Can EEG asymmetry patterns predict future development of anxiety and depression? A preliminary study.
Previous research has shown that those reporting symptoms of depression and anxiety tend to exhibit greater relative right frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity. Thus, Davidson [Davidson, R.J., 1995. Cerebral asymmetry, emotion, and affective style. In: Davidson, R.J., Hugdahl, K. (Eds.), Brain Asymmetry. MIT, Cambridge, pp. 361-387] has suggested that greater relative right anterior activity may act as a vulnerability marker for the development of depression and anxiety disorders. This study therefore examined whether anterior and posterior EEG asymmetry patterns predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms one year later. At time 1, participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and had baseline EEG activity recorded. Participants then completed the BDI and STAI one year later. Those with relatively greater EEG activity in the right anterior region reported greater trait anxiety one year later. These preliminary results suggest that relative right frontal EEG activity may predict future development of anxiety symptoms.
Blackhart
Ginette C
GC
Department of Psychology, Florida State University, One University Way, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA. blackhart@psy.fsu.edu
Minnix
Jennifer A
JA
Kline
John P
JP
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D001921:Brain / Q000503:physiopathology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004569:Electroencephalography; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires