Man Luo1, Xiaoxiao Qu2, Shaoyuan Li1, Jingjun Zhao1, Yufeng Zhao3, Yue Jiao1, Peijing Rong1. 1. Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China. 2. Shaanxi TCM Hospital. 3. Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To observe and evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) at auricular concha for primary insomnia (PI) and affective disorder. METHODS: A total of 35 patients who met the diagnosis standard of PI in Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition) were included. The self-developed auricular vagus nerve stimulator (TENS-200A) was applied at auricular concha, 30 min per treatment, twice a day, 5 days a week for consecutive 4 weeks. The follow-up visit was conducted at the end of 6th week. The Pittsburg sleep quality index scale (PSQI), 17-items Hamilton depression scale (17HAMD) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) were applied for evaluation. The PSQI, HAMA and 17HAMD were observed before and after treatment; the safety was also observed. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the PSQI was significantly decreased to (13.20±3.61) at the end of 2nd week (P<0.05); compared before treatment, the 17HAMD and HAMA were significantly decreased at the end of 4th week and 6th week (all P<0.05). No adverse reaction was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The taVNS could not only relieve PI symptoms, but also improve the depressive and anxiety symptoms, in addition, it may have positive long-term efficacy and safety.
OBJECTIVE: To observe and evaluate the clinical efficacy of transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) at auricular concha for primary insomnia (PI) and affective disorder. METHODS: A total of 35 patients who met the diagnosis standard of PI in Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th edition) were included. The self-developed auricular vagus nerve stimulator (TENS-200A) was applied at auricular concha, 30 min per treatment, twice a day, 5 days a week for consecutive 4 weeks. The follow-up visit was conducted at the end of 6th week. The Pittsburg sleep quality index scale (PSQI), 17-items Hamilton depression scale (17HAMD) and Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) were applied for evaluation. The PSQI, HAMA and 17HAMD were observed before and after treatment; the safety was also observed. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the PSQI was significantly decreased to (13.20±3.61) at the end of 2nd week (P<0.05); compared before treatment, the 17HAMD and HAMA were significantly decreased at the end of 4th week and 6th week (all P<0.05). No adverse reaction was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The taVNS could not only relieve PI symptoms, but also improve the depressive and anxiety symptoms, in addition, it may have positive long-term efficacy and safety.