OBJECTIVETo compare the efficacy differences in the treatment of somatoform pain disorder between resuscitation and tranquilization acupuncture technique and oral administration of deanxit.

METHODSForty cases of somatoform pain disorder (complicated with mild and moderate depression) were randomized into an acupuncture group and a western medication group, 20 cases in each one. In the acupuncture group. acupuncture was applied to Shenting (GV 24). Shuigou (V 26). Sishencong (EX HN I) to Baihui ((V 20) (penetrating technique). Feng-chi (GB 20). etc. The treatment was given once every day. 6 times a week. In the western medication group. the anti depression drug. deanxit was prescribed for oral administration, 1 tablet in every morning and lunchtime each day. In 8 weeks of continuous treatment, the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Hamilton depression scale 17 items (HAMD) were used to evaluate the efficacy in the patients of the two groups, the adverse reactions were observed and the recurrence rate was followed up in 3 months.

RESULTSAfter treatment. VAS and HIIAMD scores were all apparently reduced as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0.05). The reducing amplitude of VAS score in the acupuncture group was greater than that in the western medication group (P<0.05) and that of HAM) score was not different significantly as compared with that in the western mnedica tion group (P > 0.05). There was no adverse reaction in the acupuncture group and were 3 cases as dizziness, trembling. dry mouth and constipation in the western medication group. The curative and remarkably effective rate was 50.0 (10(20)) in the acupuncture group, better than 15.0% (3/20) in the western medication group (P<0.05). The recurrence rate was 10.0 (2/20) in the acupuncture group. lower than 35.0% (7/20) in the western medication group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONThe resuscitation and tranquilization acupuncture technique achieves the definite efficacy on somatoform pain disorder, relieves depression symptoms of patients, especially pain and reduces adverse reactions and recurrence rate. The effects of this therapy are advanced as compared with deanxit.