Work

Heart rate variability biofeedback: Theoretical basis, delivery, and its potential for the treatment of substance use disorders

Year: 2015

Type: article

Abstract: Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRV BFB) is a biobehavioural clinical intervention that is gaining growing empirical support for the treatment of a number of psychological disorders, several of which are highly comorbid with substance use disorders (SUDs). The present article reviews the autonomic nervous system bases of two key processes implicated in the formation and maintenance of addictive pathology-affect dysregulation and craving-and asks if HRV BFB may be an effective intervention to ameliorate autonomic nervous system dysregulation in these processes, and as such, prove to be an effective intervention for SUDs. A detailed description of HRV BFB and its delivery is provided. Preliminary evidence suggests HRV BFB may be an effective addendum to current first-line SUD treatments, though no firm conclusions can be drawn at this time; more research is needed.

Source: Addiction Research & Theory

DOI: 10.3109/16066359.2015.1011625

Authors: David Eddie, Evgeny Vaschillo, Bronya Vaschillo, Paul Lehrer

Institution: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Language: English

Topic: Heart Rate Variability and Autonomic Control

Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: green

Funder: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism