Effectiveness of using transcranial electrical stimulation in addition to monopharmacotherapy in post-covid syndrome with depressive symptomatics and sleep disorders

BACKGROUND: The study of potential treatment methods for post-COVID syndrome (PCS) within the framework of randomized controlled trials remains one of the priority areas of current research.

AIM: To assess the impact of transcranial electrical stimulation (TES), when used in addition to monopharmacotherapy, on depression, sleep disturbances, and plasma levels of cortisol and serotonin in patients with PCS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 150 patients with PCS who were randomized into two groups (75 patients each): the main group received TES in addition to monopharmacotherapy, while the control group received monopharmacotherapy alone. Treatment efficacy was assessed on day 15 using the HADS-D, ISI, and CGI-S scales, as well as plasma cortisol and serotonin levels.

RESULTS: After 15 days of treatment, statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the median values of HADS-D (p = 0.042), ISI (p < 0.001), and CGI-S (p = 0.002), as well as in plasma levels of cortisol (p = 0.001) and serotonin (p = 0.002). The addition of TES to monopharmacotherapy resulted in complete resolution of PCS clinical manifestations in 95% of patients.

CONCLUSION: The obtained results suggest that TES may be considered an effective and pathogenetically justified component of comprehensive outpatient treatment for PCS, especially when the clinical picture includes depressive symptoms and sleep disturbances.