Adaptive neurostimulation methods in correcting posttraumatic stress disorder and professional burnout syndrome

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of previously developed methods of adaptive neurostimulation in correcting stress-induced states in specialists who demonstrate signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and professional burnout syndrome (PBS). Materials and methods. Each of the 17 stressed subjects participated in three examinations, alternated in random order. In the control experiment (control), simple listening to classical music was used. In two other examinations, musical or light-musical stimulation was used, automatically modulated by feedback signals from the rhythmic components of the subject's electroencephalogram (EEG). In the first case (musical feedback), the subjects were presented with music-like stimuli formed on the basis of the subject's alpha EEG oscillator. In the second case (double feedback), such musical stimulation was supplemented by rhythmic light stimuli generated by on-line transformations of the native EEG of the subject. Results. Comparison of the effects of both experimental conditions with the control one allowed us to establish that only in the presence of feedback from the EEG, there is a significant increase in the power of alpha EEG rhythm, accompanied by positive emotional reactions, a decrease in the level of disadaptation and stress, as well as a significant increase in the assessments of health and mood of the subjects. The most pronounced psychophysiological effects were recorded under light-music stimulation with double feedback from the EEG. Conclusion. The obtained results make it possible to suggest the described methods of adaptive neurostimulation as a means of psychotherapeutic correction of PTSD and PBS, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. © 2021, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod. All rights reserved.