Our primary research questions will focus on how dysfunction in heart-brain interactions manifests in individuals suffering from various mental health conditions, particularly under stress. We will explore the relationship between heart-related parameters, multi-modal neuroimaging data, clinical assessment data, and genetic data to understand how these physiological and neurological factors correlate with levels of resilience. Additionally, we will examine whether heart-brain dysfunction serves as a predictor for resilience in mental health problems and the role of stress, including environmental stressors, in this relationship. We will also investigate if interventions aimed at improving heart-brain interactions can enhance resilience and mitigate the effects of stress.
The objectives of this study include analysing multi-dimensional clinical data to identify specific patterns of dysfunction in heart-brain interactions among individuals with mental health disorders, especially in the context of stress exposure, which may be influenced by environmental factors. We aim to assess resilience using established psychological measures and correlate these with the identified dysfunctions and stress levels. Furthermore, we will investigate the potential for targeted interventions to improve heart-brain function and, consequently, resilience.
The scientific rationale for this research lies in the growing recognition of the heart-brain interaction’s role, which is known to exacerbate mental health issues. This study aims to provide insights that can inform therapeutic approaches targeting both heart and brain functions. By integrating environmental exposure, we will examine how environmental stressors, such as air quality and socio-economic factors, impact heart-brain interactions and resilience. Ultimately, we hope to enhance understanding of resilience, paving the way for innovative interventions that improve outcomes for individuals facing these challenges.