MT Combined With XKSA for Depressive Symptoms During COVID-19

Social isolation related mental health problems have raised many concerns during the COVID-19 outbreaks. Mental health care for people in quarantined hotels is in urgent need, but concrete program is rarely reported. Morita therapy and acupressure have been identified as effective treatments for regulating mood and sleep. The study aimed to examine whether Morita therapy (MT) combined with Xingnao Kaiqiao self-administered acupressure (XKSA) could improve depressive, anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in isolated people with depressive symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:age 18 to 65 years;a PHQ-9 score of > 4 (indicative of mild depression);shinkeishitsu-type neurosis including introspective, sensitive, serious, careful, timid, cautious, perfectionistic, or rigid character, assessed by the Diagnostic Interview of Morita shinkeishitsu (DIM);absence of any problems involving injuries, inflammation, or space-occupying lesions at the locations of the acupoints;ability to understand the trial process;no engagement in other forms of activities to improve mood and sleep (e.g., Tai Chi, yoga, and mindfulness meditation) in the last three months before and during the trial.Exclusion Criteria:severe physical and psychiatric diseases;inability to complete the trial or use necessary psychiatric medicine;cognitive dysfunction caused by neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as dementia, mental retardation, and autism spectrum disorder;self-injurious or suicidal risk;positive COVID-19 nucleic acid test results.