Resting cardiac function in adolescent non-suicidal self-injury: The impact of borderline personality disorder symptoms and psychosocial functioning. (February 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Koenig, Julian; Rinnewitz, Lena; Parzer, Peter; Resch, Franz; Thayer, Julian F.; Kaess, Michael
• Is Part Of: Psychiatry research. Volume 248(2017)
• Page Start: 117
• Page End: 120
• Publication Date: 2017-02
• Subjects: Heart rate variability -- Non-suicidal self-injury -- Borderline personality disorder; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychiatry -- periodicals; Psychiatrie -- Périodiques; 616.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.12.024
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-1781

Abstract

Abstract: Vagally mediated heart rate variability (vmHRV) is reduced in borderline personality disorder (BPD). Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is associated with comorbid psychopathology, in particular BPD. We aimed to examine differences in cardiac function (vmHRV and heart rate [HR]) comparing adolescents (12–17 years) engaging in NSSI (n=30) and healthy controls (n=30). Further, we aimed to determine clinical concomitants of cardiac function in patients with NSSI. Analyses showed no significant group differences on cardiac function. Controlling for a host of confounding variables resting state HR and vmHRV in adolescents with NSSI were significantly correlated with BPD symptoms and the current level of functioning. Highlights: Cardiac function is not altered in adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Cardiac function is related to BPD symptoms and the current level of functioning. Future studies should address cardiac function in the longitudinal course of NSSI.