Exposure to odors with different emotional valences activates key brain regions involved in emotion. The emotional impact of odors is modulated by factors such as personality, current emotional state, and attentional focus. Distinct alterations in brain regions involved in emotion processing and regulation are caused by burnout. Frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA), as a well-established electrophysiological marker for emotional processing, has been extensively studied as a potential biomarker for depression and stress, but findings across the literature are mixed.

We aimed to investigate the impact of burnout on the odor-induced neurodynamic responses.

142 participants (female and male) aged 18 to 24 years with no documented manifestations of rhinal pathologies (Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv students) were recruited. EEG was registered during the rest state (3 min) and under passive odor stimulation (10 min) with sandalwood essential oil (SEO) (n=37) and izoamilacetate (IA) (n=54). The control group included 51 participants. We estimated the spectral power density (SPD) of all frequencies from 0.2-45 Hz. Frontal EEG asymmetry (asymmetry index) was calculated using subtracting the natural logarithm of spectral power density of alpha band of the left-side channels from the right-side ones (L-R). The 84-item Boyko’s Syndrome of Emotional Burnout Inventory was used detecting the severity of emotional burnout before the registration of EEG.

The Resistance stage of burnout was detected in 23 (control group), 16 (izoamilacetate group) and 13 (sandalwood group) volunteers. We demonstrated that odor-specific olfactory-evoked neurodynamics depending on the burnout severity. Sandalwood essential oil and izoamilacetate were perceived as weakly activating stimuli by all participants and more pleasant by the participants with an unformed resistance stage. A higher left frontal activity under SEO was observed at the first minute of odor presentation while IE leads to a higher right frontal activity. Formation of the Resistence stage of burnout was characterized by a higher left frontal activity during the second minute of exposition to both odors.

Under non-directed attention conditions of passive odor perception, topographical reorganization of brain activation reflects information and emotion-activating processes. We detected that unique odor-induced responses are influenced by the formation of burnout.

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The increasing number of individuals experiencing homelessness is a global concern, with approximately 2% of the world population living under such conditions. Factors such as unemployment, family conflict, substance use, mental health disorders, and social inequality contribute to this phenomenon. The vulnerability of this population is exacerbated by psychological distress, further complicating the challenges faced by both individuals and health services.

To analyze the challenges in providing mental health care to the homeless population in a Brazilian capital, with focus on barriers to access and the quality of care.

This study employed a qualitative, exploratory approach based on Participatory Action Research. Data collection was conducted through focus groups involving 40 health professionals from a Primary Health Care Center in Belo Horizonte. The data was analyzed using the content analysis methodology proposed by Bardin (2016).

The participants reported several challenges in delivering care, including treatment abandonment, lack of continuity of care, substance use, constant relocation, and difficulty in locating users. These factors highlight significant gaps in the comprehensiveness of the healthcare network, as well as the inadequacy of an effective multidisciplinary approach.

The findings are consistent with both national and international literature, underscoring the urgent need for a multidisciplinary network to meet the mental health demands of this population, which faces both stigma and social invisibility. The absence of an integrated and specialized approach contributes to increased social and psychological vulnerability.

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The rapid development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has revolutionized multiple sectors, particularly in medicine. In the field of Mental Health (MH), AI has improved diagnostic accuracy and opened new paths for personalized medicine. At present, MH care faces a crisis driven by increasing demand and limited resources. AI technologies provide predictive analytics, therapeutic tools, clinical decision support, and monitoring systems. Their integration is reshaping how mental disorders (MDs) are diagnosed, treated, and managed, while raising ethical, privacy, and transparency concerns.

To review recent advances in AI applied to MH, focusing on diagnostic, therapeutic, and monitoring applications, and to discuss their benefits, limitations, and ethical implications.

Narrative review of the literature using electronic databases such as PubMed and Scopus, with the keywords “Artificial Intelligence” AND “Mental Health.”

Studies indicate that AI offers multiple clinically useful applications through conversational agents (CAs), machine learning algorithms and digital phenotyping (DP), which support diagnosis and treatment of MDs. CAs, powered by natural language processing, provide personalized interventions, monitor mood, and enhance treatment adherence. Certain AI algorithms are used to predict treatment outcomes and support exposure therapy for phobias (e.g., AI combined with virtual reality). DP enables passive data collection from devices (e.g., GPS, heart rate), which aids in monitoring behaviors and early warning signs. However, most of these applications remain in experimental phases.

AI holds potential to enhance early detection, treatment personalization, and resource allocation in MH care. However, current evidence is preliminary and requires validation in larger, long-term studies. Responsible integration must prioritize transparency, fairness, and data protection, involving MH professionals, patients, and developers in the co-creation of tools that strengthen humanized care. AI should be regarded as a complement to clinical judgment, contributing to a more effective, accessible, and person-centered mental health model.

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Romantic attachment is a fundamental human drive supported by neural systems involved in reward, motivation, and social bonding. When disrupted by loss or rejection, these same circuits contribute to what is often described as ”love sickness”—a state characterized by emotional distress, obsessive thinking, and physiological arousal. Neuroimaging research indicates that romantic suffering engages brain regions implicated in both physical pain and affective disorders, including the ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), and anterior insula (AI). Beyond neurobiology, romantic loss has been linked to psychopathological symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and exacerbating borderline personality symptoms.

The objective of this review is to examine the neurobiological correlates of romantic suffering, explore gender differences in neural and psychological responses to romantic rejection or loss and discuss the psychopathological implications of romantic distress, particularly its links to depression, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation.

A non-systematic review of the literature, using combinations of keywords such as “romantic rejection”, “love sickness”, “neurobiology”, “gender differences”, “social pain” and “psychopathology” in database PubMed/MEDLINE.

Romantic rejection and loss activate brain regions involved in emotion regulation and pain (vlPFC, AI, ACC), overlapping with patterns seen in depression and addiction. Women tend to show stronger limbic and stress responses, while men engage more prefrontal and reward circuits, reflecting different coping styles. People with insecure attachment or high rejection sensitivity experience more intense emotional and physiological distress. Clinically, romantic loss is linked to depression, anxiety, rumination, and sometimes borderline personality features.

Romantic suffering involves brain and psychological processes linked to emotional disorders. Gender influences these neural and behavioral responses, shaping vulnerability and coping. Recognizing these patterns can inform gender-sensitive prevention and treatment. Future research should use longitudinal and experimental methods to clarify how romantic distress leads to psychopathology.

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Burnout develops gradually and often goes unnoticed, with symptoms that may take years to manifest and lead to significant mental and behavioral changes. Despite its impact, the processes underlying burnout remain largely unknown due to a lack of specialized studies identifying specific biomarkers. Early detection of burnout, particularly at the critical onset of symptoms, is essential.

This study aimed to examine functional connectivity changes associated with the severity of the Anxiety-Tension stage of Emotional Burnout.

A total of 752 participants, including students and staff from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (209 males, mean age = 19.2; 543 females, mean age = 18.28), were assessed using the 84-item Boyko’s Syndrome of Emotional Burnout Inventory. EEG data were recorded during a 3-minute resting state with eyes closed, and artifact-free segments from all frequency bands (0.2–45 Hz) were analyzed. Coherence were calculated, focusing on the 61–70 second segment of the recordings.

Coherence analysis complemented the spectral findings, highlighting alpha band synchronization in frontal and parietal areas, which supports visuospatial attention and memory processes. In contrast, desynchronization in high beta and gamma bands indicated disrupted connectivity, affecting higher-order cognitive functions.

These findings suggest that the Anxiety-Tension stage primarily impacts processes related to short-term memory and focused attention, providing a potential framework for the early identification of burnout through neurophysiological markers.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has evolved into substantial mortality and morbidity worldwide, with 5-8% of patients requiring intensive care. Years after the emergence of COVID-19, there is a heightened interest about the Long COVID, a heterogeneous condition characterized by persistent or emergent symptoms that last for weeks or months after patient’s recovery from acute infection, with a negative impact on physical and mental health. Research indicates that depression and anxiety often co-occur and may serve as predictors for Long COVID. Given the scale of the pandemic, even a small proportion of patients with long-lasting symptoms will create a significant health burden. Therefore, gathering data on the long-term evolution and outcomes of these patients is of utmost importance.

To identify depressive and anxiety symptoms in severe COVID-19 survivors 1-year after discharge and to analyse their association with sex, age and fear of recurrence and sequelae of COVID-19.

The cohort analysed is part of MAPA research project and includes adult patients admitted due to COVID-19, in an Intensive Care Medicine Department of a University Hospital in Portugal. Participants were evaluated 1-year after discharge to home with a comprehensive protocol, which included Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9; depressive symptoms), General Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7; anxiety symptoms) and a brief questionnaire about fear of recurrence and sequelae of COVID-19.

The final sample (n=159) had a mean age of 62.2 years and mostly (69%) was male. About 19% and 21% of survivors scored for depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively. Both symptoms were significantly more prevalent among younger participants (p=0.031; p<0.001) and were associated with fear of recurrence (p=0.002; p=0.009) and sequelae (p=0.001; p<0.001) of COVID-19 1-year after discharge.

Overall, there is a significant prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms among COVID-19 survivors 1-year after discharge. These findings emphasize the need for greater attention to these symptoms in this population, since its recognition and treatment can improve quality of life and reduce symptoms in the long term, especially in younger patients.

This work was supported by National Funds through FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia,I.P., within CINTESIS, R&D Unit (reference UIDP/4255/2020)

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Recent evidence suggest the nosological entity called Schizo-Obsessive Disorder (SchizoOCD), similar to Schizoaffective Disorder. Some authors argued that obsessions and delusions would be on a continuum, which justify the difficulty in distinguishing obsessive from delusional thoughts, and compulsions from stereotypical behaviors. In order to assist in the screening, monitoring or treatment of such disorders, instruments as scales and questionnaires may be important tools in psychiatric practice.

This systematic review investigated the most frequent instrumentsused to assess SchizoOCD.

We systematically reviewed articles up to 2015 in English, Portuguese and Spanish at PubMed, Scielo and Embase databases. We included studies with humans, no age limitation, with OCS or diagnosis of OCD and schizophrenia or psychotic symptoms. Systematic review articles, meta-analysis, letters to the editor and case reports were excluded, as well as articles that did not use assessment instruments for the diagnosis of schizophrenia comorbid with OCD. The methodological and clinical data extracted from the articles are described at the results.

A total of 9,833 articles were selected, but 53 were read. Cross-sectional studies were the most frequent (n=39; 73.6%), followed by cohort studies (n=9; 17.0%).The total sample size of Schizo-OCD patients was 2,605 patients (in 44 studies), of which 44.7% (n=1,164) were female. The mean age and the age of onset of the disorders are described in Table 1. Only 23 (44.4%) of the studies described the psychiatric comorbidities (2 (3.8%) studies reported that the patients had no comorbidities). The most frequent comorbidities were Major Depression (n=18; 34%) and Substance Use Disorder (n=9; 17.0%). The used diagnostic instruments or interviews are listed in Table 2. Table 3 describes the scales used to assess the severity of Schizophrenia and/or OCD symptoms. From a psychopathological point of view, only 9 (17.0%) of the articles described psychotic symptoms in more detail. For OCD, 15 (28.3%) of the articles detailed the obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

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Few studies in the literature used scales to discriminate psychotic and obsessive-compulsive aspects in patients with the alleged diagnosis of Schizo-OCD. Scales for measuring symptom severity such as PANSS and YBOCS were widely used in the studies, indicating that their application in clinical practice can serve as an aid during treatment management. Specific scales and instruments for Schizo-OCD were not found and we suggest as a future perspective the development of a new tool to assess symptoms and to elucidate possible symptomatic confusions.

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Several authors have demonstrated that COVID-19 pandemic was characterized by feelings of fear, anxiety and insecurity (Wang et al., Int JERPH 2020; 17, 1729) Emotions and affective states as nervous, apprehension, despair, preoccupation was also studied (de Sousa et al., PSYCH 2024; 6(1), 163-176). Therefore, affective but also cognitive factors were important to the perception of the pandemic threat and its impact. In accordance, it seems important to understand if the perception of each one vulnerability to COVID-19 is related with the development of high levels of stress, depression and anxiety symptoms.

The main goal of this study was to evaluate the relation between the perception of vulnerability, stress, depression and anxiety in public health threats, as COVID 19.

This study followed a cross-sectional design and its sample consisted of 600 participants, distributed between two countries (N Brasil=300; N Portugal=300). The instrument used to assess the three dimensions: stress, anxiety, and depression, with seven items each were the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale 21-item version (DASS-21) (Lovibond & Lovibond; BHV, 1995; 33, 335-43 ) presented in a four-point response scale (0-Not applied to me; 3- Applied to me most of the time). To assess the perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 a 5 item Likert Scale were used (1-Not vulnerable; 5-Extremely vulnerable). The protocol was developed online, presenting the objectives of the study, and ensuring the anonymity and confidentiality of data. A non-probabilistic sampling technique of convenience and snowball were used. The data was collected in 2023 and referred to COVID-19.

The results suggest that perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 are very similar in both countries (M Brazil= 3.20, DP Brazil= .98; M Portugal= 3.13, DP Portugal=.91). The values in Brazil of stress (M=7.40), depression (M=5.73) and anxiety (M=4.01) are higher compared to Portugal, with the following values of stress (M=4.07), depression (M=2.62) and anxiety (M=1.6). The perception of vulnerability is related with the three dimensions studied (stress, anxiety and depression) in both countries, with the following values in Brasil: Stress (r=.341; p< .01); depression (r=.270; p<.01) and anxiety (r=.316; p<.01). In Portugal the values of correlation were: Stress (r=.284; p< .01); depression (r=.252; p<.01) and anxiety (r=.350; p<.01). These results emphasized that relation between the perception of vulnerability and anxiety presented higher levels in both countries.

In conclusion, our study have shown significative relations between the perception of vulnerability to COVID-19 with levels of stress, depression and anxiety in the countries studied. Therefore, our data emphasized the relevance to study the perception of vulnerability in public health events to better manage and prevent psychopathological symptoms.

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The lack of accessible plasma biomarkers to identify target populations limits the promise of precision medicine for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) is an important risk for AD and often occurs years before the onset of AD.

Based on an emerging mechanistic model of mitochondrial mechanisms of brain plasticity, we studied the role of acetylcarnitine and free-carnitine levels assayed in plasma as potential markers of cognitive dysfunction in subjects with aMCI or early-AD.

We used available samples from two independent cohorts well characterized for clinical and neuropsychological characteristics together with ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and computational approaches. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) measures of b-amyloid accumulation and t-Tau levels were also available and used in computational modeling.

Within the primary cohort, our data showed decreased levels of carnitine in relation to cognitive function as assessed by using the Mini Mental Status Exam (MMSE) in women but not men with CI as compared to age- and sex-matched HC. Furthermore, the magnitude of carnitine deficiency reflected the severity of cognitive dysfunction in a sex-specific manner (women: p = 0.015; men: p = 0.441). Our data also replicated the prior finding of decreased LAC levels in both women and men with AD, supporting the robustness of the study samples assayed in our new study. Using computational approaches, we found that the integration of these mitochondrial measures with canonical CSF biomarkers improves diagnostic accuracy. A second cohort provides a validation of the sex-specific relationship between free-carnitine deficiency and the severity of cognitive dysfunction.

Taken together with prior mechanistic studies in rodents, the current findings support future research on the development of individualized treatment models targeting sex-specific changes in mitochondrial metabolism.

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Alcohol use disorder is a significant Public Health issue with substantial socioeconomic impact, morbidity, and mortality. Achieving therapeutic success remains challenging due to frequent treatment dropouts, relapses, and readmissions. It is estimated that 20-40% of patients discontinue detoxification treatment prematurely, with some studies highlighting the influence of psychiatric comorbidities, polysubstance use, unemployment, and impulsivity. Premature discontinuation increases the risk of medical complications and worsens prognosis. Although anti-craving medications have demonstrated efficacy in preventing relapse, they remain underprescribed.

This study aims to identify and analyze determinants of readmissions, particularly in patients with a history of treatment dropout, and propose strategies to enhance therapeutic success.

A two-year retrospective analysis was conducted on readmitted patients, with a focus on previous dropouts, within the 12 months prior to their last hospitalization for alcohol detoxification at ULS São José - Hospital Júlio de Matos. The analysis included sociodemographic data, comorbidities, anti-craving therapy, integration into therapeutic communities (TC), and post-discharge outcomes.

A total of 37 patients were identified with readmissions in the past 12 months. Of these, 9 (24.3%) had left their previous admission against medical advice, most of whom had experienced 4 or more admissions. There was a similar gender distribution, with all patients being single or divorced, 66.7% unemployed, and the same percentage experiencing economic hardship. Two-thirds had psychiatric comorbidities. None had recently received anti-craving medication, and only 2 (22.2%) had prior involvement with a TC. During their readmission, 44% were discharged to a TC or Day Center, and 2 left again against medical advice.

It was found that many frequent users discharged themselves against medical advice from previous hospitalizations. These patients showed a high prevalence of socioeconomic problems and psychiatric comorbidities, with none receiving anti-craving therapy. In the future, it will be essential to analyze the reasons for these dropouts to improve the effectiveness of treatment during hospitalization. It is concluded that therapeutic plans must be personalized and tailored to the patients’ multiple needs to ensure better adherence.

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The burnout develops gradually, unnoticed by the person, and its symptoms may appear after several years and leads to serious mental and behavioral changes. The processes underlying burnout are largely unknown due to the lack of specialized studies aimed at identifying specific biomarkers. Based on this, it is necessary to detect the first, critical moment - the first symptoms of burnout.

We aimed to examine the EEG frequencies changes relating to severity of Anxiety Tension stage of Emotional Burnout.

In this study 752 participants, students and staff of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (Kyiv, Ukraine) were involved (209 males, mean age = 19.2, 543 females, mean age = 18.28). We used the 84-item Boyko’s Syndrome of Emotional Burnout Inventory to measure the emotional burnout formation. We analyzed separate artefact-free EEG segments in all frequency bands from 0.2 to 45 Hz during resting state (3 min, closed eyes condition). In order to identify the EEG signs of emotional burnout the normalized power spectral densities (PSD) were calculated on the segment from 61 to 70 seconds of recordings.

The revealed burnout-related (Anxiety Tension stage) variables in the spectral characteristics of the EEG characterized by the significant changes in the theta 2 (frontal area and left temporal-parietal cortex), alpha 2 (right parietotemporal cortex) and beta 1 subbands (left frontal-central-right parietal axis).

These data pointed to the influence of Anxiety Tension development mostly on the processes associated with short-term memory and focused attention.

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Alcohol dependence is a chronic condition associated with multiple relapses, leading to recurrent admissions to inpatient units. The success of treatment is closely tied to the psychosocial rehabilitation of these patients, as a means to ensure long-term abstinence.

We aim to characterize the psychosocial profile of frequent users of an Inpatient Alcohol Detoxification Unit in Lisbon and to reflect on the need for psychosocial interventions to prevent relapse risk.

A retrospective analysis of data collected from the clinical records of patients admitted two or more times within one year to an Alcohol Detoxification Unit in Lisbon, during the period between January 2022 and December 2023.

During the study period, 37 patients with two or more admissions in a year were identified. The average age was 51.9 years, and 67.6% were male. It was found that 48.6% of the patients were divorced or separated; more than half of the patients were unemployed at the time of admission (62.2%), and nearly half were experiencing financial hardship (48.6%). In terms of integration into rehabilitative and abstinence maintenance structures, 40.5% had attended the Day Care Center of the Hospital Center, and only 5.4% had been part of a Therapeutic Community (TC). Before their last admission, 8.1% of the patients had been referred to a TC, 10.8% to the Day Care Center, and 51.4% to outpatient care, while 24.3% left against medical advice. In contrast, during the last admission in the study period, 13.5% were referred to the Day Care Center, and 35.1% to a TC.

The results highlight the need for psychosocial intervention and rehabilitation in patients with alcohol use disorder. Treatment should include a multidisciplinary approach that takes into account socioeconomic support and integration into rehabilitative structures, as these promote long-term abstinence and therapeutic success.

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Prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been documented in war-affected populations. A third of Ukrainians met diagnostic requirements for PTSD according to the UN, but the information on the mental health of medical staff is still insufficient. Well-known increased risk of mental disorder is the result of traumatic experiences in healthcare workers as part of their professional duties.

Based on this we aimed to analyze the potential sources of traumatic experience at work and the severity of PTSD and depression symptoms among medical staff in war condition.

The online and paper-pencil survey was conducted in November 2023 - January 2024. The study included a sample of 96 health care workers (doctors, nurses and paramedics). We used the structured interview on work characteristics of physical and psychosocial factors and standardized questionnaires on PTSD (Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist; PCL-5) and depression (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9) symptoms. Additionally the needed source of support to cope with stress at work has been investigated.

The correlation and regression analysis allowed revealing patterns between potential sources of traumatic experience at work and the severity of PTSD and depression symptoms among Ukrainian medical staff. The results of the correlation analysis of physical and psychosocial stressors, depression and PTSD symptoms indicated that psychosocial stressors define PTSD development. There were detected job-related specific psychosocial stressors among medical staff in Ukraine leaded to PTSD and depression development: “Conflict in organization/community”, “Being threatened/abused”, “Lack of appreciation by the organization/community in which you work”.

The analysis identified the most important factors (psychosocial stressors) determining levels of PTSD in medical personnel at war. These data contribute to a significant debate on the negative role of job conditions at war for health care workers.

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The Westernisation of alcohol consumption habits among women has led to increased alcohol intake and a rise in Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) cases in females. Although AUD prevalence remains higher in men (7.7% compared to 1.5% in women), women display distinct features in the disorder’s progression, such as the telescoping effect, where the transition from initial consumption to dependence occurs more rapidly. This trend underscores the importance of studying frequent female users of alcohol detoxification services to identify contributing factors to this accelerated progression.

This study seeks to characterise frequent female users of alcohol detoxification services, focusing on gender differences, particularly the faster progression of alcohol dependence in women and the influence of Westernisation on their drinking habits.

A retrospective analysis was performed on clinical records from 2022 to 2023 for patients hospitalised at the Alcohol Treatment and Rehabilitation Unit. The analysis included patients who were hospitalised two or more times within a 12-month period. Demographic, psychosocial, and clinical variables were compared, with a particular focus on female patients.

Of the 360 patients admitted between 2022 and 2023, 37 were readmitted within 12 months. Women constituted 29.7% of these cases, with an average age of 52 years (compared to 51 in men), and were more often divorced or separated (81.8% vs 76.9%) and unemployed (72.7% vs 69.2%). Psychiatric family history (72.3% vs 65.4%) and psychiatric comorbidities (90.9% vs 61.5%) were more prevalent in women. Women also had a higher total number of hospitalisations (4.09 vs 3.62), although their 12-month readmission rates were similar to men (1.46 vs 1.50).

These findings support the literature on the telescoping effect, evidenced by women’s older age and a similar number of readmissions despite a more precarious social situation and greater psychiatric comorbidities. Notably, although women were a minority among readmissions, their proportion exceeded the expected prevalence rate (30%/70% vs 15%/85%). This highlights the necessity of personalised therapeutic approaches that address the unique factors perpetuating AUD in women.

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Neuromodulation technologies became the safe and effective alternative to treat psychiatric and neurological disorders. The current evidence from the up-to-date state in vagus nerve stimulation application in studies of emotional state modulation demonstrates a strong impact of vagus stimulation on the state of patients with a range of disorders. The normalizing effect of vagus nerve stimulation on abnormal sympathetic nerve activity may explain the beneficial effect on burnout, which is thought to be a manifestation of decreased vagus-mediated heart rate variability (HRV) under everyday stress.

Considering all of the above, we aimed to explore the influence of a novel VNS stimulation protocol on emotional state, as well as highlighting specific features of the activation-related neurodynamics and the effects on HRV time, frequency and non-linear metrics.

11 right-handed male volunteers aged 18-22 years participated in the 1st (EEG) study (6 persons-taVNS group and 5-SHAM) and 62 healthy volunteers 18-49 years old were recruited for 2nd (HRV) study (26-VNS group and 22–Sham). We used the combination of pleasant meditative classical music and a slow bi-polar wave of electrical non-invasive transcutaneous stimulation of auricular area (BrainPatch platform for non-invasive stimulation). Vagus nerve stimulation was arranged as a 4-day course. Psychological testing (State Anxiety, STAI; psychological stress level, PSM-25; severity of emotional burnout, MBI; depression, IDS) was carried out.

Non-invasive stimulation was rated by the participants as a positive experience. We detected beneficial changes in the psychoemotional state of the respondents (improvement of mood, reduction of job related stress – emotional burnout). The increase of vagally mediated parameter RMSSD and decrease of LF/HF ratio has reflected the activation of parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) during stimulation. HRV effects of VNS turned out to be short-term, which was manifested in a drop in the value immediately after the stimulation. EEG analysis indicated a long-term effect of VNS. Increased alpha and beta rhythms (generalized growth in the frontal and posterior cortex) and gamma activity (frontal region) after a series of 4 VNS sessions may indicate the improvement of mental processes and creative thinking (attention, information processing and memory storage). Enhanced activation level was mirrored in an increased beta/alpha ratio.

Our data suggests that VNS has a normalizing effect on the psychoemotional state shifting “sympatho-vagal balance” to the functional optimum. EEG data showed the prolonged stimulating effect on the brain processes related to the cognitive functioning while attenuating the stress impacts at the same time.

None Declared