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Resting frontal electroencephalographic asymmetry in depression: Inconsistencies suggest the need to identify mediating factors

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 July 1998

Stephanie A. Reid ,
Lisa M. Duke  and
John J.B. Allen
Stephanie A. Reid
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
Lisa M. Duke
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
John J.B. Allen
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, USA
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Abstract

Two studies of the relationship between depression and resting frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity are reported. Although considerable research supports the theory of left and right hemispheric specialization for approach and withdrawal behaviors, only four studies involving clinically depressed individuals have been published to date. Despite methodological similarities with published research, no significant differences in frontal activation emerged between depressed and nondepressed participants with either college students having high Beck Depression Inventory scores (Study 1) or with individuals diagnosed with DSM-III-R depression (Study 2). Post hoc analyses in Study 2 revealed one effect confined to lateral frontal leads during the first 2 min of EEG data; this finding was significant in only one of three reference montages. Results are discussed in light of methodological considerations and mediating variables such as temperament and coping styles.

Keywords

EmotionElectroencephalographyIndividual differencesLateral dominanceMethodologyPsychophysiology
Type
Research Article
Information
Psychophysiology , Volume 35 , Issue 4 , July 1998 , pp. 389 - 404
Copyright
© 1998 Society for Psychophysiological Research

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Footnotes

Address reprint requests to: John J.B. Allen, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 210068, Tucson, AZ 85721-0068, USA. E-mail: jallen@u.arizona.edu.