Influence of Psychological Factors in Primary Dysmenorrhea Patients on : a Secondary Analysis of a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: , the needling sensation, is important in acupuncture treatment. Almost all studies believe that deep needling and manipulation could achieve a significant sensation. However, relatively few studies have examined the effect of psychological factors on , and those that did often reached different conclusions.

Objectives: To explore the influence of psychologic factors on in patients with primary dysmenorrhea (PD).

Methods: Sixty-eight PD patients with cold and dampness stagnation were randomly allocated to (deep insertion using thick needles, with manipulation, n=17) and non- groups (shallow insertion using thin needles, without manipulation, n=51). Both groups received bilateral needling at (SP6) for 30 min. was assessed using the Acupuncture Clinical Assessment Scale (ADCAS). The patients' acupuncture-related anxiety and their expectations of the relationship between needle sensation and curative effect were evaluated using a five-point and four-point scale, respectively.

Results: Within the group, all patients experienced the sensation, although anxiety levels were unrelated to . Patients' expectations correlated negatively with timing, and positively with electric sensation. Within the non- group, 59.5% of patients experienced . Between those who experienced it and those who did not, no significant differences were found in anxiety levels, although patients' expectations differed significantly. Among patients who experienced sensations in the non- group, anxiety and throbbing were positively correlated. Additionally, patients' expectations correlated positively with intensity, as well as coldness, and numbness.

Conclusion: Psychological factors should be considered when studying since PD patients' expectations could influence the sensation at SP6.