Abstract
BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical practice patterns of Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) through questionnaire survey.MethodsQuestionnaires on Korean medicine (KM) treatment for ASD were distributed to 255 KMDs on December 5, 2016. The KMDs were psychiatrists, pediatricians, or general practitioners, who treated patients with ASD. The questionnaire covered items on treatment methods, aims of treatment, KM syndrome differentiation, diagnostic tools, and sociodemographic characteristics. Frequency analysis was conducted to describe the participants and their practices.ResultsA total 22.4% KMDs (n = 57/255) completed the questionnaires and 54 KMDs (21.2%) matched the inclusion criteria. The KMDs utilized herbal medicine (27.3%), body acupuncture (17.6%), scalp acupuncture (10.7%), moxibustion (6.4%), and Korean medical psychotherapy (5.9%) to treat ASD. The most commonly prescribed herbal medicine was Yukmijihwang-tang. Forty-eight (88.9%) KMDs responded that they used KM syndrome differentiation. ‘Organ system, Qi, Blood, Yin, Yang, Fluid and Humor diagnosis’ was most frequently used for syndrome differentiation. ASD was mainly diagnosed based on the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) and DSM-5.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated the current status of KMDs’ diagnosis and treatment of ASD. In future clinical trials and clinical practice guidelines, these findings will provide meaningful information on the actual practice patterns of KMDs.
Highlights
The aim of this study was to investigate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical practice patterns of Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) through questionnaire survey
Information about KMDs and KM clinics were collected from the website
60% were certified by the Society of Korean Medicine Neuropsychiatry, and 40% were licensed by the Society of Korean Medicine Pediatrics
Summary
The aim of this study was to investigate autism spectrum disorder (ASD) clinical practice patterns of Korean medicine doctors (KMDs) through questionnaire survey. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a lifelong, neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interaction and communication, and restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities [1]. 1 in 68 children has been identified with ASD in the United States, with an average prevalence of. The prevalence of ASD in a total population sample of South Korean children aged 7–12 years was estimated to be 2.64% [3]. Treatment modalities for ASD are categorized as behavioral and educational interventions, psychopharmacologic interventions, and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) [4]. In parallel with the medical system in South Korea, Korean
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