Possibilities of daytime anxolytics in the correction of residual neurological manifestations of COVID-19

Introduction. In  addition to acute manifestations, coronavirus infection is characterized by long-lasting symptoms: asthenia, somatic vegetative manifestations, sleep disorders and psychoemotional background, the  question of  therapeutic correction of which is especially relevant.

The aim of the study was to study the mental, somatoform and cognitive aspects of anxiety disorders after coronavirus infection during treatment with tofizopam (Grandaxin®) at 150 mg / day.

Materials and methods. The study involved patients who had a new coronavirus infection, who 4 weeks after the end of treatment for the underlying disease had complaints that suggest the presence of an anxiety disorder. The Hamilton scale was used to assess the level of anxiety. The patients were examined before the start of treatment, after 2, 4 and 6 weeks of therapy.

Results. Prior to the start of therapy, all patients had an overall high level of anxiety: the average HAM-A score was 31.72 ± 2.24  points. At the  end of  Grandaxin® therapy, all patients showed a  decrease in  the  level of  anxiety: the  average score for HAM-A was 12.68 ± 2.04 points (p < 0.001). At the end of the course of therapy, patients noted an increase in mental performance, improved memory and attention, that is, a decrease in the severity of cognitive disorders associated with anxiety was> distinct – the average score on the “cognitive disorders” subscale decreased three times – from 1.6 ± 0.12 to 0.5 ± 0.09 (p˂0.001).

Conclusions. Disorders of the psychoemotional background (more often in the form of increased personal anxiety), sleep disorders, autonomic disorders, asthenic syndrome significantly affect the quality of life of patients who have suffered a new coronavirus infection. A comprehensive approach is needed in the clinical diagnosis of the long-term consequences of a new coronavirus infection and their subsequent correction with drug therapy. 

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