The Efficacy of Auricular Acupressure Combined With Nicotine Replacement Therapy on Nicotine Craving, Withdrawal Symptoms and Anxiety Levels in Psychiatric Inpatients: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

This article focuses on clinical trial NCT07466875, which investigates the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of combining auricular acupressure (ear seeds) with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to alleviate nicotine withdrawal symptoms, cravings, and anxiety in psychiatric inpatients aged 18 to 65 who must abstain from smoking due to smoke-free hospital policies. Conducted by TsaoTun Psychiatric Center in Taiwan, the randomized, triple-masked trial compares an experimental group receiving active auricular acupressure plus NRT to a control group receiving sham acupressure plus NRT over a 28-day period, with assessments using standardized scales including the Minnesota Tobacco Withdrawal Scale (MNWS) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA). The study aims to determine whether auricular acupressure provides additional relief beyond standard NRT in managing nicotine dependence and withdrawal in this clinical population. Recruitment is planned for 60 participants, with primary completion expected by July 31, 2027. [Extracted from the article]