Heart Rate Variability and the Efficacy of Biofeedback in Heroin Users with Depressive Symptoms.
10.9758/cpn.2016.14.2.168
- Author:
I Mei LIN
1
;
Jiun Min KO
;
Sheng Yu FAN
;
Cheng Fang YEN
Author Information
1. Department of Psychology, College of Humanities and Social Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Autonomic nervous system;
Depression;
Heart-rate-variability-biofeedback;
Heroin
- MeSH:
Autonomic Nervous System;
Biofeedback, Psychology*;
Depression*;
Depressive Disorder, Major;
Electrocardiography;
Happiness;
Heart Rate*;
Heart*;
Heroin*;
Respiratory Rate
- From:Clinical Psychopharmacology and Neuroscience
2016;14(2):168-176
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVE: Low heart rate variability (HRV) has been confirmed in heroin users, but the effects of heart-rate-variability-biofeedback in heroin users remain unknown. This study examined (1) correlations between depression and HRV indices; (2) group differences in HRV indices among a heroin-user group, a group with major depressive disorder but no heroin use, and healthy controls; and (3) the effects of heart-rate-variability-biofeedback on depressive symptoms, HRV indices, and respiratory rates within the heroin group. METHODS: All participants completed a depression questionnaire and underwent electrocardiogram measurements, and group differences in baseline HRV indices were examined. The heroin group underwent electrocardiogram and respiration rate measurements at baseline, during a depressive condition, and during a happiness condition, before and after which they took part in the heart-rate-variability-biofeedback program. The effects of heart-rate-variability-biofeedback on depressive symptoms, HRV indices, and respiration rates were examined. RESULTS: There was a negative correlation between depression and high frequency of HRV, and a positive correlation between depression and low frequency to high frequency ratio of HRV. The heroin group had a lower overall and high frequency of HRV, and a higher low frequency/high frequency ratio than healthy controls. The heart-rate-variability-biofeedback intervention increased HRV indices and decreased respiratory rates from pre-intervention to post-intervention. CONCLUSION: Reduced parasympathetic and increased sympathetic activations were found in heroin users. Heart-rate-variability-biofeedback was an effective non-pharmacological intervention to restore autonomic balance.
