Dynamics of Mental State in Patients with Anxiety and Depression Symptoms During Non-Pharmacological Correction Using the ASFC Method

Relevance . According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders affect approximately 4 % of the global population, with their contribution to disability and reduced quality of life being comparable to that of depressive disorders. In the Russian Federation, according to Rosstat data for 2020–2024, the incidence of non-psychotic mental disorders increased by 18 %, with anxiety disorders accounting for a substantial proportion (approximately 30 %), including disorders classified under F41.8 (other anxiety disorders). Traditional treatment approaches include pharmacotherapy and/ or psychotherapy. However, certain non-pharmacological methods appear promising, including psychophysiological intervention using Artificial Stable Functional Connections (ASFC), developed by V.M. Smirnov and Yu.S. Borodkin. This method has demonstrated efficacy in patients with functional disorders and mild organic lesions of the central nervous system. Its potential advantages include a relatively short treatment course and the absence of adverse effects associated with pharmacological treatment. Objective . To assess changes in cognitive, emotional, and defense-personality indicators before and after a three-week course of ASFC. Methodology . The methodological framework is based on theoretical principles regarding the mechanisms of formation and activation of artificial stable functional connections. The study utilized psychodiagnostic methods developed by Burdon, Muchnik–Smirnov, Taylor, Bass–Dark, Tsung, SMIL, and R. Plutchik’s Lifestyle Index. Results and discussion . The results demonstrated a reduction in anxiety and depressive symptoms, decreased tension of psychological defenses, and improved attention and short-term memory performance. Conclusion . Overall, patients demonstrated positive changes in cognitive and emotional- personality domains following non-pharmacological intervention using ASFC. These findings suggest that ASFC may represent a potential adjunctive approach both for alleviating current symptoms and for addressing anxiety and depressive manifestations when conventional treatment options are unavailable or cannot be used for various reasons.