Objective

To observe, adopting randomized controlled method, the therapeutic effect of electroacupuncture (EA) combined with psychologic interference in patients with internet addiction disorder (IAD).

Methods

Forty-seven patients with IAD were assigned to two groups treated respectively with psychotherapy alone (A, 23 cases) and EA plus psychotherapy (B, 24 cases). The psychotherapy was conducted by cognition and behavior method, once every 4 days, for 10 times totally. EA was applied at acupoints Baihui, Sishencong, Hegu, Taichong, Neiguan, Sanyinjiao, etc. once every other day, for 20 times. Changes of scoring by IAD self-rating scale (ISS), anxiety self-rating scale (SAS), self-rating depressive scale (SDS), Hamilton depression scale (HAMD), Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) and self-rating sub-health scale (SRSHS) before and after treatment were observed.

Results

The total effective rate was 91.3% (21/23) in Group B, better than that (59.1%, 13/22) in Group A. By the end of this study, all scores in Group B, except HAMD, were significantly lower than those in Group A respectively, i.e., for IAD, 33.20 +/- 4.53 vs. 44.00 +/- 5.81; for SAS, 30.90 +/- 6.30 vs. 39.60 +/- 5.80; for SDS, 35.38 +/- 4.59 vs. 39.60 +/- 6.33; for HAMA, 7.50 +/- 2.54 vs. 12.70 +/- 3.68; for SRSHS, 39.60 +/- 5.66 vs. 48.40 +/- 6.91, showing statistical significances (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Using psychologic interference alone or combined with EA can significantly reduce the ISS score and significantly reduce anxiety and improve self-conscious health status in patients with IAD, but the effect obtained by the combined therapy is better.