Long-term stability of resting frontal EEG alpha asymmetry and power in a sample of stable community outpatients with schizophrenia

Int J Psychophysiol. 2009 May;72(2):228-33. doi: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2008.12.011. Epub 2008 Dec 24.

Abstract

The authors examined the long-term stability of resting regional EEG alpha asymmetry and power (i.e., markers of affective style) in a sample of 15 stable community outpatients with schizophrenia. We found that resting frontal EEG alpha asymmetry and power both remained stable over a 36-month interval before and after controlling for patients' positive and negative symptoms. This same pattern was not evidenced in the posterior EEG sites. These findings provide preliminary evidence of a putative psychophysiological trait marker of affective style in stable community outpatients with schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Alpha Rhythm*
  • Female
  • Frontal Lobe / physiopathology*
  • Functional Laterality / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Outpatients*
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Residence Characteristics
  • Rest / physiology*
  • Schizophrenia / pathology*
  • Schizophrenia / physiopathology
  • Spectrum Analysis
  • Time Factors
  • Young Adult