Acute cortisol administration modulates EEG alpha asymmetry in volunteers: relevance to depression.
The acute effects of cortisol (35mg) administration in 11 healthy male volunteers on resting frontal EEG asymmetry measured in the alpha band were investigated, using a within-subjects double-blind design. Results were indicative of a relative increase of right frontal activity with cortisol. This pattern of activity is similar to the deviant pattern that has been reported in patients suffering from depression, a condition often accompanied by elevated plasma cortisol levels. The significant effect on frontal asymmetry provides convergent support for our hypothesis, based upon previous results, that sustained (>30 minutes after stress termination) relative high levels of cortisol inhibit approach motivation.
Tops
Mattie
M
Department of Psychiatry, Hanzeplein 1, Groningen 9713 GZ, The Netherlands. m.tops@ppsw.rug.nl <m.tops@ppsw.rug.nl>
Wijers
Albertus A
AA
van Staveren
Annoesjka S J
AS
Bruin
Klaas J
KJ
Den Boer
Johan A
JA
Meijman
Theo F
TF
Korf
Jacob
J
D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D003863:Depression / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography / Q000187:drug effects*; D005625:Frontal Lobe / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008297:Male; D012307:Risk Factors
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D006854:Hydrocortisone