Treatment for Persistent Somatoform Pain Disorder via Electroacupuncture and a Low Dosage of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride.

contextThe clinical treatment of somatoform pain disorder (SPD) commonly combines antianxiety and antidepressant medication with pain medication, yet the method often entails a lengthy treatment, with uncertain outcomes, and, on occasion, significant side effects. Acupuncture can activate a patient's own pain control system, stimulate blood flow, repair the physical damage of emotional distress, reduce pain, lift mood, and boost the immune system.

objectiveThe study intended to evaluate the benefits of adding a small dosage of fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) to electroacupuncture treatment in the treatment of SPD.

designThe research team performed an observational study.

settingThe study took place at the 181st Hospital of the Chinese People's Liberation Army (Guilin, China). Participants: Participants were 64 patients who had been diagnosed with persistent SPD and who were being treated at the hospital.

interventionParticipants received electroacupuncture treatment in 2 sets of points applied in 40-min sessions on alternating days, for 6 d of continuous treatment per wk, up to 8 wk. Participants were additionally treated with individualized points particular to each person's pain location. Participants also took 20 mg/d of fluoxetine hydrochloride for 8 wk. OUTCOME MEASURES: At baseline and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 wk of treatment, patients' degrees of pain, states of mind, and experiences of side effects were evaluated through the short-form McGill pain questionnaire.

resultsWith regard to patients who had had trouble controlling chronic somatoform pain, the treatment with electroacupuncture to spots on the head, abdomen, waist, back, and sacrum, in conjunction with a light dosage of fluoxetine hydrochloride, showed reductions in pain, minimal side effects, and a low risk of relapse.

conclusionsElectroacupuncture, combined with a low dosage of fluoxetine hydrochloride, could be a beneficial treatment for chronic SPD. It avoids the risk of significant side effects from long-term ingestion of antianxiety and antidepressant medications, and the current research team has observed that it provides a relatively low likelihood of relapse. For patients with a history of untreatable persistent somatoform pain while using prescribed antianxiety and antidepression medication, the results can be rather satisfactory. It is hoped that these observations will direct further clinical research.