Stand Easy: An evaluation of the effectiveness and acceptability of acupuncture as a treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder for veterans in Norfolk

Healthwatch Norfolk evaluated Stand Easy, a charity providing free acupuncture treatment for military veterans living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The evaluation involved 26 veterans who accessed the service between July 2017 and January 2018 and examined whether acupuncture reduced symptoms of PTSD, anxiety and depression, as well as how acceptable veterans found the treatment. Most participants were former Army personnel, and nearly all had a formal PTSD diagnosis and long-standing symptoms.

The evaluation found substantial improvements in participants' mental health following an initial course of six acupuncture sessions. PTSD symptom scores decreased significantly, while symptoms of anxiety and depression also showed marked improvement. Among participants who completed treatment, all experienced a clinically significant reduction in PTSD symptoms, and none met the threshold for probable PTSD at the end of the six-week treatment period. Overall, four out of five participants in the full sample experienced a significant improvement.

Participants' experiences of the service were overwhelmingly positive. Many reported feeling calmer, sleeping better, experiencing fewer angry outbursts, reduced anxiety and improved ability to cope with everyday life. Several described becoming more sociable, feeling happier and regaining a sense of purpose. Most reported noticing benefits within the first six weeks, with some experiencing improvements after their very first session. Only one participant reported a minor temporary side effect. 

A recurring theme was that participants valued acupuncture because it did not require them to repeatedly discuss traumatic memories. Veterans frequently contrasted this favourably with previous experiences of talking therapies and medication. Several said they found it easier to engage with acupuncture because they were not expected to relive traumatic events or disclose personal experiences to unfamiliar professionals. Many also praised the acupuncturist's calm, supportive and understanding approach. 

The evaluation found relatively low drop-out rates compared with many PTSD treatment programmes, suggesting the service was generally well accepted by participants. Many veterans chose to continue receiving acupuncture after the initial six sessions, and follow-up information suggested that benefits were maintained while treatment continued. Participants also frequently commented that the service should be made more widely available and better promoted to veterans. 

Healthwatch concluded that Stand Easy demonstrated strong evidence of short-term effectiveness and acceptability for veterans with PTSD, while acknowledging limitations including the small sample size, lack of a comparison group and limited long-term follow-up data. The report recommended further research into acupuncture as an alternative or complementary treatment for PTSD, particularly for veterans who may be reluctant to engage with traditional talking therapies.