[Auricular thumbtack needle combined with behavioral therapy for female patients with mild to moderate overactive bladder accompanied by anxiety symptoms: a randomized controlled trial].

Researchers in China studied whether auricular acupuncture (ear acupuncture with tiny tack needles) combined with behavioral therapy could help women with overactive bladder and anxiety symptoms. The study included 118 women with mild to moderate overactive bladder who also experienced anxiety. Half received behavioral therapy alone, while the other half received behavioral therapy plus auricular acupuncture using thumbtack needles placed at four ear points: heart, liver, kidney, and bladder. The needles were replaced every 3-4 days, alternating between ears, for six weeks. The results showed significant improvements in the acupuncture group. Women receiving ear acupuncture experienced greater reductions in anxiety, depression, and sleep problems compared to behavioral therapy alone. Their overactive bladder symptoms improved more, including fewer nighttime bathroom trips and better bladder function. Quality of life scores also improved more dramatically. Blood tests revealed increased levels of serotonin (a brain chemical that regulates mood and bladder function) in the acupuncture group. The overall effectiveness rate was 96% for the combined treatment versus 81% for behavioral therapy alone, and the treatment was reported as safe. The researchers believe the ear acupuncture works by stimulating the vagus nerve, which helps regulate both mood and bladder control. This suggests that adding auricular acupuncture to standard behavioral approaches may offer meaningful benefits for women struggling with both bladder symptoms and anxiety. If considering this treatment, seek a licensed acupuncturist trained in auricular therapy techniques.

This randomized controlled trial evaluated auricular thumbtack needle therapy combined with behavioral therapy in 118 female patients with mild to moderate overactive bladder (OAB) and anxiety symptoms. The experimental group (n=49 completed) received auricular acupuncture at CO15 (heart), CO12 (liver), CO10 (kidney), and CO9 (bladder) with needle replacement every 3-4 days, alternating ears, plus behavioral therapy for 6 weeks. Controls (n=57 completed) received behavioral therapy alone. The combined therapy group demonstrated statistically significant improvements across all measured parameters: OABSS, HAMA, OAB-q, PSQI, HAMD, and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.05) at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. At 6 weeks, nocturia frequency decreased while MFR, MCC, and serum 5-HT levels increased significantly compared to controls (P<0.05). Total effectiveness rate was 95.92% versus 80.70% in controls (P<0.05). The mechanism is theorized to involve vagal nerve stimulation. Clinical takeaway: Auricular acupuncture may provide an effective, safe adjunct to behavioral therapy for OAB with comorbid anxiety.