Heart rate variability (HRV): Checklist for observational and experimental studies

Ford et al. provided (via review study) an overview of the psychiatric features associated with encephalitis mediated by autoantibodies targeting neuronal cellsurface antigens and describe indicators of potential immunopathology underlying psychiatric manifestations. In this scientific context of psychiatric manifestations, studies strongly suggest that scientists include heart rate variability assessment in these patients (because this is a way to evaluate the autonomic nervous system's sympathetic and parasympathetic components). Ford's paper has significant clinical relevance and will generate new studies (experimental and observational) on psychiatric manifestations; therefore, we have six suggestions for the authors and other scientists/researchers who will use this article to perform further research using the heart rate variability assessment. Our objective is to contribute to scientific research and help to strengthen the new studies that will emerge.