The Role of Anxiety and Depression in Heart Rate Variability During Sexual Activity

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Individuals with depression and anxiety demonstrate lower levels of heart rate variability (HRV) as a function of sympathetic and parasympathetic dominance respectively. Low HRV is also implicated in sexual concerns which, in turn, are closely associated with mood disorders. Given that HRV is an autonomic marker of responsivity to exogenous and endogenous demands, a blunted response to environmental cues may lead to decreased sexual satisfaction among individuals with low HRV during sex. This pattern might contribute to the decrements in sexual satisfaction often observed among individuals experiencing depression and anxiety. Objective The goal of the current study is to examine HRV differences during sexual activity among individuals above and below the clinical cutoffs on measures of anxiety and depression, while controlling for baseline HRV differences. A secondary goal is to determine if HRV differences correspond to individual variation in satisfaction with the observed sexual encounter. Methods Participants will complete validated measures of depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7). Using impedance cardiography, participants will measure baseline HRV and HRV during sexual activity in the comfort and privacy of their homes. Subsequently, participants will rate their level of satisfaction with the sexual encounter. Results Data collection is ongoing with an anticipated completion date of December 2021. Results will be updated with an addendum upon data analysis. Conclusions The discussion will focus on the interplay between mood symptoms and sexual satisfaction via the autonomic nervous system. Implications for the treatment of comorbid sexual and mood concerns will be highlighted. Disclosure No