Review of Acupuncture for Schizophrenia

Abstract

There is a paucity of scientific data on the use of acupuncture or low-power laser treatment in schizophrenia. The authors have conducted a literature search, identifying eight papers on the subject: all were significantly flawed, most seriously so. The papers suggest that acupuncture and low-power laser treatment may be as effective as chlorpromazine in schizophrenia. However no scientifically sound conclusions can be drawn. Better designed research is required before acupuncture can be considered a suitable treatment for schizophrenia.