Heart rate variability as a biological marker of personality disorders

Persons involved: Max Zettl, Jana Volkert, Svenja Taubner.

Personality disorders (PS) represent one of the most common mental illnesses worldwide, are associated with severe distress, psychosocial performance impairment, and significantly increased mortality. In this research project, we investigate pathophysiological processes of the autonomic nervous system in the context of dimensional models of PS (DSM-5, ICD-11). Heart rate variability (HRV) describes the ability of an organism to change the frequency of its own heart rhythm. The origin of this physiological process lies in the function of the autonomic nervous system. Changes in HRV are discussed as a relevant mechanism of development and change of PS. However, to date, no studies are available on HRV and the evidence-based PS models in DSM-5 and ICD-11. In this multi-method project, we investigate associations between HRV, personality functioning levels, and maladaptive personality traits in healthy and psychiatric samples.

Duration: 2019 - Ongoing