Shiatsu Adjuvant Therapy And Placebo For Schizophrenia

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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In the current study we will study the effect of adding acupressure (shiatsu) to conventional therapy in treating individuals with schizophrenia.

Detailed Description
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Acupressure, also known as shiatsu, is a holistic form of medicine originating in Japan but now widely practiced throughout the world. The theory is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), which sees meridians of life force (chi) running through the body, and aims to optimize health through manipulating the body into maximal alignment. We are proposing a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial to examine the efficacy of acupressure as adjuvant therapy added to antipsychotics in the treatment of patients with schizophrenia. The goals of this study are twofold: To assess through the highest standards of empirical research whether acupressure can benefit patients with schizophrenia. To furnish data relevant to the possible physiological mechanisms by which acupressure may produce a therapeutic effect.

Official Title
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Shiatsu Adjuvant Therapy And Placebo For Schizophrenia:a Double Blind Study

Conditions
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Schizophrenia

Intervention / Treatment
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* Behavioral: Acupressure adjuvant therapy


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder Ages 18 and over Clinical status stable, as reflected by changes in Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) (Overall & Gorham, 1961) of less than 20% during a one month period prior to randomization, and at least one month of drug treatment without change of anti-psychotic drug or dosage. Ability to cooperate with 40-minute sessions Exclusion Criteria: Unstable general medical conditions Active bone fracture or other orthopedic problem Skin condition that renders treatment unsafe or painful Active infection in skin or soft tissues, such as cellulitis Solid tissue malignancy

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 18 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Acupressure<br>Acupressure adjuvant therapy | Behavioral: Acupressure adjuvant therapy<br>* Acupressure provided in 40-minute sessions, twice a week for 4 weeks. For placebo acupressure, different meridian points will be used.<br>* Other names: Shiatsu;|
| Placebo Comparator: Placebo acupressure<br>Sham acupressure adjuvant therapy | Behavioral: Acupressure adjuvant therapy<br>* Acupressure provided in 40-minute sessions, twice a week for 4 weeks. For placebo acupressure, different meridian points will be used.<br>* Other names: Shiatsu;|
| No Intervention: No treatment<br>Wait list group (no treatment) | |

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS) |  | 16 weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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Acupressure, Shiatsu, Schizophrenia