This presentation will compare preliminary results from the first two European studies being carried out on acupuncture and schizophrenia, one in the UK and one in Germany. Statistical comment will be made on comparable study outcomes and there will be discussion on the methodological successes and challenges of the studies. Implications for future research on acupuncture on acupuncture and schizophrenia in European mental health settings will be explored.

Both studies are using a case study approach, incorporating a wide range of methods, in order to explore the possible effects that acupuncture may have on schizophrenia. Amongst the methods used to explore the possible effect that acupuncture might have, both studies are using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI).

The intervention phase of both studies is currently underway. First results of the PANSS and the PSQI will be presented.

These are the first attempts to carry out research on the possibility of acupuncture as a treatment or an adjunct treatment for schizophrenia in Europe. It is hoped that these results will indicate the way forward in terms of analysis of the remainder of the outcomes of the study and there will be some indication for the possibility for future research in this area.