Psychoemotional state and bioelectrical brain activity in patients of different ages with metabolic syndrome after COVID-19

Abstract

The aim of this study was to find out the impact of COVID-19 infection on the psycho-emotional state and bioelectrical brain activity in persons of different ages with metabolic syndrome. Material and methods. We examined 53 people who were divided into groups depending on age (40–59 years and 60 years and older) and status with regard to COVID-19 infection (contracted, not contracted). Patients had metabolic syndrome (ATP III), underwent comprehensive clinical and laboratory examinations, electroencephalography (an 18-channel electroencephalograph Nihon Kohden, Japan) and answered the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire. Results. Symptoms of anxiety or depression after COVID-19 were found in both age groups of MS. Anxiety symptoms were more often found in the group of 60 years and older. At the same time, subclinical anxiety was noted in persons of 60 years and older, while clinical anxiety – in middle-aged individuals. The latter also showed a trend towards an increase in clinically evident depression after COVID-19. Persons after COVID-19 with symptoms of anxiety or depression (according to the HADS scale) demonstrated changes in the frequency-amplitude indicators of the electroencephalogram (EEG) characterized by a power increase in the range of theta rhythm and accompanied by subclinical and clinical manifestations of depression. About 80 % of people who did not suffer from COVID-19 had normal EEG since 9 Hz alpha rhythm power was registered. In patients after COVID-19, there was a redistribution of alpha-rhythm power range: an increase in the ranges of alpha-1 rhythm and decrease in alpha-2 rhythm power as well as an increase in the delta and theta rhythm power range. Conclusions. 1–3 months following the acute period of COVID-19, the frequency of depression is 3 times higher in middle-aged patients with metabolic syndrome. In elderly patients with metabolic syndrome after COVID-19, anxiety is predominantly diagnosed – almost in every second. These manifestations of anxiety and depression are accompanied by disorganization of the bioelectrical brain activity.