[Approach to the optimal therapy of the psycho-autonomic syndrome]

To potentiate the psycho- and autonomic activity of phenazepam and to decrease its side effects, cranio-cervical electrophoresis of the drug is suggested. The method is realized with the aid of a special electrode helmet which permits localizing electrodes in the frontal and occipital areas and at different levels of the lateral surfaces of the neck. Phenazepam in the amount of 1 ml of 3% solution was administered from the cathode. 194 patients with the psychovegetative syndrome in the clinical structure of neurosis or neurosis-like condition were treated. The dynamics of the psycho-vegetative status was verified with the aid of psychometric and vegetative techniques. Cerebral hemodynamics was investigated by rheoencephalography. The data obtained demonstrate that the treatment suggested improves the patients' functional status, decreases reactive anxiety, raises the tempo of sensomotor reactions and attention activity, ameliorates short-term memory, exerts a sympatholytic action, and makes cerebral hemodynamics return to normal. The method produces fewer side effects as compared to the enteral intake of phenazepam.