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A Pilot Randomized Control Study on Effect Brief Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback as a Complementary Treatment in
Cheng-Fang Yen1,2, Chih-Hung Ko1,2,3, Chih-Yao Hsu4
1Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan.
Summary
Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBFB) significantly reduced methamphetamine cravings, dependence severity, and positive drug tests in men undergoing outpatient treatment. This accessible intervention offers an effective adjunct for methamphetamine use disorder recovery.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Methamphetamine use disorder (MUD) presents significant public health challenges.
- Effective adjunct treatments are needed to support outpatient recovery programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVBFB) as an adjunct therapy for MUD.
- To assess HRVBFB's impact on craving, dependence severity, and methamphetamine use.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 61 adult men in an outpatient MUD program.
- Participants received either HRVBFB plus treatment as usual (TAU) or TAU alone for four weeks.
- Outcomes measured included craving, dependence severity, and urine drug test results at intervention end and follow-up.
Main Results:
- HRVBFB group demonstrated significantly greater reductions in craving and dependence severity compared to TAU alone.
- The HRVBFB group also showed a lower rate of positive methamphetamine urine tests.
- Treatment entry craving and dependence severity predicted outcomes, while baseline drug test status only predicted short-term outcomes.
Conclusions:
- HRVBFB is a promising adjunct treatment for ameliorating cravings and reducing dependence severity in MUD.
- HRVBFB intervention is easily and affordably implemented, making it a valuable tool for MUD recovery.
- The findings support the integration of HRVBFB into standard outpatient MUD treatment protocols.
