The Influence of Psychological Status on Acupuncture for Postprandial Distress Syndrome: A Subgroup Analysis of a Multicenter, Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND: Postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) is accompanied by a high incidence of mood disorder. Acupuncture is an effective method in relieving dyspepsia symptoms; however, the impact of psychological status on acupuncture for PDS remains mysterious. METHODS: This secondary analysis of a multicenter, randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the influence of anxiety and depression on acupuncture for PDS. 138 patients received the same acupuncture treatment and were followed up until week 16. The 2 primary outcomes were the response rate based on overall treatment effect and the elimination rate of all 3 cardinal symptoms after 4 weeks of treatment. RESULTS: Of 114 patients, 31 were anxiety patients and 83 were nonanxiety patients or 32 were depressive patients and 82 were nondepressive patients. The response rate and elimination rate at week 4 were 77.4% and 9.7% in anxiety patients versus 84.3% and 27.7% in nonanxiety patients, respectively (P = 0.388; P = 0.041). No significant difference was noted in the response rate (P = 0.552) and elimination rate (P = 0.254) at week 4 between nondepressive and depressive patients. There was no significant intergroup difference in the response rate and elimination rate between non-mood-disorder and mood disorder patients (P > 0.05) during the 12-week post-treatment follow-up, except for the response rate at week 8 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The effect of acupuncture on response rate was similar for both non-mood-disorder and mood disorder patients. However, anxiety but not depression had a negative influence on the elimination rate, especially in postprandial fullness.