Neurophysiological signs of cocaine dependence: increased electroencephalogram beta during withdrawal.
To determine whether a central nervous system marker of cocaine dependence might exist, the resting electroencephalogram (EEG) of 33 drug-free, cocaine-dependent men (DSM-III-R criteria) was compared with two control groups [nondrug group (n = 10) and drug group who abused drugs, but were not cocaine dependent (n = 20)]. The EEG was recorded from eight sites after about 10 days of monitored abstinence (range 4-15 days) on a closed research ward for the drug-using individuals. The EEG was recorded for the nondrug control group as outpatients. The drug history was determined by the drug history questionnaire and a medical screening interview. The percent of EEG beta activity for the cocaine-dependent subjects was greater than that of both control groups (p < .05) as well as a normative database (HZI: Tarrytown, NY). The percent of EEG beta in frontal and central areas of the cocaine-dependent individuals was correlated with the frequency of cocaine use during the last 30 days. High levels of EEG beta may be a neurophysiological withdrawal sign in cocaine-dependent men.
Herning
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Division of Intramural Research, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA.
Guo
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Better
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Weinhold
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Lange
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Cadet
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Gorelick
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D000328:Adult; D001611:Beta Rhythm; D003042:Cocaine; D004569:Electroencephalography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
D003042:Cocaine