Hemispheric asymmetry in depression and mania. A longitudinal QEEG study in bipolar disorder.
BACKGROUND
previous research has been inconclusive about the nature of hemispheric asymmetry in emotional processing.


METHODS
13 patients with DSM-IV bipolar disorder received repeated QEEGs over 2 years in different mood states. Z-score measures of asymmetry were assessed.


RESULTS
asymmetry in frontotemporal slow-wave activity appeared to be in opposite directions in depression compared to mania/hypomania.


CONCLUSIONS
mood change in bipolar disorder is associated with change in QEEG asymmetry.


CONCLUSIONS
study of larger numbers of more homogenous patients under similar conditions is needed.


CONCLUSIONS
study of mood state-dependent asymmetry changes in bipolar disorder may lead to better understanding of hemispheric processing of emotion.
Koek
R J
RJ
Psychiatry Service, Sepulveda VA Medical Center, CA 91343, USA. rkoekmd@pol.net
Yerevanian
B I
BI
Tachiki
K H
KH
Smith
J C
JC
Alcock
J
J
Kopelowicz
A
A
D000328:Adult; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D001921:Brain / Q000502:physiology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D007839:Functional Laterality / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index