Digital Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention for First Episode Psychosis

Digital Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention for First Episode Psychosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The objective of the current study is to assess the impact of a five-week digital heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV-B) intervention or music listening on the well-being of first episode psychosis patients. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of how an individual's heart rate can adapt to a changing environment and mental and physiological challenges. It has been well established that HRV can be regulated through actions such as slow breathing and meditation. HRV Biofeedback (HRV-B) involves breathing at a specific frequency, usually around 6 breaths per minute, which has been shown to maximize HRV. Research has shown that HRV-B interventions improved mental health symptoms in various populations including individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with first-episode-psychosis who have been in treatment for less than 5 years
• Inclusive of affective and non-affective psychosis
• Aged 18-55
• A diagnosis of schizophrenia-spectrum disorders or affective psychosis including schizoaffective disorder, bipolar affective disorders and depression with psychosis based on DSM V diagnostic criteria
• Able to provide written informed consent.
• Patients should be stable but with symptoms present
• Score a minimum of 7 on the Calgary Depression Scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any organic neurological or cardiac conditions
• Prescription of cardiovascular medication
• Active severe suicidal ideation
• Diabetes as this can affect HRV
• Current substance abuse
• An ECG will be performed on each participant prior to joining the study to exclude undiagnosed cardiac conditions