Nantou City

Researchers are evaluating the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of combining auricular acupressure with standard nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in psychiatric inpatients aged 18 to 65 who must abstain from smoking due to smoke-free hospital wards. The study aims to find out if auricular acupressure reduces nicotine withdrawal symptoms, craving, and anxiety better than standard care alone. Participants include both males and females diagnosed with mental disorders who have a recent history of daily smoking and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms during their inpatient stay. Participants will all receive standard NRT as prescribed by their psychiatrists, which may include nicotine patches or gum with doses tailored to their dependence level. They will be randomly assigned to either an experimental group receiving active auricular acupressure with Vaccaria seeds on five specific ear acupuncture points or a control group receiving sham acupressure with placebo patches on the same points. The intervention lasts 28 days, with participants pressing the beads 3 times daily or more if cravings occur. Ear patches will be replaced weekly to maintain hygiene and effectiveness. During the study, participants will complete standardized assessments measuring nicotine withdrawal symptoms, anxiety levels, and craving at baseline, day 14, and day 28. The researchers will monitor these outcomes to evaluate the intervention's impact. Participation involves adherence to NRT, daily acupressure stimulation, and completing questionnaires to track symptom changes over the four-week period.

Residents of nursing homes with chronic mental illness often face loneliness, depression, anxiety, and cognitive challenges. This research evaluates cranial microcurrent stimulation (CES) as a device-based treatment aimed at improving cognition, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in these patients to enhance their overall quality of life. The study includes patients with a minimum cognitive function level and education, focusing on those who can express themselves and consent to participate. Participants receive CES treatment five times a week for 40 minutes per session. The study is conducted at a psychiatric center with 92 participants randomly assigned to groups. Before starting CES, participants complete a 30-minute questionnaire, and the same questionnaire is repeated after treatment and again at a 3-month follow-up to track changes over time. Discomfort during CES is monitored closely, with immediate stoppage and evaluation if symptoms like dizziness or skin irritation occur. Throughout the study, participants complete questionnaires assessing cognition, anxiety, depression, and sleep from enrollment until the end of the 12-week treatment. Researchers ensure confidentiality by coding personal data. Participants who complete the study receive a gift voucher as appreciation. The total study duration includes treatment and follow-up to monitor lasting effects and safety.