Objectives: Experimental work was designed to find the integrated differences in electroencephalography (EEG) synchrony between normal people and patients with disorders of schizophrenic spectrum.
Methods: In this study EEG recording have been performed in a state of quiet wakefulness with eyes closed for three groups of 8-15 years old adolescents: normal group and two groups of mental disorders in nosological categories F20 and F21 according to International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10. We have used the alternative method for EEG synchrony estimating based on correlation between envelopes of EEG signals. This method was previously proven as a highly sensitive tool of differentiation of psychopathological and functional states.
Results: As a result of research, the complex picture of significant topographical, inter-hemispheric, regional and age distinctions was revealed, in which many of fragmentary results previously received by other researchers found their confirmation. One of the basic features of the received integrated picture of pathology is existence of extended zones of sharply lowered EEG synchrony dividing local and isolated areas in frontal and occipital regions mainly of normal or sometimes increased EEG synchrony. The received results completely fit into the framework of the theory of disintegration of cortical electric activity in cases of disorders of schizophrenic spectrum.
Conclusion: The used method provides close to 100% reliability of tripartite classification of norm and two pathology groups separately, it allows revelation of many authentic correlations between EEG synchrony estimations and psychometric indices, its results are consistently reproducible for different groups of patients and examinees, which opens up opportunities and prospects for its use as an auxiliary quantitative differential indicator.
Key words: Discriminant classification; Electroencephalography; Envelope correlation; Schizophrenia; Schizotypal disorder
|
