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.
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
Any organic neurological or cardiac conditions
Prescription of cardiovascular medication
Active severe suicidal ideation
Diabetes as this can affect HRV