B.I. Gataullin1,2, I.G. Gataullin2, S.V. Kuzmina3, R.A. Starostin2, S.A. Shakirova3
1Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University, Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan
2Kazan State Medical Academy ― Branch Campus of the FSBEI FPE RMACPE MOH Russia, Kazan
3Kazan State Medical University, Kazan
Gataullin Bulat I. ― Cand. of Sci. (Med.), Associate Professor of the Department of Surgery at the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University
76 Karl Marx Str., Kazan, 420012, Russian Federation, tel. +7-962-553-31-07, e-mail: bulatg@list.ru, ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1695-168X
Abstract. Cancer is the leading cause of premature mortality worldwide. The severity of the immediate, long-term and long-term consequences of cancer treatment is often accompanied by depression, exacerbating the suffering of the patient and his family members. Depression that has arisen in an oncological patient after diagnosis increases the manifestation of symptoms and functional disorders, as well as worsens the outcome of the disease. It is believed that psychotherapy and psychosomatic therapy can alleviate depressive symptoms in patients with oncopathology. One of these methods may be ASMR therapy. This is an autonomous sensory meridional reaction characterized by pleasant short-lived sensations. Perhaps this is a form of paresthesia, it is compared with auditory-tactile synesthesia. Most often, this effect is caused by specific auditory or visual stimuli and less often by intentional attention control. The technique can be considered as a potential tool for improving mental health and reducing stress levels in people. Further research in this area is needed, with the hope of improving both immediate and long-term results of treatment of cancer patients with severe depression.
Key words: ASMR, oncology, psychology, autonomous sensory meridional response, cancer.