity
and/or greater recovery. Gang 1997 and Zhang 1991 reported
CGI data.
4.6.1.2 Mental state
4.6.1.2.1 Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale - BPRS (Overall 1962)
The BPRS is an 18-item scale measuring positive symptoms, general psychopathology and affective symptoms. The original scale
has sixteen items, but a revised eighteen-item scale is commonly
used. Scores can range from 0 -126. Each item is rated on a sevenpoint scale, with high scores indicating more severe symptoms.
Gang 1997, Zhang 1991and Zhang 1994 all reported BPRS data.
4.6.1.2.2 Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms - SANS
(Andreasen 1982)
This scale allows a global rating of the following negative symptoms: alogia (impoverished thinking), affective blunting, avolition-apathy, anhedonia-asociality and attention impairment. Assessments are made on a six-point scale (0=not at all to 5=severe).
Higher scores indicate more symptoms. Data for this scale were
reported by Zhang 1994.
4.6.1.2.3 Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms - SAPS (
Andreasen 1982)
This six-point scale gives a global rating of positive symptoms
such as delusions, hallucinations and disordered thinking. Higher
scores indicate more symptoms. Zhang 1994 was the only study
to report SAPS data.
4.6.1.2.4 Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression - HAMD (
Hamilton 1967)
This instrument is designed to be used only on patients already diagnosed as suffering from affective disorder of the depressive type.
It is used for quantifying the results of an interview, and its value
depends entirely on the skill of the interviewer in eliciting the
necessary information. The scale contains 17 variables measured
on either a five-point or a three-point rating scale, the latter being
used where quantification of the variable is either difficult or impossible. Among the variables are: depressed mood, suicide, work
and loss of interest, retardation, agitation, gastro-intestinal symptoms, general somatic symptoms, hypochondriasis, loss of insight,
and loss of weight. It is useful to have two raters independently
scoring a patient at the same interview. The scores of the patient
are obtained by summing the scores of the two physicians. A score
of 11 is generally regarded as indicative of a diagnosis of mild depression, 14-17 mild to moderate depression and >17 moderate
to severe depression. Zhang 2001 reported data for this scale.
4.6.1.2.5 Zung Depression Scale - ZDS (Zung 1965)
The Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale is a 20-item self-rated
scale that is widely used as a screening tool, covering affective,
psychological and somatic symptoms associated with depression.
The questionnaire takes approximately ten minutes to complete
and items are framed in terms of positive and negative statements.
It can be effectively used in a variety of settings, including primary
care, psychiatric clinics, drug trials and various research situations.
Each item is scored on a Likert scale ranging from one to four.
Most people with depression score between 50 and 69, while a
score of 70 and above indicates severe depression. Zhang 2001
reported data from this scale.
4.6.1.3 Adverse events
4.6.1.3.1 Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale/Form - TESS/F (
Guy 1976)
This checklist assesses a variety of characteristics for each adverse
event, including severity, relationship to the drug, temporal characteristics (timing after a dose, duration and pattern during the
day), contributing factors, course and action taken to counteract
the effect. Symptoms can be listed a priori or can be recorded as
observed by the investigator. Zhang 1994 reported data for this
scale.
Risk of bias in included studies

1. Randomisation
It was stated that all included studies were randomised although
the method of randomisation was not described in any of the
studies. The numbers of participants in each arm were evenly
balanced except for Gang 1997 which randomised 25 into the
acupuncture group and 15 into the control group.
2. Blindness
Blinding was only reported in one study (Gang 1997), with the
raters being blind to the treatment allocation. Blinding was not
reported in any of the other trials.
3. Loss to follow up

Follow up was good and it was reported that no-one was lost to
follow up in any of the studies.
4. Data reporting
Overall, outcomes derived from scales provided usable data and
unusable data was only reported in a few studies.
5. General
There was considerable variation in the type of acupuncture intervention (acupuncture, electro-acupuncture, laser-acupuncture)
and the strategies used (different acupuncture points and dosages
used). Gang 1997 reported on the points and type of needles and
the frequency and amps used. Zhang 1987 reported on the type
of needle and points used, but did not report on the frequency or
amps. Zhang 1991 reported the points, laser power and laser fibre
width used. Zhang 1994 did report on the acupuncture points
used, but did not report on the needle type or frequency used.
Zhang 2001described the points used, but additional data on needle type, frequency or amps were not provided.
Continuous BPRS data (Zhang 1994, Gang 1997) were significant in favour of the acupuncture group (n=109, WMD -4.31 CI
-7.0 to -1.6). Mental state SANS and SAPS score were reported by
Zhang 1994, but data were skewed and cannot be displayed graphically. Depression scores from the HAMD scale were reported by
Zhang 2001 with scores from this smaller study being significantly
lower in the acupuncture group (n=42, WMD -10.41 CI -12.8
to -8.0). When the HAMD scores were dichotomised to not improved, again, by Zhang 2001 results significantly favoured the
acupuncture group (n=42, RR 0.17 CI 0.1 to 0.5, NNT 2 CI 2
to 3). Zhang 2001 also reported on depression using the Zung
Depression Scale with results at five weeks significantly favouring
the acupuncture group (n=42, WMD -24.25 CI -28.0 to -20.5).
3.4. Adverse events
Gang 1997 reported TESS scores at six weeks, with results significantly favouring the acupuncture group (n=40, WMD -0.50 CI
-0.9 to -0.1). Zhang 1991 found the incidences of extrapyramidal
symptoms to be similar for both treatment groups.
Effects of interventions
1. The search
The electronic search identified 18 reports. We were able to include
five trials and we added three trials to the excluded studies table.
2. COMPARISON 1. ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS
2.1. Global state
Two studies Zhang 1987 and Zhang 1991 reported on global state
(not improved) with equivocal results.
2.2. Leaving the study early
There were no losses to follow up in either group from two trials
Zhang 1987 and Zhang 1991 by five weeks.
2.3. Adverse events
Extrapyramidal symptoms reported by Zhang 1991 were lower
in the acupuncture group with no participants experiencing this
adverse effect. The control group had significantly higher numbers
with eight out of ten people reported as having extrapyramidal
symptoms (n=21, RR 0.05 CI 0.0 to 0.8, NNT 2 CI 2 to 8).
3. COMPARISON 2. ACUPUNCTURE + ANTIPSYCHOTICS versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS
3.1. Global state
One study Zhang 1991 reported global state (not improved at five
weeks) with equivocal results. Clinical Global Impression (severity of illness) scores were reported by Gang 1997 with equivocal
scores. Gang 1997 also reported on Clinical Global Impression
(global improvement) but data were skewed.
3.2. Leaving the study early
Four trials (Zhang 1991, Zhang 1994, Gang 1997, Zhang 2001)
reported as short term outcomes that no participants left the study
early (up to eight weeks).
3.3. Mental state
Dichotomised BPRS data were reported by Gang 1997 (not improved </=20% reduction at endpoint) with equivocal results.
DISCUSSION
1. General
Five studies were included with the total number of people randomised being 262 (Gang 1997 = 40, Zhang 1987 = 80, Zhang
1991 = 31, Zhang 1994 = 69 and Zhang 2001 = 42). The data
available put the age range of participants between 16 and 55 years.
Two trials compared acupuncture to antipsychotics (Zhang 1987
and Zhang 1991) and four trials compared acupuncture combined
with antipsychotics to antipsychotics alone (Gang 1997, Zhang
1991, Zhang 1994 and Zhang 2001). Electro-acupuncture was
used by Gang 1997, Zhang 1987, Zhang 1994 and Zhang 2001.
Laser-acupuncture was used by Zhang 1991. Operational criteria
(CCMD-2, ICD-10 and DSM III R) were reported in three studies and two studies did not state which diagnostic criteria were
used. Length of illness varied within studies. Zhang 1991 included
people with recent onset schizophrenia (three months) and people with chronic schizophrenia up to 22 years. Zhang 2001 included people with illness duration between seven months to 16
years. Gang 1997 included people with mean length of illness at
8.2 years. Zhang 1987 included people who were mostly first admissions and Zhang 1994 included people with a mean length
of illness of ten years. All five studies were conducted in a hospital setting. Only one study (Gang 1997) reported that acupuncture was allocated according to TCM pattern differentiation theory. The antipsychotics used were chlorpromazine (Zhang 1987,
Zhang 1991), chlorpromazine equivalents (Gang 1997, Zhang
1994), and Zhang 2001 did not specify those antipsychotics used.
In none of the trials was data included on quality of life, service
utilisation or economic outcomes.
2. Quality of reporting

Overall, the quality of reporting was poor and it was not described
in any of the studies how the randomisation was conducted. Blinding was only reported in one of the studies. We classified all studies
as category B (unclear allocation concealment) with a moderate
risk of overestimating the estimate of effect.
3. COMPARISON 1. ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS
4.4 Adverse events

Treatment emergent adverse event (TESS) scores were lower for
those given acupuncture and antipsychotic treatment. However,
here again these results are based on a study size of only 40 people
and larger studies are needed before we can draw firm conclusions.
The occurrence of extrapyramidal symptoms was similar for both
groups; both groups received chlorpromazine.
3.1 Global state

The outcomes for global state not improved were equivocal. The
result was from two small studies (Zhang 1987, Zhang 1991)
randomising a total of 109 people. Treatment response in the first
admission group (Zhang 1987) may have been different than the
chronically ill group (Zhang 1991) who may have had higher
incidences of negative symptoms, but no obvious differences were
found and data were pooled.
Retention rates were good with no participants leaving the study
early from either the acupuncture or the antipsychotics groups.
Such high rates of retention are unusual for trials involving people with schizophrenia and probably reflect the differences in approaches to care, rather than the treatment interventions.
AUTHORS CONCLUSIONS
Implications for practice
In this review we did not find any clear evidence that acupuncture,
when used alone, offers greater benefits than antipsychotic medication; however, any conclusions were limited by the data available
(two small, short-term trials). When acupuncture was combined
with antipsychotics, most outcomes were equivocal, and significant outcomes were limited by the small numbers of participants.
Depression outcomes were consistently lower in the combined
acupuncture/antipsychotic group, but again these findings were
limited by the study size. Users of care and clinicians need much
more comprehensive evidence to feel confident about any potential benefits of acupuncture for schizophrenia.
3.3 Adverse events

Adverse events data were limited and only extrapyramidal symptoms were reported. No-one in the acupuncture group experienced extrapyramidal symptoms, whilst those receiving antipsychotics (chlorpromazine) had significantly higher (8/10) levels of
extrapyramidal adverse events; this reflects the known neurological side effects of antipsychotic medication.
4. COMPARISON 2. ACUPUNCTURE + ANTIPSYCHOTICS versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS
4.1 Global state
Global state outcomes were equivocal for the acupuncture/antipsychotic group compared to those given just antipsychotics. Results were limited from the single study (n=20, Zhang
1991).
Loss to follow up was very good with none of the participants
leaving the study early over the short term (4 RCTs, n=171).
4.3 Mental state
BPRS data did favour the acupuncture/antipsychotic group. However, this finding was not consistent with dichotomous BPRS data,
which makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions. Depression
scores from the HAMD (both continuous and dichotomous data)
and ZDS were significantly lower in the acupuncture groups, although with only 42 people included in these groups we are unable to conclude anything definite from the results.
Implications for research

1. General
This review of acupuncture for schizophrenia would have proved
more informative for clinicians and people with schizophrenia if
the guidelines in the CONSORT (Moher 2001) statement and
STRICTA (MacPherson 2001) recommendations had been followed. Clear descriptions of the randomisation undertaken in the
studies would have helped to determine if selection bias had been
minimised. Well described and tested blinding could have encouraged confidence in the control of performance and detection bias.
Attempts to blind control groups with sham acupuncture would
have reassured the reader that outcomes are as free from bias as
possible.
2. Specific
In only one trial was acupuncture applied according to TCM
pattern differentiation theory; all other trials used acupuncture
as a preset protocol for schizophrenia regardless of the TCM diagnosis. It might be preferable to assess the use of acupuncture
for schizophrenia by incorporating TCM pattern differentiation
into the design of clinical trials, since this distinct methodological paradigm of individualised treatment may be more effective/appropriate than using a standardised acupuncture protocol.
Acupuncture point protocols are often used within a Western diagnosis both in China and the West and how this affects outcomes
is unclear. Whichever method is chosen, the authors should report the treatment rationale in accordance with the STRICTA

(MacPherson 2001) recommendations to facilitate their evaluation. Sham acupuncture was not used as a means of minimising
the placebo effect in any of the trials.
This review highlights the need for clinical trials which evaluate
acupuncture for people with schizophrenia, with trialists employing correct methodology. Further research is essential to inform
both clinicians and patients about the effects of acupuncture in
the treatment of schizophrenia. Trial methodology should follow
both the CONSORT and STRICTA guidelines.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We would like to thank Judy Wright for the trials search, Tessa
Grant and Gill Rizzello for their editorial assistance and Clive
Adams for his advice .
REFERENCES
References to studies included in this review
References to studies excluded from this review
Gang 1997 {published data only}

Gang Z, Shu Bai J, Liang Dong Z. Comparative clinical study on
the treatment of schizophrenia with electroacupuncture and reduced
doses of antipsychotic drugs. American Journal of Acupuncture 1997;
25(1):2531. [MEDLINE: 97142925; : PMID 8988936]
Zhou G, Jin SB, Zhang LD. Comparative clinical study on the treatment of schizophrenia with electroacupuncture and reduced doses
of antipsychotic drugs. American Journal of Acupuncture 1997;25
(1):2531. [: 153rd Annual Meeting of the American Psychiatric
Association [CDROM]: MARATHON Multimedia, 2000 NR80]
Chongcheng 1985 {published data only}

Chongcheng X, Huansen X, Qingchi R, Yuande C, Dingli L. Electric
acupuncture convulsive therapy. Convulsive Therapy 1985;1(4):242
51. [MEDLINE: 94072826; : PMID 8251722]
Zhang 1987 {published data only}

Zhang LD, Tang YH, Zhu WB, Xu SH. Comparative study of
schizophrenia treatment with electroacupuncture, herbs and chlorpromazine. Chinese Medical Journal 1987;100:1527.
Zhang LD, Xu SH, Tang YH, Zhu WB. A comparative study of the
treatment of schizophrenia with electric acupuncture, herbal decoction and chlorpromazine. American Journal of Acupuncture 1990;18
(1):114. [MEDLINE: 99343121; : PMID 10416732]
Zhuge 1993 {published data only}

Zhuge DY, Chen JK. Comparison between electro-acupuncture with
chlorpromazine and chlorpromazine alone in 60 schizophrenic patients. Chung-Kuo Chung Hsi i Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1993;13(7):408
9. [MEDLINE: 94072826; : PMID 8251722]

Zhang B. A controlled study of clinical therapeutic effects of laser
acupuncture for schizophrenia. Chung Hua Shen Ching Ching Shen
Ko Tsa Chih (Chinese Journal of Neurology and Psychiatry) 1991;24
(2):81-3, 124. [MEDLINE: 91317070; : PMID 1860386]
Zhang B, Meng SR, Yu J. Clinical therapeutic effect of mentality
electroacupuncture on schizophrenia. Chinese Acupuncture and Moxibustion 1994;17(1):1720. [: MEDI9402]
Zhang Y, Shao H, Zhao X. The clinical efficacy with intelligent electro-acupuncture of treating schizophrenia with depressive symptoms.
Chinese Journal of Behavioral Medical Science 2001;10(1):445. [:
MEDI0104]
Zhong 1995 {published data only}

Zhong H, Feng X, Luo H, Jia Y, Zhao X. Comparative observation
on treatment of psychosis with electrode and electro-acupuncture
controlled by processors. World Journal Acupuncture-Moxibustion
1995;5(3):247. [: MEDI95S5]
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Alderson P, Green S, Higgins JPT. Cochrane Reviewers Handbook
4.2.2 [updated December 2003]. The Cochrane Library 2004, Issue
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UK: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.]
Altman 1996
Altman DG, Bland JM. Detecing skewness from summary information. BMJ 1996;313:1200. [: OLZ020600]
Andreasen 1982
Andreasen NC. Negative symptoms in schizophrenia. Definition
and reliability. Archives of General Psychiatry 1982;39:7848.
Bland 1997
Bland JM. Statistics notes. Trials randomised in clusters. BMJ 1997;
315:600.

Divine 1992
Divine GW, Brown JT, Frazier LM. The unit of analysis error in
studies about physicians patient care behavior. Journal of General
Internal Medicine 1992;7(6):6239.
Donner 2002
Donner A, Klar N. Issues in the meta-analysis of cluster randomized
trials. Statistics in Medicine 2002;21:297180.
Egger 1997
Egger M, Davey-Smith G, Schneider M, Minder CSO. Bias in metaanalysis detected by a simple, graphical test. BMJ 1997;13:62934.
Ernst 2001
Ernst E, A White. Prospective studies of the safety of acupuncture:
a systematic review. American Journal of Medicine 2001;110:4815.
Gulliford 1999
Gulliford MC. Components of variance and intraclass correlations
for the design of community-based surveys and intervention studies:
data from the Health Survey for England 1994. American Journal of
Epidemiology 1999;149:87683.
Guy 1970
Guy W, Bonato RR, eds. Clinical Global Impressions. In: Manual
for the ECDEU Assessment Battery 2. Rev ed. National Institute of
Mental Health, 1970.
Guy 1976
Guy W. ECDEU Assessment Manual for Psychopharmacology (DOTES:
Dosage Record and Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale). Rockville:
National Institute of Mental Health, 1976.
Hamilton 1967
Hamilton M. Development of a rating scale for primary depressive
illness. Br J Soc Clin Psychol 1967;4(Dec, 6):27896.
Higgins 2003
Higgins JP, Thompson SG, Deeks JJ, Altman DG. Measuring inconsistency in meta-analyses. BMJ 2003;327:55760.
Kaptchuk 2002
Kaptchuk TJ. Acupuncture: Theory, Efficacy, and Practice. American College of Physicians - American Society of Internal Medicine 2002;
136:37483.
MacPherson 2001
MacPherson H, White A, Cummings M, Jobst K, Rose K, Niemtzow R. Standards for reporting interventions in controlled trials
of acupuncture: the STRICTA recommendations. Complementary

Therapies in Medicine 2001;9:24649.
MacPherson 2001a
MacPherson H, Thomas K, Walters S, Fitter M. The York acupuncture safety study: prospective survey of 34 000 treatments by traditional acupuncturists. 2001 BMJ;323(Sept):4867.
Marshall 2000
Marshall M, Lockwood A, Bradley C, Adams C, Joy C, Fenton M.
Unpublished rating scales: a major source of bias in randomised
controlled trials of treatments for schizophrenia. British Journal of
Psychiatry 2000;176:24952.
Ming 2001
Translated by Zhu Ming. The Medical Classics of the Yellow Emperor.
Beijing: Foreign Language Press, 2001.
Moher 2001
Moher D, Schulz KF, Altman D. The CONSORT statement: revised
recommendations for improving the quality of reports of parallelgroup randomized trials. JAMA 2001;285:198791.
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Overall JE, Gorham DR. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale. Psychological Reports 1962;10:799812.
Ukoumunne 1999
Ukoumunne OC, Gulliford MC, Chinn S, Sterne JAC, Burney PGJ.
Methods for evaluating area-wide and organistation-based intervention in health and health care: a systematic review. Health Technology
Assessment 1999;3(5):175.
Xu 1991
Xu X. The English-Chinese Encyclopedia of Practical Traditional Chinese Medicine. Beijing: Higher Education Press, 1991.
Zhang 1996
Zhang Jizhi. Current status of integrated traditional and Western
medicine study on schizophrenia. Chinese Journal of Integrated traditional and Western medicine 1996;16(11):64345.
Zung 1965
Zung WW. A Self-Rating Depression Scale. Archives of General Psychiatry 1965;12:6370.
Indicates the major publication for the study

10
CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDIES
Characteristics of included studies [ordered by study ID]

Gang 1997
Methods
Allocation: randomised.
Blindness: single blind (raters blinded).
Duration: 6 weeks.
Design: parallel groups (with pattern differentiation).
Participants
Diagnosis: schizophrenia (DSM III; CMA); Traditional Chinese Medicine classification (Yang deficiency;
Yin deficiency; Phlegm).
History: mean length of illness 8.2 years.
N=40.
Age: mean 31.8 years.
Sex: 23 M, 17 F.
Setting: hospital.
Excluded: serious heart, liver, kidney or other somatic diseases.
Interventions
1. Electro-acupuncture and antipsychotics: dose electro-acupuncture OD (except Sundays), antipsychotics, given at reduced dose ~40% reduction of their usual medication. N=25.
2. Chlorpromazine equivalents: dose ~560 mg/day. N=15.
Main acupuncture points used:
Yintang tou xinqu
Daling (PC-7)
Neiguan (PC-6)
Taiyang (Ex-HN-5)
Supplemental points:
For yang deficiency: zuansli (ST-36)
For yin deficiency: sanyinjiao (SP-6)
For persistent phlegm: fengling (ST-40)
Electro-acupuncture frequency 180 cycles per second, pulse width 500 microseconds and current up to
60mA.
Needles: stainless steel filiform, gauge #30, length 40mm.
Outcomes
Leaving the study early.

Global state: CGI-S, CGI-I.
Mental state: BPRS.
Adverse events: TESS.
Notes
Risk of bias
Item
Authors judgement
Description

11
Gang 1997
(Continued)
Allocation concealment?
Unclear
B - Unclear
Zhang 1987
Methods
Allocation: divided into groups randomly.

Blindness: not reported.
Duration: 20 days.
Design: parallel groups (without pattern differentiation).
Participants
Diagnosis: schizophrenia.
History: mostly first admissions.
N=88.
Age: 16-51 years.
Sex: 39 M, 49 F.
Setting: hospital.
Excluded: those who showed remission of symptoms on admission.
Interventions
1. Electro-acupuncture: dose bid, ~35-50 minutes duration. N=43.

2. Chlorpromazine: dose 300-600 mg/day. N=45.
Electro-acupuncture points used:
Yi feng (SJ-17)
Ting Gong (SI 19)
Tou Nie (non meridinal points)
Cheng Ling (GB-18)
Lin Qi (GB 41)
Bai Hu (Gv 20)
Ding Shen (non meridinal points)
Needles: stainless steel, gauge 28, length 33 mm.
Outcomes

Global impression: not improved (defined as no change in symptoms).
Notes
Risk of bias
Item
Authors judgement
Description
Unclear
B - Unclear

12
Zhang 1991
Methods
Blindness: unclear.
Duration: 5 weeks.
Design: three treatment arms (without pattern differentiation).
Participants
Diagnosis: schizophrenia (DSM III; CCMD-2).

History: Mean length of illness 3 months to 22 years.
N=31.
Age: 17-55.
Sex: male and female.
Setting: hospital.
Interventions
1. Laser acupuncture and moxibustion: dose 15 minutes/6 days/week. N=11.

2. Laser acupuncture/moxibustion, plus chlorpromazine: dose 15 minutes/6 days/week, chlorpromazine
150-300 mg/day. N=10.
3. Chlorpromazine: dose 350-600 mg/day. N=10.
Points used:
Da zhui (GV 14) and shen ting (GV 24) followed by shuang tai yang on alternate days.
Laser fibre output >2 milliwatts, no further details.
Outcomes

Global state: CGI.
Adverse events: Extrapyramidal symptoms.
Unable to use Mental state: BPRS (no usable data).
Notes
Risk of bias
Item
Authors judgement
Description
Unclear
B - Unclear
Zhang 1994
Methods
Duration: 8 weeks.
Participants
Diagnosis: schizophrenia.
History: mean length of illness 10 years.
N=69.
Age: mean 37.3 years.

13
Zhang 1994
(Continued)
Sex: not reported.
Setting: hospital.
Interventions
1. Electro-acupuncture (computer controlled): dose 45 minutes/OD. N=38.

2. Antipsychotics: dose patients usual drugs and dose , chlorpromazine equivalents of ~458 mg/day (no
further details). N=31.
Points used:
Yin tang and Bai hui (Gv 20) followed by shen ting (GV 24) and ya men (GV 15) on alternate days.
Needles type and frequency used not reported.
Outcomes

Mental state: BPRS, SANS, SAPS.
Notes
Risk of bias
Item
Authors judgement
Description
Unclear
B - Unclear
Zhang 2001
Methods
Duration: 6 weeks.
Participants
Diagnosis: schizophrenia (ICD; CCMD-2).

History: duration of illness, range 7 months to 16 years.
N=42.
Age: range 17-54 years.
Sex: male and female.
Setting: hospital.
Interventions
1. Electro-acupuncture and antipsychotics: dose electro-acupuncture 45 minutes/day/Monday-Friday,

plus antipsychotics (no further details). N=22.
2. Antipsychotics: dose (no further details). N=20.
Points used:
Yin tang and Bai hui (Gv 20).
Needle type and frequency used not reported.
Outcomes
Mental state: HAMD, ZDS.

14
Zhang 2001
(Continued)
Notes
Risk of bias
Item
Authors judgement
Description
Unclear
B - Unclear
Diagnostic tools and scales:

DSM - Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
ICD 10 - International Classification of Diseases
CCMD 2-R - Chinese Classification of Mental Disorders Second Edition Revised
Global state CGI - Clinical Global Impression
Mental state BPRS - Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale
SANS - Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms
SAPS - Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms
HAMD - Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression
ZDS - Zung Depression Scale
Adverse events TESS - Treatment Emergent Symptom Scale
Characteristics of excluded studies [ordered by study ID]
Chongcheng 1985
Allocation: unclear.
Participants: people with schizophrenia.
Interventions: electro-acupuncture versus ECT.
Zhong 1995
Allocation: unclear.
Participants: people with psychosis.
Interventions: electro-acupuncture versus computerised electrode.
Zhuge 1993
Allocation: not randomised.

15
DATA AND ANALYSES
Comparison 1. ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS
Outcome or subgroup title

1 Global state: Not improved,
endpoint (short term)
2 Behaviour: Leaving the study
early (short term)
3 Adverse events: Extrapyramidal
symptoms (short term)
No. of
studies
No. of
participants
109
Risk Ratio (M-H, Fixed, 95% CI)
1.05 [0.68, 1.64]
109
Not estimable
21
0.05 [0.00, 0.83]
Statistical method
Effect size
Comparison 2. ACUPUNCTURE plus ANTIPSYCHOTICS versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS
Outcome or subgroup title

1 Global state: 1. Not improved,
2 Global state: 2. CGI - severity of
illness, endpoint (short term,
high score=worse)
3 Global state: 3. CGI - global
improvement, endpoint (short
term, skewed data)
4 Behaviour: Leaving the study
early (short term)
5 Mental state: 1. BPRS, not
improved </=20% reduction at
6 Mental state: 2. BPRS, endpoint
(short term, high score=worse)
7 Mental state: 3. SANS, endpoint
(high score=worse, skewed
data)
8 Mental state: 3. SAPS, endpoint
(high score=worse, skewed
data)
9 Mental state: 4. HAMD, not
improved <25% reduction at
10 Mental state: 5. HAMD,
endpoint (short term, high
score=worse)
No. of
studies
No. of
participants
20
0.8 [0.30, 2.13]
40
Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)
-0.40 [-1.08, 0.28]
Other data
No numeric data
Statistical method
Effect size
171
Not estimable
40
0.9 [0.30, 2.68]
109
-4.31 [-7.04, -1.58]
Other data
No numeric data
Other data
No numeric data
42
0.17 [0.06, 0.50]
42
-10.41 [-12.81, 8.01]

16
11 Mental state: 6. ZDS, endpoint,

(short term, high score=worse)
12 Adverse events: 1. TESS,
endpoint (short term, high
score=worse)
13 Adverse events: 2.
Extrapyramidal symptoms
(short term)
42
40
-24.25 [-28.01, 20.49]

-0.5 [-0.86, -0.14]
20
0.88 [0.53, 1.46]
Analysis 1.1. Comparison 1 ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS, Outcome 1 Global state: Not
improved, endpoint (short term).
Review:
Comparison: 1 ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS

Outcome: 1 Global state: Not improved, endpoint (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
Control
n/N
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Zhang 1987
16/43
17/45
76.0 %
0.98 [ 0.57, 1.69 ]
Zhang 1991
7/11
5/10
24.0 %
1.27 [ 0.59, 2.73 ]
54
55
100.0 %
1.05 [ 0.68, 1.64 ]
Total (95% CI)
Total events: 23 (Treatment), 22 (Control)

Heterogeneity: Chi2 = 0.29, df = 1 (P = 0.59); I2 =0.0%
Test for overall effect: Z = 0.23 (P = 0.82)
0.1 0.2
0.5 1.0 2.0
Favours treatment
5.0 10.0
Favours control

17
Analysis 1.2. Comparison 1 ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS, Outcome 2 Behaviour: Leaving

the study early (short term).
Review:

Outcome: 2 Behaviour: Leaving the study early (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
Control
n/N
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Zhang 1987
0/43
0/45
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
Zhang 1991
0/11
0/10
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
54
55
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
Total (95% CI)

Heterogeneity: Chi2 = 0.0, df = 0 (P<0.00001); I2 =0.0%

Test for overall effect: Z = 0.0 (P < 0.00001)
0.1 0.2
0.5 1.0 2.0
Favours treatment
5.0 10.0
Favours control
Analysis 1.3. Comparison 1 ACUPUNCTURE versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS, Outcome 3 Adverse events:

Extrapyramidal symptoms (short term).
Review:

Outcome: 3 Adverse events: Extrapyramidal symptoms (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
n/N
Zhang 1991
Total (95% CI)
Control
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
0/11
8/10
100.0 %
0.05 [ 0.00, 0.83 ]
11
10
100.0 %
0.05 [ 0.00, 0.83 ]

Heterogeneity: not applicable
0.0010
0.1
Favours treatment
1.0 10.0
1000.0
Favours control

18
Analysis 2.1. Comparison 2 ACUPUNCTURE plus ANTIPSYCHOTICS versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS,

Outcome 1 Global state: 1. Not improved, endpoint (short term).
Review:
Comparison: 2 ACUPUNCTURE plus ANTIPSYCHOTICS versus ANTIPSYCHOTICS

Outcome: 1 Global state: 1. Not improved, endpoint (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
Control
n/N
Zhang 1991
Total (95% CI)
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
4/10
5/10
100.0 %
0.80 [ 0.30, 2.13 ]
10
10
100.0 %
0.80 [ 0.30, 2.13 ]

0.1 0.2
0.5 1.0 2.0
Favours treatment
5.0 10.0
Favours control

Outcome 2 Global state: 2. CGI - severity of illness, endpoint (short term, high score=worse).
Review:

Outcome: 2 Global state: 2. CGI - severity of illness, endpoint (short term, high score=worse)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
N
Gang 1997
Total (95% CI)
Control
Mean(SD)
25
25
4.6 (1)
N
15
Mean Difference
Mean(SD)
Weight
IV,Fixed,95% CI
Mean Difference
IV,Fixed,95% CI
5 (1.1)
15
100.0 %
-0.40 [ -1.08, 0.28 ]
100.0 %
-0.40 [ -1.08, 0.28 ]

-1
-0.5
Favours treatment

0.5
Favours control
19

Outcome 3 Global state: 3. CGI - global improvement, endpoint (short term, skewed data).
Global state: 3. CGI - global improvement, endpoint (short term, skewed data)
Gang 1997
1. Electro-acupuncture ver- 2.2

sus antipsychotics.
1.1
25
Gang 1997
2. Antipsychotics
1.3
15
2.3

Outcome 4 Behaviour: Leaving the study early (short term).
Review:

Outcome: 4 Behaviour: Leaving the study early (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
n/N
Control
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Gang 1997
0/25
0/15
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
Zhang 1991
0/10
0/10
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
Zhang 1994
0/38
0/31
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
Zhang 2001
0/22
0/20
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
95
76
0.0 %
0.0 [ 0.0, 0.0 ]
Total (95% CI)

Heterogeneity: Chi2 = 0.0, df = 0 (P<0.00001); I2 =0.0%

0.1 0.2
0.5 1.0 2.0
Favours treatment
5.0 10.0
Favours control

20

Outcome 5 Mental state: 1. BPRS, not improved </=20% reduction at endpoint (short term).
Review:

Outcome: 5 Mental state: 1. BPRS, not improved </=20% reduction at endpoint (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
Control
n/N
Gang 1997
Total (95% CI)
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
6/25
4/15
100.0 %
0.90 [ 0.30, 2.68 ]
25
15
100.0 %
0.90 [ 0.30, 2.68 ]

0.1 0.2
0.5 1.0 2.0
Favours treatment
5.0 10.0
Favours control

Outcome 6 Mental state: 2. BPRS, endpoint (short term, high score=worse).
Review:

Outcome: 6 Mental state: 2. BPRS, endpoint (short term, high score=worse)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
N
Control
Mean(SD)
Mean Difference
Mean(SD)
Weight
IV,Fixed,95% CI
Mean Difference
IV,Fixed,95% CI
Gang 1997
25
26.1 (6.2)
15
30.6 (8.3)
31.6 %
-4.50 [ -9.35, 0.35 ]
Zhang 1994
38
26.03 (6.44)
31
30.25 (7.34)
68.4 %
-4.22 [ -7.52, -0.92 ]
100.0 %
-4.31 [ -7.04, -1.58 ]
Total (95% CI)
63
46
Heterogeneity: Chi2 = 0.01, df = 1 (P = 0.93); I2 =0.0%

-10
-5
Favours treatment

10
Favours control
21

Outcome 7 Mental state: 3. SANS, endpoint (high score=worse, skewed data).
Mental state: 3. SANS, endpoint (high score=worse, skewed data)
Zhang 1994
1. Electro-acupuncture plus 24.97

antipsychotics.
20.86
38
Zhang 1994
2. Antipsychotics.
16.02
31
37.20

Outcome 8 Mental state: 3. SAPS, endpoint (high score=worse, skewed data).
Mental state: 3. SAPS, endpoint (high score=worse, skewed data)
Zhang 1994
1. Electro-acupuncture plus 6.71

antipsychotics
6.15
38
Zhang 1994
2. Antipsychotics
6.95
31
10.65

Outcome 9 Mental state: 4. HAMD, not improved <25% reduction at endpoint (short term).
Review:

Outcome: 9 Mental state: 4. HAMD, not improved <25% reduction at endpoint (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
n/N
Zhang 2001
Total (95% CI)
Control
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
3/22
16/20
100.0 %
0.17 [ 0.06, 0.50 ]
22
20
100.0 %
0.17 [ 0.06, 0.50 ]

0.01
0.1
Favours treatment
1.0
10.0
100.0
Favours control

22

Outcome 10 Mental state: 5. HAMD, endpoint (short term, high score=worse).
Review:

Outcome: 10 Mental state: 5. HAMD, endpoint (short term, high score=worse)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
N
Zhang 2001
22
Total (95% CI)
Control
Mean(SD)
12.09 (3.88)
22
20
Mean Difference
Mean(SD)
Weight
IV,Fixed,95% CI
Mean Difference
IV,Fixed,95% CI
22.5 (4.05)
20
100.0 %
-10.41 [ -12.81, -8.01 ]
100.0 %
-10.41 [ -12.81, -8.01 ]

-100
-50
Favours treatment
50
100
Favours control

Outcome 11 Mental state: 6. ZDS, endpoint, (short term, high score=worse).
Review:

Outcome: 11 Mental state: 6. ZDS, endpoint, (short term, high score=worse)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
N
Zhang 2001
Total (95% CI)
Control
Mean(SD)
22
34.5 (6.39)
22
N
20
Mean Difference
Mean(SD)
Weight
IV,Fixed,95% CI
Mean Difference
IV,Fixed,95% CI
58.75 (6.04)
20
100.0 %
-24.25 [ -28.01, -20.49 ]
100.0 %
-24.25 [ -28.01, -20.49 ]

-100
-50
Favours treatment

50
100
Favours control
23

Outcome 12 Adverse events: 1. TESS, endpoint (short term, high score=worse).
Review:

Outcome: 12 Adverse events: 1. TESS, endpoint (short term, high score=worse)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
Control
N
Gang 1997
Total (95% CI)
Mean(SD)
25
1.4 (0.5)
25
15
Mean Difference
Mean(SD)
Weight
IV,Fixed,95% CI
Mean Difference
IV,Fixed,95% CI
1.9 (0.6)
15
100.0 %
-0.50 [ -0.86, -0.14 ]
100.0 %
-0.50 [ -0.86, -0.14 ]

-1
-0.5
Favours treatment
0.5
Favours control

Outcome 13 Adverse events: 2. Extrapyramidal symptoms (short term).
Review:

Outcome: 13 Adverse events: 2. Extrapyramidal symptoms (short term)
Study or subgroup
Treatment
n/N
Zhang 1991
Total (95% CI)
Control
Risk Ratio
n/N
Weight
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
Risk Ratio
M-H,Fixed,95% CI
7/10
8/10
100.0 %
0.88 [ 0.53, 1.46 ]
10
10
100.0 %
0.88 [ 0.53, 1.46 ]

0.1 0.2
0.5 1.0 2.0
Favours treatment
5.0 10.0
Favours control

24
WHATS NEW
Last assessed as up-to-date: 4 July 2005.
13 November 2008
Amended
CSG Data Extraction Tag added
HISTORY
Protocol first published: Issue 4, 2005
Review first published: Issue 4, 2005
23 April 2008
Amended
Converted to new review format.
5 July 2005
New citation required and conclusions have changed
Substantive amendment
CONTRIBUTIONS OF AUTHORS
John Rathbone - wrote the protocol, selected studies, data extracted, assimilated data and wrote the final report.
Jun Xia - selected studies, data extracted, translated text and contacted
authors.
DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST
John Rathbone - none known.
Jun Xia - none known.
INDEX TERMS
Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
Acupuncture Therapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Schizophrenia [ therapy]

25
MeSH check words

Humans

26

Acupuncture For Schizophrenia

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Acupuncture for schizophrenia (Review)