Acupuncture for Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Area of Science:

• Integrative Medicine
• Clinical Psychology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Anxiety disorders are prevalent, impacting millions globally.
• Current treatments have limitations and side effects.
• Acupuncture is a traditional therapy with potential anxiolytic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture's efficacy for anxiety.
• To synthesize evidence comparing manual acupuncture (MA) to sham acupuncture (SA) and usual care/waitlist control (UC/WLC).

Main Methods:

• Searched six databases for RCTs published up to January 22, 2025.
• Included studies with anxiety complications, assessing anxiety as the primary outcome.
• Calculated standardized mean differences (SMDs) using a random-effects model and assessed risk of bias.

Main Results:

• Twenty RCTs (1462 participants) showed MA significantly reduced anxiety post-treatment versus SA (SMD=-1.06) and UC/WLC (SMD=-1.35).
• Effects were sustained at follow-up versus SA (SMD=-0.78) but not UC/WLC (SMD=-0.60).
• Most studies had low risk of bias; 79 mild adverse events were reported, with no severe events.

Conclusions:

• Manual acupuncture is effective for short-term anxiety reduction.
• Sustained effects were observed compared to sham acupuncture, but not usual care.
• Acupuncture is a safe, minimally invasive option for anxiety, warranting further research on long-term efficacy and standardized methods.