Observation on Curative Effect of Scalp Point Acupuncture Combined with Intensive Training for Autism Spectrum Disorder in Children and Its Effect on Serum 5-HT and BDNF
Abstract : Objective : To observe the effect of the therapy of scalp point acupuncture combined with intensive training on core symptoms, serum 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Methods:A total of 102 ASD children were divided into the control group and the treatment group according to the random number table method, with 51 cases in each group. The control group was treated with routine intensive training, and the treatment group was additionally treated with scalp point acupuncture based on the treatment of the control group. The scores of Autism Behavior Checklist (ABC), Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) and Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (PSI-SF), and the levels of serum 5-HT and BDNF were compared before and after treatment between the two groups. Results:After treatment,the scores of ABC,CARS and ATEC in the two groups were decreased when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05),and the above three scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment,the scores of sensory,relating,body and object use, language and social and self-care in ABC index in the two groups were decreased when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above five scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the total PSI-SF scores, and scores of parental distress, parent-child dysfunctional interaction and difficult child in the two groups were decreased when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the above four scores in the treatment group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). After treatment, the serum 5-HT levels in the two groups were decreased when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05),and the serum BDNF levels were increased when compared with those before treatment (P<0.05); the serum 5-HT level in the treatment group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05),and the serum BDNF level was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Conclusion: The therapy of scalp point acupuncture combined with intensive training can effectively regulate the levels of 5-HT and BDNF, improve the core symptoms of ASD children,reduce the parental pressure and enhance the overall curative effect.