Evaluation of dynamics of neurocognitive indicators and pathological craving in patients with dependence on synthetic cannabinoids during use of microwave resonance therapy

Abstract

Background

There is no unequivocal estimation of influence of synthetic cannabinoids on health of the users, their influence on neurocognitive functions and their correction with use of microwave resonance therapy (MRT).

Objective

To evaluate dynamics of pathological craving and neurocognitive functions in patients with dependence on synthetic cannabinoids during use of MRT.

Materials and methods

Thirty-two patients (main group with dependence on synthetic cannabinoids with MRT) and 38 patients (control group with medication and without MRT) were examined. Craving was evaluated with “Drug Craving Scale”; efficiency with CGI. For evaluation of psychophysiological functions we used methods: “number square”, ‘balance-tranquility’, “verbal memory”, “linear visual estimation”, “exclusion of the word”.

Results and discussion

After therapy, stopping of symptoms of pathological craving was observed in the main group as 29.6% as more than in control group, improvement according to CGI as 37.1% as more than in control one. The evaluation of neurocognitive indicators was conducted. Attention: in the main group improved by 11 ± 1.3 points; in control one by 7 ± 3.1 points. Level of activation: in the main group decreased by 16 ± 2.9 points; in control one by 9 ± 3.5 points. Memory in the main group improved by 3 ± 0.21; in control one by 2 ± 0.3 points. Perception: in the main group improved by 1.5 ± 0.2; in control one by 0.8 ± 0.12 points. Thought: in the main group improved by 14.0 ± 1.6; in control one by 6.4 ± 1.1 points. Thus, it was shown that during use of MRT both perception and processing of information, improve in complicated conditions, reduction of pathological craving accelerates.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.