Objective

2

To observe the clinical efficacy of heat-sensitive moxibustion robot for improving the depressive state of methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal period.

Methods

2

A total of 60 patients with methamphetamine addiction accompanied with depressive state were randomly divided into an observation group (40 cases

4 cases dropped out) and a control group (20 cases

2 cases dropped out). The control group received routine health education and addiction treatment in compulsory isolation drug rehabilitation center. On the basis of the treatment in the control group

in the observation group

the heat-sensitive moxibustion robot was used to locate sensitive points at the Shenque (CV8) and Danzhong (CV17)

and dual-point sparrow-pecking moxibustion was delivered for 60 min per session. The moxibustion therapy was performed 4 times in the 1st week

3 times in the 2nd and 3rd weeks respectively

and 2 times in the 4th week

for 12 times totally. The scores of Hamilton depression scale (HAMD)

self-rating depression scale (SDS)

visual analogue scale (VAS) for drug craving

Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA)

self-rating anxiety scale (SAS)

and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) were observed before treatment

at the end of the 2nd and 4th weeks of treatment

and 4 weeks after the treatment completion (follow-up) in the two groups.

Results

2

At each time point after treatment

in the observation group

the HAMD

VAS

HAMA and PSQI scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.01

P

<

0.001); at the end of the 4th week of treatment and in follow-up

the SDS and SAS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment (

P

<

0.001

P

<

0.01). Compared before treatment

there were no significant differences in the above scores at each time point after treatment in the control group (

P

>

0.05). In the observation group

at each time point after treatment

the HAMD and VAS scores were lower than those in the control group (

P

<

0.01

P

<

0.001

P

<

0.05); at the end of the 4th week of treatment and in follow-up

the SDS and HAMA scores were lower than those in the control group (

P

<

0.05

P

<

0.001); at the end of the 4th week of treatment

the PSQI score was lower than that in the control group (

P

<

0.01).

Conclusion

2

Heat-sensitive moxibustion robot effectively improves depression

anxiety and sleep quality

and reduces drug craving in methamphetamine addicts during withdrawal period.