title: EEG patterns in various subgroups of endogenous depression.
abstract: Twenty-three patients with major depressive disorders were examined clinically, biochemically and electroencephalographically before antidepressive treatment was initiated. EEG characteristics were related to clinical items and to a serotonin re-uptake indicator. The results suggested that at least three definable EEG patterns were associated with certain specific features of major depressive disorders. Thus, an EEG pattern characterized by increased beta activity was associated with the recurrent type of depression. Another EEG pattern, with signs of decreased alertness, was present in patients with insomnia, agitation and in those without depression in their families. A significant correlation was also found between the alertness indicator and the serotonin accumulation rate. The third type of EEG feature was represented by interhemispheric asymmetry in the EEG which could be seen in patients with high scores of anxiety. The results suggest that the EEG findings may be helpful in defining various subgroups of major depressive disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Sahlgren's University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Matousek
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000818:Animals; D001143:Arousal / Q000502:physiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051381:Rats; D012701:Serotonin / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D012701:Serotonin