[Efficacy of acupressure therapy in combined treatment of psycho-autonomic neurotic disorders in children].
: The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture in combined treatment of psychoautonomic neurotic disorders in children. 163 children, mean age 12.5 years, were included in the study. Autonomic dysfunction score, clinoorthostatic test, sinocarotid test and heart rate variability analysis were used to assess the efficacy of different therapeutic strategies applied: complex (acupuncture + conventional drug treatment)--group 1; acupuncture treatment--group 2, and conventional drug treatment--group 3. After 2 months of treatment, a reduction of autonomic dysfunction score and an increase of percentage of patients with normal clinoorthostatic and sinocarotid tests were revealed in all the groups, being most evident in group 1. Heart rate spectral variability changed in patients given acupuncture treatment (groups 1 and 2). Relative augmentation of sympathetic activity was observed in patients with initial vagotonia, while those with initial symphaticotonia exhibited a relative parasympathetic activity increase. Thus, acupuncture exerts beneficial effects on functioning of autonomic nervous system. The method may be used either independently, or in addition to conventional drug treatment of psychoautonomic neurotic disorders in children.