Behavioral activation treatment increases parasympathetic activity in veterans (1130.23)

Abstract

Behavioral Activation is an effective treatment for depression and other psychological disorders that works by increasing patients’ preferred daily activities, particularly social engagement. Improving social engagement may improve autonomic function by buffering the impact of stress. We tested if Behavioral Activation improves the autonomic function of deployed Veterans. Veterans (n=5) participated in 12 weekly group sessions where they were encouraged to increase daily behaviors including social engagement. During weeks 1, 4, 8 and 12 autonomic function testing was performed including transcranial Doppler in the middle (MCA) and anterior cerebral artery (ACA) as well as blood pressure during several tests (sit to stand, hyper/ hypocapnia, cold presser and paced auditory serial addition test). All Veterans who started the intervention completed the treatment. Our results show an increase in high‐frequency heart rate variability, an autonomic indicator of parasympathetic activity (Week 1; 660K ± 147K, Week 12; 1390K ± 153K). In addition, mean blood pressure decreased over the same time period, although non‐significantly (Week1; 88.4 ± 3.0, Week 12; 83.2 ± 5.3 mmHg). However, no significant reduction of low‐frequency systolic blood pressure or heart rate variance was found, suggesting no change in sympathetic outflow. Our findings, while preliminary, suggest this behavioral intervention focused on improving social engagement may improve autonomic function. Further 100% of participants who started the treatment were adherent. Our preliminary data suggests that Behavioral Activation may be a promising intervention to improve autonomic dysfunction among Veterans.Grant Funding Source: Supported by: Department of Veteran Affairs and The Office of Public Health