Digital Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback Intervention for First Episode Psychosis

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.

Inclusion Criteria: * 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 * Able to provide written informed consent. * Patients should be stable but with symptoms present * Score a minimum of 7 on the Calgary Depression Scale. Exclusion Criteria: * Any organic neurological or cardiac conditions * Prescription of cardiovascular medication * Active severe suicidal ideation * Diabetes as this can affect HRV * Current substance abuse * An ECG will be performed on each participant prior to joining the study to exclude undiagnosed cardiac conditions