Heart rate variability and social dysfunction

Heart rate variability and social dysfunction

Daniel S. Quintana, Andrew H. Kemp, Adam J. Guastella

SCAN research & teaching unit, School of Psychology

Brain & Mind Research Institute

Background

3

“At least half of (positive)

psychology occurs below

the neck”

- Martin Seligman

Background

3

“I’ve been astonished to notice the change in

patients suffering from heart disease… They will tell you that they have suddenly become low spirited, their sleep is disturbed and they are not able to take their

dinner”

- Henry Head (1901)Brain (1901), 24(3).

Background

3

“…more than a third of the world’s population is

affected by mental illness at some point in life, with social impairments being

one of the most prominent and disabling features.”

- Mayer-Lindberg & Tost (2012)

Nature Neuroscience (2012), 15(5).

Background

3

Relationship between heart disease and mood disorders

Relationship between poor social skills and mood disorders

Autonomic nervous system dysfunction

BackgroundSocial dysfunction

Sheldon Cooper has problems with the expression and the comprehension of emotion

The autonomic nervous system

4

The vagus nerve is part of a system that communicates between the brain and body

The autonomic nervous system

3

Sinoatrial node

Polyvagal theory and social behavior

Porges (2007) Biological Psychology, 74.

Polyvagal theory and social behavior

Porges (2007) Biological Psychology, 74.

Eyelid opening

Middle ear

muscles

Facial muscles

Neck turning

Laryngeal & Pharyngeal

muscles

The autonomic nervous system What happens in a safe environment?

The autonomic nervous system

4

Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)inhibits heart rate via the ‘vagal brake’

What happens during threat?

4

Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)

stimulates heart rate via a release of the ‘vagal brake’

The autonomic nervous system

4

Control of the vagal brake can be measured non-invasively at rest with an

electrocardiogram (ECG)

How can we measure HRV?

4

Polar watch + chest strap

The autonomic nervous system

HRV is the temporal variation of beats

A flexible structure is better suited to cope with environmental stress

High HRV is good

The autonomic nervous system Is HRV is reduced in depression?

Kemp, Quintana et al., (2010) Biological Psychiatry, 34 (6); Kemp, Quintana et al., (2012) PLoS One

Is HRV reduced in MDD?

*P > 0.01

Kemp, Quintana et al., (2012) PLoS One

*P > 0.01

Is HRV reduced in MDD with comorbid anxiety?

Kemp, Quintana et al., (2012) PLoS One

Is HRV is reduced in alcohol dependence?

Quintana, Guastella, Kemp et al., (in press) Alcoholism: Experimental &

Clinical research

Is HRV reduced in alcohol dependence?

Summary effect size

Quintana, Guastella, Kemp et al., (in press) Alcoholism: Experimental & Clinical research

Does HRV predict emotion recognition?

Quintana, Guastella, Kemp et al., (in press)

International Journal of Psychophysiology

Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task

11

Is this man terrified? arrogant? annoyed?upset?

11

Is this man terrified?

arrogant? annoyed?upset?

Reading the Mind in the Eyes Task

HRV related to emotion recognition

Quintana, Guastella, Kemp et al., (in press) International Journal of Psychophysiology

Does oxytocin nasal spray increase HRV?

Kemp, Quintana, Guastella et al., (2012) PLoS One

Acute oxytocin administration and HRV

Kemp, Quintana, Guastella et al., (2012). PLoS One

Does HRV bio-feedback increase HRV & reduce anxiety in musicians?

Wells, Quintana, Kemp et al., (2012) PLoS One

Acute oxytocin administration and HRV

Wells, Quintana, Kemp et al., (2012). PLoS One

17

Acknowledgements

Dr. Andrew Kemp SCAN research and teaching unit

School of Psychology University of Sydney

A/Prof. Adam Guastella BMRI

University of Sydney

Prof. Iain McGregor School of Psychology University of Sydney

Prof. Gin MalhiDr. Maree AbbottJames Heathers

Tim OuthredJohn Chalmers

Prof. Ian HickieGail Alvares

Cristina Caccioti-SaijaNigel ChenCJ Yatawara

Questions?

For more info on research or any questions:Email - daniel.quintana@sydney.edu.auWeb – http://dsquintana.com