Auricular Acupressure Combined With Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Nicotine Craving and Withdrawal in Psychiatric Inpatients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the combined use of auricular acupressure (ear seeds) and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among psychiatric inpatients aged 18 to 65 who are required to abstain from smoking due to a smoke-free hospital environment. The study aims to determine if auricular acupressure can reduce nicotine withdrawal symptoms, craving, and anxiety compared to standard care with NRT alone. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either active or sham auricular acupressure alongside their NRT treatment. Participants will all receive standard NRT prescribed by their psychiatrists, including nicotine patches or gum at doses tailored to their nicotine dependence level. The experimental group will have Vaccaria seeds applied to five specific ear acupuncture points, while the control group will receive sham patches without seeds. Both groups will press the ear patches three times daily for four weeks, with weekly replacement of the patches to maintain hygiene and adhesion. During the study, participants will complete assessments measuring craving, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and anxiety levels at baseline, day 14, and day 28. Heart rate variability will also be monitored to assess autonomic nervous system function. The research team will closely track adherence and any changes in symptoms throughout the 28-day intervention period to evaluate the potential benefits of adding auricular acupressure to standard nicotine replacement therapy.

Auricular Stimulation for Nicotine Withdrawal in Psychiatric Inpatients