Effects of Breathing-Relaxation Training Plus Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response on Mood and Depressive Symptoms in Patients With Mild Depression

Objective To date, the feasibility of autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) as a complement to traditional treatments for patients with depression remains unclear. The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of breathing-relaxation training plus ASMR on mood and depressive symptoms in patients with mild depression. Methods A quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design with a non-equivalent control group was used. Forty patients with mild depression were assigned to the experimental group that received breathing-relaxation training plus ASMR or the wait-list control group for a total of 8 training sessions. To assess mood and depressive symptoms, the Korean version of the Profile of Mood State-Brief and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 were performed. Results There was no significant difference in baseline demographic characteristics between both groups. After the 8 training sessions, the experimental group achieved a significantly greater improvement in mood and depressive symptoms with more ASMR experiences compared to the control group. Conclusion These findings illustrated the feasibility of ASMR as a complementary tool and breathing-relaxation training plus ASMR might be clinically beneficial to alleviate negative mood and depressive symptoms in patients with mild depression.