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 - [email protected] – http://dsquintana.com