Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the Vague Nerve X Depressive Symptoms in Patients with Metabolic Syndrome

Abstract

Currently, some techniques such as nerve stimulation have been used as a treatment to reduce inflammation levels in the organism. Inflammation is present in both metabolic syndrome and depression. In brain stimulation through the vagus nerve, the main neurotransmitter acetylcholine modulates the actions of various peptides, hypothalamic incretins and cholecystokinin, consequently modulating the actions of the Autonomic Nervous System. According to the World Health Organization, depression occurs in people of all genders and ages, affects 350 million people worldwide, is among the leading causes of disability. This study aimed to verify the impact of transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve on depressive symptoms in patients with metabolic syndrome. This is the analysis of patients with metabolic syndrome who underwent transcutaneous electrical stimulation in the left ear once a week for 30 minutes for a period of 8 weeks. Pre‐ and post‐Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation analyzes were performed through interviews with the application of three psychometric depression assessment scales of Beck I (IDB), Hamilton (HAM‐D) and Montgomery‐Asberg (MADRS). Nine patients with Metabolic Syndrome from the city of São Paulo, Brazil, were interviewed. Of the 09 respondents, the study showed in the IDB Scale there are 06 (66.6%) with depression, HAM‐D 08 (88.8%) and MADRS all 08 (88.8%) with depression before Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation. The results showed a significance level of 55.5% for depression scores after Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation. A high prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed in the study sample. The research allowed us to reflect on the Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation of the vagus nerve as an alternative treatment for individuals with Metabolic Syndrome and depressive symptoms aiming to prevent or mitigate the effects of these pathologies.Support or Funding InformationWithout funding.