Medizinische Universität Graz - Research portal
Selected Publication:
Preis, K.
The Role of Non-Invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) for the Treatment of Stress-Related Psychiatric Disorders
Humanmedizin; [ Diplomarbeit ] Medizinische Universität Graz; 2024. pp. 93
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- Authors Med Uni Graz:
- Advisor:
- Leal Garcia Sabrina
- Unterrainer Human-Friedrich
- Altmetrics:
- Abstract:
- Introduction: Chronic or uncontrollable stress can cause psychiatric reactions, which in turn can manifest in Stress-related Psychiatric Disorders (SRPD) such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder. Patients with SRPD show a disruption of the homoeostasis of the autonomic nervous system and a dysregulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, resulting in an increased Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS), a decreased Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) and altered concentrations of peripheral cortisol. Non-invasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (nVNS) enhances the activity of the PNS, which regulates the HPA-Axis and acts as a counterbalance to the SNS. The literature describes various possibilities of nVNS such as the transcutaneous VNS or Mind-Body interventions (MBI). This manuscript reviews the therapeutic usefulness of nVNS as an effective treatment option for SRPD. Method: For this review, a literature search was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. The majority of the selected studies used psychometric tests for outcome assessment. In addition, measurements of heart rate variability (HRV) or salivary cortisol were carried out in individual studies in order to assess the intervention. Results: After screening the results using the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 15 papers were included in the analysis. In the psychometric tests or measurements of HRV or cortisol the intervention group performing MBI or transcutaneous nVNS showed at least partially significant results in 13 of the 15 studies compared to the control group, who either received standard therapy or were on a waiting list/assessment control. However, many studies were of low methodological quality. Discussion: Overall, nVNS methods have been found to be promising cost-efficient therapy-options in SRPD. However, further controlled studies in clinical surroundings are needed to answer more far-reaching questions such as: Which specific nVNS method works the best for whom? Furthermore, follow-up assessment is warranted in order to learn more about the long-term effects of nVNS interventions.