EEG and evoked potentials in episodic-dyscontrol syndrome.
The neurophysiologic correlates of explosive rage and violence are uncertain and controversial. We recorded 17-channel electroencephalograms (EEGs), brainstem auditory-evoked potentials (BAEPs), and long-latency auditory-event-related potentials (AEPs) in 23 patients with impulsive, aggressive and violent behavior satisfying criteria for episodic-dyscontrol syndrome. Most patients also satisfied criteria for intermittent explosive disorder, although some had had conduct disorders in childhood or had previously used psychoactive substances. Sixteen of 23 patients had normal EEGs, while 7 had diffuse or focal slowing not ascribable to drowsiness or the effects of medication. They differed significantly from 20 age-matched patients with headaches, of whom 1 had an abnormal EEG (chi 2 = 4.68, p < 0.05), and from 24 depressed patients, all of whose EEGs were normal (chi 2 = 4.83, p < 0.05). Patients and normal control subjects did not differ in BAEP latencies. N100 and P160 AEP amplitudes were lower in episodic-dyscontrol patients than in control, but the difference was not significant. These findings suggest that non-specific cerebral dysfunction and EEG changes may be associated with disordered impulse or behavior control. Episodic dyscontrol may be associated with other evidence of minimal brain dysfunction.
Drake
M E
ME
Department of Neurology, Ohio State University College of Medicine Clinical Neurophysiology Laboratory, Ohio State University Hospitals, Columbus 43210.
Hietter
S A
SA
Pakalnis
A
A
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology; D007174:Disruptive, Impulse Control, and Conduct Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory / Q000502:physiology*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011930:Reaction Time / Q000502:physiology; D013577:Syndrome; D014754:Violence