Acupuncture for Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia: a Case Report.

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Neurology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Panic disorder (PD) with agoraphobia significantly impacts quality of life.
• Patients often avoid conventional treatments like psychotropic medications.
• Alternative therapies are sought for managing PD symptoms.

Observation:

• A 38-year-old woman with severe PD and agoraphobia presented with recurrent panic attacks.
• She had a history of avoiding psychiatric consultations due to medication concerns.
• Symptoms began in her late teens.

Findings:

• Acupuncture treatment led to a significant reduction in PD severity, as measured by the Panic Disorder Severity Scale (PDSS).
• The patient's PDSS score decreased from 21 to 12 within six visits.
• Frequency and intensity of panic attacks diminished, alongside improved confidence in public spaces.

Implications:

• This case suggests acupuncture is a viable non-pharmacological treatment for panic disorder with agoraphobia.
• The study highlights the potential of acupuncture in managing anxiety disorders.
• Further research is warranted to validate these findings in larger populations.