Gender differences in the EEG of abstinent cocaine abusers.
Gender differences in the EEG were explored in cocaine-abusing individuals not seeking treatment. Twenty currently abstinent cocaine-abusing females aged 21-41 were studied. Their cocaine use history was matched to 20 currently abstinent cocaine-abusing males. Twelve female and 20 male non-drug-abusing individuals served as a control group. Resting eyes closed EEG was recorded from 8 leads. The males who used cocaine had elevated EEG beta (p<0.0125) and reduced alpha (p<0.0125) when compared to the cocaine-abusing females and control subjects. These findings suggest that the EEG of cocaine-abusing women may be more normal than that of cocaine-abusing men. Such gender-specific differences for cocaine-abusing populations may require gender-specific treatment to improve outcome.
Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD, USA.
D E
DE
King
R I
RI
Herning
D A
DA
Gorelick
J L
JL
Cadet
D000328:Adult; D019970:Cocaine-Related Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000523:psychology