Heart rate variability biofeedback for anxiety in autistic youth
NCT ID NCT07812233
First seen Sep 10, 2026 · Last updated Sep 10, 2026
Summary
Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) is a breathing-based intervention that reduces anxiety in a range of populations. Second-generation wearable HRVB devices not only deliver scheduled biofeedback practice sessions but also allow patients to practice HRVB in-the-moment when it is needed most. This study is testing the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary efficacy of second-generation, ambulatory HRVB for the treatment of anxiety in autistic youth.
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Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 2
Tests whether the treatment actually works, and watches for side effects, in a larger group.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
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Oct 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
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May 2029
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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12 to 17 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Age 12-17 years at the time of enrollment. 2. ASD diagnosis from a qualified health professional based on medical records and confirmed based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM 5) criteria by the study clinician. 3. IQ ≥50 based on the Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT-2). 4. Clinically significant anxiety, based on the Pediatric Anxiety Rating Scale (PARS) 5-item score of ≥10. 5. Stable medications for ≥30 days. 6. English speaking. 7. Willing to wear the Lief Smart Patch for 8 weeks. 8. English speaking guardian who is willing and able to complete caregiver assessments. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically significant cardiac arrhythmia based on parent report. 2. Current primary diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychosis, substance use disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, eating disorder, or major depressive disorder that requires a different treatment based in the opinion of the PI. 3. Acutely unstable medical/psychiatric condition (e.g. self-injury, suicidality) that would preclude study participation in the opinion of the PI
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The study's own enquiry address
This study publishes an address for enquiries. See it below .
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The official record
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A doctor treating you
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Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
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