Non-invasive Auricular Simulation for Exam Anxiety and Depression in University Students

"Single session TniAS stimulation will be achieved by applying four stimulation patches. These patches consist of stainless steel spheres with a diameter of 1.2 mm, covered with adhesive circular paper measuring 8 mm in diameter.~Point 1. Located in the Triangular Fossa, upper and central level at the vertex of the Fossa, at junction between the upper root and the lower root of the Antihelix.~Point 2. Located in the inner part of the Cymba (upper) conchae, in the angle formed by the lower root of the antihelix and the ascending branch of the Helix.~Point 3. Located in the middle depression of the Cavum (lower) conchae.~Poinit 4. It is located at the inner superior quadrant of Lobe, below the external curve of the Intertragus notch, in a depression 3-4 mm from the insertion of the lobe to the face."

"Sham intervention will be conducted following the exact same procedure as the TniAS group, with the only difference being the use of sham stimulation patches. These sham patches will consist of the same patches utilized in the TniAS group, except for the absence of the stainless steel spheres. During the application of these sham patches, the investigator will adhere to the identical process as in the TniAS group, with the exception that no palpation will be performed to locate the exact points, and only minimal pressure required for patch adherence will be applied to minimize any substantial stimulation. Participants in the SAS group will also be explicitly instructed not to stimulate the points until the removal of the patches.~The removal of the sham stimulation patches will follow the precise protocol applied in the TniAS group, ensuring consistency in the study procedures across both groups."