Coping strategies for residents of the Republic of Karelia with autonomic nervous system

Abstract

AIM. To analyse thе coping strategies leading to psychological maladjustment and the occurrence of autonomic nervous system disorders (ANSD) in residents of the Republic of Karelia (RK). METHODS. Heart rate variability (cardiointervalography, rhythmography, spectral analysis) and coping strategies (adapted Lazarus coping test) were studied in 104 residents of RK suffering from ANSD (main group MG; sex index 1:1; mean age 36.810.7 years) and in healthy control subjects (CG; n=30; sex index 1:1; mean age 36.15.5 years; p=0.761). RESULTS. It was found that the residents of RK with ANSD are statistically significantly (p 0,05) characterised by sympathicotonia in combination with high tension of such emotionally oriented coping strategies as escape-avoidance (in men 47,527,05/40,275,04%; in women 47,469,47/46,138,68% in persons of the MG/CG, respectively) without gender differences (p 0,05). Women used more often (p 0,05) use distancing (50,6710,09/43,077,56%; p=0,009) and taking responsibility (46,657,8/40,275,04%; p=0,002); whereas men underestimated (p 0,05) the coping strategy planning (49,888,2/56,46,31% in MG and CG; p=0,004). CONCLUSIONS. For the primary and secondary prevention of ANSD in RK residents, it is advisable to take into account the specifics of heart rate variability (sympathicotonia) and coping strategies (emotionally oriented), which will optimise psychological adaptation to the disease through personalised rehabilitation programmes based on a biopsychosocial approach (a combination of pharmacological and psychological psychotherapeutic correction).