Effectiveness of Vagal Nerve Stimulation on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Among Post Covid-19 Infected Individuals

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 has impacted everyday life and many people are affected by it. Regular Hand washing,
maintaining hygiene, avoiding handshaking & face-to-face interaction, social distancing, quarantine are
precautionary measures which result in rapidly increasing depression and anxiety among common population
and it results in OCD.
Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of vagal nerve stimulation on obsessive compulsive
disorder among post-covid 19 infected individuals.
Methodology: A total of 20 participants was selected using the Purposive sampling technique based on the
inclusion and exclusion criteria. Then, the participants were allocated into 2 groups by closed envelope method
and the participants in the control group receive cognitive behavioural therapy for 30 minutes, 4 sessions/week
for 4 weeks. The experimental group receive Transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation. The stimulation
was given for 30 minutes,4sessions/week along with CBT.
Result: With a p value of 0.001, transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve activation significantly reduced obsessive
compulsive disorder symptoms after 4weeks in experimental group.
Conclusion: The Study showed that transcutaneous auricular vagal nerve stimulation was effective in reducing
symptoms of OCD among post covid-19 infected individuals.