[Changes and differences of heart rate variability of patients in a psychiatric rehabilitation clinic].
BACKGROUND
A reduced heart rate variability (HRV) has been associated with various different pathological physical and psychological conditions and illnesses. The present study is focused on investigating HRV in respect to psychological disorders (depressive disorders anxiety disorders, Burn-out-Syndrome).


METHODS
The results from an investigation with patients from a psychiatric Rehabilitation clinic following a six week in-patient treatment are presented.


RESULTS
The results show relevant changes in HRV in the course of the rehabilitative treatment for patients with depressive disorders, anxiety disorders or Burn-out-Syndrome. Simultaneously changes in HRV were linked with improvements in patient's psychological symptoms. Changes in HRV (i. e. an increase of relevant HRV-parameters) were accompanied by a reduction of psychological strain as well as psychological and physical health problems, which typically occur in Burnout-Syndrome. Furthermore, changes in relevant HRV-parameters were predictive of changes in psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety, phobia, Burnout symptoms).


CONCLUSIONS
The present study did show, that in respect to the investigation of the relationship between HRV and subjective data, primarily those HRV-parameters are important (in terms of significant results) which are based on parasympathetic activity. These results are interesting in the context of theories, which view vagal mediated HRV as positively connected with self-regulation, adaptability and positive interpersonal interaction of individuals.
Psychosomatisches Zentrum Waldviertel (PSZW), Kliniken Eggenburg, Gars, Österreich. fritz.riffer@pszw.at.|PSZW Klinik Eggenburg, Grafenberger Straße 2, 3730, Eggenburg, Österreich. fritz.riffer@pszw.at.|PSZW Rehabilitationsklinik Gars am Kamp, Kremserstraße 656, 3571, Gars am Kamp, Österreich. fritz.riffer@pszw.at.
Friedrich
F
Riffer
Psychosomatisches Zentrum Waldviertel (PSZW), Kliniken Eggenburg, Gars, Österreich.|PSZW Klinik Eggenburg, Grafenberger Straße 2, 3730, Eggenburg, Österreich.|PSZW Rehabilitationsklinik Gars am Kamp, Kremserstraße 656, 3571, Gars am Kamp, Österreich.
Lore
L
Streibl
Psychosomatisches Zentrum Waldviertel (PSZW), Kliniken Eggenburg, Gars, Österreich.|PSZW Klinik Eggenburg, Grafenberger Straße 2, 3730, Eggenburg, Österreich.|PSZW Rehabilitationsklinik Gars am Kamp, Kremserstraße 656, 3571, Gars am Kamp, Österreich.
Manuel
M
Sprung
Psychosomatisches Zentrum Waldviertel (PSZW), Kliniken Eggenburg, Gars, Österreich.|PSZW Klinik Eggenburg, Grafenberger Straße 2, 3730, Eggenburg, Österreich.|PSZW Rehabilitationsklinik Gars am Kamp, Kremserstraße 656, 3571, Gars am Kamp, Österreich.
Elmar
E
Kaiser
Psychosomatisches Zentrum Waldviertel (PSZW), Kliniken Eggenburg, Gars, Österreich.|PSZW Klinik Eggenburg, Grafenberger Straße 2, 3730, Eggenburg, Österreich.|PSZW Rehabilitationsklinik Gars am Kamp, Kremserstraße 656, 3571, Gars am Kamp, Österreich.
Lena
L
Riffer
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001317:Austria; D002055:Burnout, Professional / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004562:Electrocardiography; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010343:Patient Admission; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Anxiety disorders; Burnout; Depression; Heart rate variability; Psychiatric rehabilitation; Psychosomatic