Inclusion of Acupuncture as an Adjunct Therapy in the Management of a Patient With Schizophrenia and Dissociative Identity Disorder: A Case Report

Abstract

Objective

The purpose of this case report is to describe the inclusion of acupuncture in the management of a patient with schizophrenia and dissociative identity disorder (DID).

Clinical Features

A 68-year-old man presented with schizophrenia and DID, which had been diagnosed at age 25. The patient was currently under psychiatric care and prescribed antipsychotic medications and psychiatric counseling. His predominant symptoms were anxiety, paranoia, and irritability. In addition, 2 to 5 personas manifested over the years that he referred to as the “Others.” A Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale was 81 out of 126 on his first visit.

Intervention and Outcome

Traditional Chinese medicine–style acupuncture was administered. Over the year, the severity of the patient's symptoms was reduced according to the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale to 56 and was maintained between 55 and 61 for 6 months.

Conclusion

Acupuncture included as an adjunct therapy to antipsychotic medication and psychiatric counseling may have reduced the severity of symptoms associated with schizophrenia and DID for this patient.