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Coelho DRA, Renet C, López-Rodríguez S, Cassano P, Vieira WF. Transcranial photobiomodulation for neurodevelopmental disorders: a narrative review. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2024; 23:1609-1623. [PMID: 39009808 DOI: 10.1007/s43630-024-00613-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Down syndrome (DS) significantly impact social, communicative, and behavioral functioning. Transcranial photobiomodulation (t-PBM) with near-infrared light is a promising non-invasive neurostimulation technique for neuropsychiatric disorders, including NDDs. This narrative review aimed to examine the preclinical and clinical evidence of photobiomodulation (PBM) in treating NDDs. METHODS A comprehensive search across six databases was conducted, using a combination of MeSH terms and title/abstract keywords: "photobiomodulation", "PBM", "neurodevelopmental disorders", "NDD", and others. Studies applying PBM to diagnosed NDD cases or animal models replicating NDDs were included. Protocols, reviews, studies published in languages other than English, and studies not evaluating clinical or cognitive outcomes were excluded. RESULTS Nine studies were identified, including one preclinical and eight clinical studies (five on ASD, two on ADHD, and one on DS). The reviewed studies encompassed various t-PBM parameters (wavelengths: 635-905 nm) and targeted primarily frontal cortex areas. t-PBM showed efficacy in improving disruptive behavior, social communication, cognitive rigidity, sleep quality, and attention in ASD; in enhancing attention in ADHD; and in improving motor skills and verbal fluency in DS. Minimal adverse effects were reported. Proposed mechanisms involve enhanced mitochondrial function, modulated oxidative stress, and reduced neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS t-PBM emerges as a promising intervention for NDDs, with potential therapeutic effects across ASD, ADHD, and DS. These findings underscore the need for further research, including larger-scale, randomized sham-controlled clinical trials with comprehensive biomarker analyses, to optimize treatment parameters and understand the underlying mechanisms associated with the effects of t-PBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Richer Araujo Coelho
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
- Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
| | - Christian Renet
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sergi López-Rodríguez
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Bellvitge University Hospital, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute, Carlos III Health Institute, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Cassano
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Division of Neuropsychiatry and Neuromodulation, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA.
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Fradkin Y, De Taboada L, Naeser M, Saltmarche A, Snyder W, Steingold E. Transcranial photobiomodulation in children aged 2-6 years: a randomized sham-controlled clinical trial assessing safety, efficacy, and impact on autism spectrum disorder symptoms and brain electrophysiology. Front Neurol 2024; 15:1221193. [PMID: 38737349 PMCID: PMC11086174 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2024.1221193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Small pilot studies have suggested that transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) could help reduce symptoms of neurological conditions, such as depression, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Objective To examine the impact of tPBM on the symptoms of ASD in children aged two to six years. Method We conducted a randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial involving thirty children aged two to six years with a prior diagnosis of ASD. We delivered pulses of near-infrared light (40 Hz, 850 nm) noninvasively to selected brain areas twice a week for eight weeks, using an investigational medical device designed for this purpose (Cognilum™, JelikaLite Corp., New York, United States). We used the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS, 2nd Edition) to assess and compare the ASD symptoms of participants before and after the treatment course. We collected electroencephalogram (EEG) data during each session from those participants who tolerated wearing the EEG cap. Results The difference in the change in CARS scores between the two groups was 7.23 (95% CI 2.357 to 12.107, p = 0.011). Seventeen of the thirty participants completed at least two EEGs and time-dependent trends were detected. In addition, an interaction between Active versus Sham and Scaled Time was observed in delta power (Coefficient = 7.521, 95% CI -0.517 to 15.559, p = 0.07) and theta power (Coefficient = -8.287, 95% CI -17.199 to 0.626, p = 0.07), indicating a potential trend towards a greater reduction in delta power and an increase in theta power over time with treatment in the Active group, compared to the Sham group. Furthermore, there was a significant difference in the condition (Treatment vs. Sham) in the power of theta waves (net_theta) (Coefficient = 9.547, 95% CI 0.027 to 19.067, p = 0.049). No moderate or severe side effects or adverse effects were reported or observed during the trial. Conclusion These results indicate that tPBM may be a safe and effective treatment for ASD and should be studied in more depth in larger studies.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04660552, identifier NCT04660552.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuliy Fradkin
- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
| | | | - Margaret Naeser
- Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
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Deng L, He WZ, Zhang QL, Wei L, Dai Y, Liu YQ, Chen ZL, Ren T, Zhang LL, Gong JB, Li F. Caregiver-child interaction as an effective tool for identifying autism spectrum disorder: evidence from EEG analysis. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:138. [PMID: 38098032 PMCID: PMC10722789 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00690-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals across their lifespan. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for improving outcomes. However, current diagnostic methods are often time-consuming, and costly, making them inaccessible to many families. In the current study, we aim to test caregiver-child interaction as a potential tool for screening children with ASD in clinic. METHODS We enrolled 85 preschool children (Mean age: 4.90 ± 0.65 years, 70.6% male), including ASD children with or without developmental delay (DD), and typical development (TD) children, along with their caregivers. ASD core symptoms were evaluated by Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Calibrated Severity Scores (ADOS-CSS). Behavioral indicators were derived from video encoding of caregiver-child interaction, including social involvement of children (SIC), interaction time (IT), response of children to social cues (RSC), time for caregiver initiated social interactions (GIS) and time for children initiated social interactions (CIS)). Power spectral density (PSD) values were calculated by EEG signals simultaneously recorded. Partial Pearson correlation analysis was used in both ASD groups to investigate the correlation among behavioral indicators scores and ASD symptom severity and PSD values. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to describe the discrimination accuracy of behavioral indicators. RESULTS Compared to TD group, both ASD groups demonstrated significant lower scores of SIC, IT, RSC, CIS (all p values < 0.05), and significant higher time for GIS (all p values < 0.01). SIC scores negatively correlated with CARS (p = 0.006) and ADOS-CSS (p = 0.023) in the ASD with DD group. Compared to TD group, PSD values elevated in ASD groups (all p values < 0.05), and was associated with SIC (theta band: p = 0.005; alpha band: p = 0.003) but not IQ levels. SIC was effective in identifying both ASD groups (sensitivity/specificity: ASD children with DD, 76.5%/66.7%; ASD children without DD, 82.6%/82.2%). CONCLUSION Our results verified the behavioral paradigm of caregiver-child interaction as an efficient tool for early ASD screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Deng
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric and Child Primary Care & Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wei-Zhong He
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300072, China
| | - Qing-Li Zhang
- Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ling Wei
- College of Medical Imaging, Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Dai
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric and Child Primary Care & Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu-Qi Liu
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric and Child Primary Care & Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zi-Lin Chen
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric and Child Primary Care & Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Tai Ren
- Ministry of Education - Shanghai Key Laboratory of Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lin-Li Zhang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric and Child Primary Care & Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jing-Bo Gong
- Shanghai Changning Mental Health Center, Shanghai, 200335, China.
| | - Fei Li
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatric and Child Primary Care & Ministry of Education, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Children's Environmental Health, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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Angulo-Ruiz BY, Ruiz-Martínez FJ, Rodríguez-Martínez EI, Ionescu A, Saldaña D, Gómez CM. Linear and Non-linear Analyses of EEG in a Group of ASD Children During Resting State Condition. Brain Topogr 2023; 36:736-749. [PMID: 37330940 PMCID: PMC10415465 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-023-00976-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
This study analyses the spontaneous electroencephalogram (EEG) brain activity of 14 children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) compared to 18 children with normal development, aged 5-11 years. (i) Power Spectral Density (PSD), (ii) variability across trials (coefficient of variation: CV), and (iii) complexity (multiscale entropy: MSE) of the brain signal analysis were computed on the resting state EEG. PSD (0.5-45 Hz) and CV were averaged over different frequency bands (low-delta, delta, theta, alpha, low-beta, high-beta and gamma). MSE were calculated with a coarse-grained procedure on 67 time scales and divided into fine, medium and coarse scales. In addition, significant neurophysiological variables were correlated with behavioral performance data (Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test (KBIT) and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)). Results show increased PSD fast frequency bands (high-beta and gamma), higher variability (CV) and lower complexity (MSE) in children with ASD when compared to typically developed children. These results suggest a more variable, less complex and, probably, less adaptive neural networks with less capacity to generate optimal responses in ASD children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Y. Angulo-Ruiz
- Human Psychobiology Laboratory, Experimental Psychology Department, University of Seville, C/ Camilo José Cela S/N 41018, Seville, Spain
| | - Francisco J. Ruiz-Martínez
- Human Psychobiology Laboratory, Experimental Psychology Department, University of Seville, C/ Camilo José Cela S/N 41018, Seville, Spain
| | - Elena I. Rodríguez-Martínez
- Human Psychobiology Laboratory, Experimental Psychology Department, University of Seville, C/ Camilo José Cela S/N 41018, Seville, Spain
| | - Anca Ionescu
- Département de Psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada
| | - David Saldaña
- Laboratorio de Diversidad, Cognición y Lenguaje, Departamento de Psicología Evolutiva y de la Educación, University of Seville, C/ Camilo José Cela S/N 41018, Seville, Spain
| | - Carlos M. Gómez
- Human Psychobiology Laboratory, Experimental Psychology Department, University of Seville, C/ Camilo José Cela S/N 41018, Seville, Spain
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Lockhart AK, Sharpley CF, Bitsika V. Mu Desynchronisation in Autistic Individuals: What We Know and What We Need to Know. REVIEW JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s40489-023-00354-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
AbstractAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that includes social-communication deficits and repetitive and stereotypical behaviours (APA 2022). Neurobiological methods of studying ASD are a promising methodology for identifying ASD biomarkers. Mu rhythms (Mu) have the potential to shed light on the socialisation deficits that characterise ASD; however, Mu/ASD studies thus far have yielded inconsistent results. This review examines the existing Mu/ASD studies to determine where this variability lies to elucidate potential factors that can be addressed in future studies.
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Billeci L, Callara AL, Guiducci L, Prosperi M, Morales MA, Calderoni S, Muratori F, Santocchi E. A randomized controlled trial into the effects of probiotics on electroencephalography in preschoolers with autism. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:117-132. [PMID: 35362336 PMCID: PMC9806478 DOI: 10.1177/13623613221082710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT This study investigates the effects of a probiotic on preschoolers' brain electrical activity with autism spectrum disorder. Autism is a disorder with an increasing prevalence characterized by an enormous individual, family, and social cost. Although the etiology of autism spectrum disorder is unknown, an interaction between genetic and environmental factors is implicated, converging in altered brain synaptogenesis and, therefore, connectivity. Besides deepening the knowledge on the resting brain electrical activity that characterizes this disorder, this study allows analyzing the positive central effects of a 6-month therapy with a probiotic through a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled study and the correlations between electroencephalography activity and biochemical and clinical parameters. In subjects treated with probiotics, we observed a decrease of power in frontopolar regions in beta and gamma bands, and increased coherence in the same bands together with a shift in frontal asymmetry, which suggests a modification toward a typical brain activity. Electroencephalography measures were significantly correlated with clinical and biochemical measures. These findings support the importance of further investigations on probiotics' benefits in autism spectrum disorder to better elucidate mechanistic links between probiotics supplementation and changes in brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Billeci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology,
National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Letizia Guiducci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology,
National Research Council, Pisa, Italy
| | - Margherita Prosperi
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy,Margherita Prosperi, Department of
Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, viale del Tirreno
331, 56128 Calambrone (PI), Italy.
| | | | - Sara Calderoni
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy,Department of Clinical and Experimental
Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Developmental
Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, Pisa, Italy,Department of Clinical and Experimental
Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Elisa Santocchi
- UFSMIA zona Valle del Serchio, Azienda
USL Toscana Nord Ovest, Castelnuovo Garfagnana (LU), Italy
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Liang S, Mody M. Abnormal Brain Oscillations in Developmental Disorders: Application of Resting State EEG and MEG in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Fragile X Syndrome. FRONTIERS IN NEUROIMAGING 2022; 1:903191. [PMID: 37555160 PMCID: PMC10406242 DOI: 10.3389/fnimg.2022.903191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Fragile X Syndrome (FXS) are neurodevelopmental disorders with similar clinical and behavior symptoms and partially overlapping and yet distinct neurobiological origins. It is therefore important to distinguish these disorders from each other as well as from typical development. Examining disruptions in functional connectivity often characteristic of neurodevelopment disorders may be one approach to doing so. This review focuses on EEG and MEG studies of resting state in ASD and FXS, a neuroimaging paradigm frequently used with difficult-to-test populations. It compares the brain regions and frequency bands that appear to be impacted, either in power or connectivity, in each disorder; as well as how these abnormalities may result in the observed symptoms. It argues that the findings in these studies are inconsistent and do not fit neatly into existing models of ASD and FXS, then highlights the gaps in the literature and recommends future avenues of inquiry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Liang
- College of Arts and Sciences, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Maria Mody
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States
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Abdulhay E, Alafeef M, Hadoush H, Arunkumar N. Resting state EEG-based diagnosis of Autism via elliptic area of continuous wavelet transform complex plot. JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT & FUZZY SYSTEMS 2020. [DOI: 10.3233/jifs-189176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a developmental disorder that influences social communication skills. It is currently diagnosed only by behavioral assessment. The assessment is susceptible to the experience of the examiner as well as to the descriptive scaling standard. This paper presents a computer aided approach to discrimination between neuro-typical and autistic children. A new method- based on the computing of the elliptic area of the Continuous Wavelet Transform complex plot of resting state EEG- is presented. First, the complex values of CWT, as a function of both time and frequency, are calculated for every EEG channel. Second, the CWT complex plot is obtained by plotting the real parts of the resulted CWT values versus the related imaginary components. Third, the 95% confidence value of the elliptic area of the complex plot is computed for every channel for both autistic and healthy subjects; and the obtained values are considered as the first set of features. Fourth, three additional features are computed for every channel: the average CWT, the maximum EEG amplitude, and the maximum real part of CWT. The classification of those features is realized through artificial neural network (ANN). The obtained accuracy, sensitivity and specificity values are: 95.9%, 96.7%, and 95.1% respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enas Abdulhay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Maha Alafeef
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Hikmat Hadoush
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - N. Arunkumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Rathinam Technical Campus, Coimbatore, India
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Wang J, Wang X, Wang X, Zhang H, Zhou Y, Chen L, Li Y, Wu L. Increased EEG coherence in long-distance and short-distance connectivity in children with autism spectrum disorders. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01796. [PMID: 32815287 PMCID: PMC7559606 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex and prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and social interaction as well as repetitive behaviors. Alterations in function connectivity are widely recognized in recent electroencephalogram (EEG) studies. However, most studies have not reached consistent conclusions, which could be due to the developmental nature and the heterogeneity of ASD. METHODS Here, EEG coherence analysis was used in a cohort of children with ASD (n = 13) and matched typically developing controls (TD, n = 15) to examine the functional connectivity characteristics in long-distance and short-distance electrode pairs. Subsequently, we explore the association between the connectivity strength of coherence and symptom severity in children with ASD. RESULTS Compared with TD group, individuals with ASD showed increased coherence in short-distance electrode pairs in the right temporal-parietal region (delta, alpha, beta bands), left temporal-parietal region (all frequency bands), occipital region (theta, alpha, beta bands), right central-parietal region (delta, alpha, beta bands), and the prefrontal region (only beta band). In the long-distance coherence analysis, the ASD group showed increased coherence in bilateral frontal region, temporal region, parietal region, and frontal-occipital region in alpha and beta bands. The strength of such connections was associated with symptom severity. DISCUSSION Our study indicates that abnormal connectivity patterns in neuroelectrophysiology may be of critical importance to acknowledge the underlying brain mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaomin Wang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xuelai Wang
- Department of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiying Zhang
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yong Zhou
- Heilongjiang Province Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Harbin, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yutong Li
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Lijie Wu
- Department of Children's and Adolescent Health, Public Health College of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Abnormal EEG Power Spectrum in Individuals with High Autistic Personality Traits: an eLORETA Study. JOURNAL OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND BEHAVIORAL ASSESSMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s10862-019-09777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Abstract
Altered power of resting-state neurophysiological activity has been associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which commonly co-occur. We compared resting-state neurophysiological power in children with ASD, ADHD, co-occurring ASD + ADHD, and typically developing controls. Children with ASD (ASD/ASD + ADHD) showed reduced theta and alpha power compared to children without ASD (controls/ADHD). Children with ADHD (ADHD/ASD + ADHD) displayed decreased delta power compared to children without ADHD (ASD/controls). Children with ASD + ADHD largely presented as an additive co-occurrence with deficits of both disorders, although reduced theta compared to ADHD-only and reduced delta compared to controls suggested some unique markers. Identifying specific neurophysiological profiles in ASD and ADHD may assist in characterising more homogeneous subgroups to inform treatment approaches and aetiological investigations.
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DiStefano C, Dickinson A, Baker E, Jeste SS. EEG Data Collection in Children with ASD: The Role of State in Data Quality and Spectral Power. RESEARCH IN AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS 2019; 57:132-144. [PMID: 31223334 PMCID: PMC6585985 DOI: 10.1016/j.rasd.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Electroencephalography can elucidate neurobiological mechanisms underlying heterogeneity in ASD. Studying the full range of children with ASD introduces methodological challenges stemming from participants' difficulties tolerating the data collection process, leading to diminished EEGdataretentionandincreasedvariabilityin participant 'state' during the recording. Quantifying state will improve data collection methods and aide in interpreting results. OBJECTIVES Observationally quantify participant state during the EEG recording; examine its relationship to child characteristics, data retention and spectral power. METHODS Participants included 5-11 year-old children with D (N=39) and age-matched TD children (N=16). Participants were acclimated to the EEG environment using behavioral strategies. EEG was recorded while participants watched a video of bubbles. Participant 'state' was rated using a Likert scale (Perceived State Rating: PSR). RESULTS Participants with ASD had more elevated PSR than TD participants. Less EEG data were retained in participants with higher PSR scores, but this was not related to age or IQ. TD participants had higher alpha power compared with the ASD group. Within the ASD group, participants with high PSR had decreased frontal alpha power. CONCLUSIONS Given supportive strategies, EEG data was collected from children with ASD across cognitive levels. Participant state influenced both EEG data retention and alpha spectral power. Alpha suppression is linked to attention and vigilance, suggesting that these participants were less 'at rest'. This highlights the importance of considering state when conducting EEG studies with challenging participants, both to increase data retention rates and to quantify the influence of state on EEG variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte DiStefano
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Abigail Dickinson
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Elizabeth Baker
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Shafali Spurling Jeste
- Department of Pediatrics, Department of Neurology, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, Semel Institute for Neuroscience,University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
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13
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Computer-aided autism diagnosis via second-order difference plot area applied to EEG empirical mode decomposition. Neural Comput Appl 2018. [DOI: 10.1007/s00521-018-3738-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Abstract
The potential use of modern mobile devices for medical purposes is huge. Digital mental health tools have mostly tended to use psycho-educational strategies based on treatment orientations developed and validated outside digital health.
The aim of this study was to test the availability of our own original app named “Neuro-game” for evaluation of reaction time in different neuropsychiatric patients. Reaction time is strongly related to the executive brain functions.
The examined sample comprised of 135 neuropsychiatric patients (with epilepsy, depression, general anxiety, psychosis and ADHD) compared with matched 50 healthy persons.
We showed that the average reaction time in neuropsychiatric patients compared with healthy people is not notably different. However, we found significant differences in total hits, total misses and total tries in the performances of ill persons.
The crucial differences in obtained scores are confirmed for age and gender issues.
The most important differences are found in the number of hits, misses and tries in the group of depressed, followed by psychotic and ADHD patients, while anxious ones showed pretty normal parameters.
All tested parameters are remarkably different for the epileptic group vs. healthy people.
The T-test for epileptic vs. healthy people showed noteworthy differences for total tries, total misses, and total hits, but the average time reaction did not differ significantly.
In comparison with other psychometric assessments, this approach by using mobile phones seemed more practical, available anywhere (not only in medical settings), less time consuming and quite interesting for all ages.
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Martins CHT, Assunção CDM. Beyond Epilepsy: How Can Quantitative Electroencephalography Improve Conventional Electroencephalography Findings? A Systematic Review of Comparative EEG Studies. Neurodiagn J 2018; 58:107-115. [PMID: 29923808 DOI: 10.1080/21646821.2018.1457384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
It is a fundamental element in both research and clinical applications of electroencephalography to know the frequency composition of brain electrical activity. The quantitative analysis of brain electrical activity uses computer resources to evaluate the electroencephalography and allows quantification of the data. The contribution of the quantitative perspective is unique, since conventional electroencephalography based on the visual examination of the tracing is not as objective. A systematic review was performed on the MEDLINE database in October 2017. The authors independently analyzed the studies, by title and abstract, and selected articles that met the inclusion criteria: comparative studies, not older than 30 years, that compared the use of conventional electroencephalogram (EEG) with the use of quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) in the English language. One hundred twelve articles were automatically selected by the MEDLINE search engine, but only six met the above criteria. The review found that given a 95% confidence interval, QEEG had no statistically higher sensitivity than EEG in four of the six studies reviewed. However, these results must be viewed with appropriate caution, particularly as groups in between studies were not matched on important variables such as gender, age, type of illness, recovery stage, and treatment. The authors' findings in this systematic review are suggestive of the importance of QEEG as an auxiliary tool to traditional EEG, and as such, justifying further refinement, standardization, and eventually the future execution of a head-to-head prospective study on comparing the two methods.
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16
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Milner R, Lewandowska M, Ganc M, Włodarczyk E, Grudzień D, Skarżyński H. Abnormal Resting-State Quantitative Electroencephalogram in Children With Central Auditory Processing Disorder: A Pilot Study. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:292. [PMID: 29867312 PMCID: PMC5958225 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we showed an abnormal resting-state quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) pattern in children with central auditory processing disorder (CAPD). Twenty-seven children (16 male, 11 female; mean age = 10.7 years) with CAPD and no symptoms of other developmental disorders, as well as 23 age- and sex-matched, typically developing children (TDC, 11 male, 13 female; mean age = 11.8 years) underwent examination of central auditory processes (CAPs) and QEEG evaluation consisting of two randomly presented blocks of “Eyes Open” (EO) or “Eyes Closed” (EC) recordings. Significant correlations between individual frequency band powers and CAP tests performance were found. The QEEG studies revealed that in CAPD relative to TDC there was no effect of decreased delta absolute power (1.5–4 Hz) in EO compared to the EC condition. Furthermore, children with CAPD showed increased theta power (4–8 Hz) in the frontal area, a tendency toward elevated theta power in EO block, and reduced low-frequency beta power (12–15 Hz) in the bilateral occipital and the left temporo-occipital regions for both EO and EC conditions. Decreased middle-frequency beta power (15–18 Hz) in children with CAPD was observed only in the EC block. The findings of the present study suggest that QEEG could be an adequate tool to discriminate children with CAPD from normally developing children. Correlation analysis shows relationship between the individual EEG resting frequency bands and the CAPs. Increased power of slow waves and decreased power of fast rhythms could indicate abnormal functioning (hypoarousal of the cortex and/or an immaturity) of brain areas not specialized in auditory information processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafał Milner
- Department of Experimental Audiology, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Lewandowska
- Bioimaging Research Center, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Humanities, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Toruń, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Ganc
- Department of Experimental Audiology, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Włodarczyk
- Audiology and Phoniatrics Clinic, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Diana Grudzień
- Rehabilitation Clinic, World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Henryk Skarżyński
- World Hearing Center, Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing, Warsaw, Poland
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17
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18
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Donaldson PH, Kirkovski M, Rinehart NJ, Enticott PG. Autism-relevant traits interact with temporoparietal junction stimulation effects on social cognition: a high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation and electroencephalography study. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 47:669-681. [DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peter H. Donaldson
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Melissa Kirkovski
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Nicole J. Rinehart
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
| | - Peter G. Enticott
- Deakin Child Study Centre; School of Psychology; Deakin University; Locked Bag 20000; Geelong Victoria 3220 Australia
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19
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Simon DM, Damiano CR, Woynaroski TG, Ibañez LV, Murias M, Stone WL, Wallace MT, Cascio CJ. Neural Correlates of Sensory Hyporesponsiveness in Toddlers at High Risk for Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2017; 47:2710-2722. [PMID: 28597185 PMCID: PMC5880549 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-017-3191-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Altered patterns of sensory responsiveness are a frequently reported feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Younger siblings of individuals with ASD are at a greatly elevated risk of a future diagnosis of ASD, but little is known about the neural basis of sensory responsiveness patterns in this population. Younger siblings (n = 20) of children diagnosed with ASD participated in resting electroencephalography (EEG) at an age of 18 months. Data on toddlers' sensory responsiveness were obtained using the Sensory Experiences Questionnaire. Correlations were present between hyporesponsiveness and patterns of oscillatory power, functional connectivity, and signal complexity. Our findings suggest that neural signal features hold promise for facilitating early identification and targeted remediation in young children at risk for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Simon
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Cara R Damiano
- Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tiffany G Woynaroski
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Lisa V Ibañez
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael Murias
- Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Wendy L Stone
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Mark T Wallace
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Carissa J Cascio
- Vanderbilt Kennedy Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
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20
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Mesbah-Oskui L, Penna A, Orser BA, Horner RL. Reduced expression of α5GABA A receptors elicits autism-like alterations in EEG patterns and sleep-wake behavior. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2016; 61:115-122. [PMID: 27793660 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2016.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Revised: 10/17/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
A reduction in the activity of GABAA receptors, particularly α5 subunit-containing GABAA receptors (α5GABAARs), has been implicated in the etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Genetically modified mice that lack α5GABAARs (Gabra5-/-) exhibit autism-like behaviors and both enhanced and impaired learning and memory, depending on the behavioral task. The aim of this study was to examine the electroencephalogram (EEG) activity and sleep-wake behaviors in Gabra5-/- mice and wild-type mice. In addition, since some individuals with ASD can exhibit elevated innate immune response, mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 125mg/kg intraperitoneal injection) or vehicle and EEG and sleep-wake patterns were assessed. The results showed that Gabra5-/- mice (n=3) exhibited elevated 0-2Hz EEG activity during all sleep-wake states (all p<0.04), decreased 8-12Hz EEG activity during REM sleep (p=0.04), and decreased sleep spindles under baseline conditions compared to wild-type controls (n=4) (all p≤0.03). Alterations in EEG activity and sleep-wake behavior were identified in Gabra5-/- mice following treatment with LPS, however these changes were similar to those in wild-type mice. Our findings support the hypothesis that reduced α5GABAAR activity contributes to an ASD phenotype. The results also suggest that Gabra5-/- mice may serve as an animal model for ASD, as assessed through EEG activity and sleep-wake behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lia Mesbah-Oskui
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Antonello Penna
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Beverley A Orser
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada.
| | - Richard L Horner
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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21
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van Schie HT, Gerrits BJL, Buitelaar JK, Kouijzer MEJ. EEG Biofeedback for Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Reply to a Commentary by Coben and Ricca (2014). Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2015; 40:57-60. [DOI: 10.1007/s10484-015-9272-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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22
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Afifi L, Raafat H, Abdullah K, Elhabashy H, Raafat O. Quantitative EEG in autistic children. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2015. [DOI: 10.4103/1110-1083.162031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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23
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Koberda JL, Moses A, Koberda P, Koberda L. Clinical advantages of quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG)-electrical neuroimaging application in general neurology practice. Clin EEG Neurosci 2013; 44:273-85. [PMID: 23536380 DOI: 10.1177/1550059412475291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
QEEG-electrical neuroimaging has been underutilized in general neurology practice for uncertain reasons. Recent advances in computer technology have made this electrophysiological testing relatively inexpensive. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the clinical usefulness of QEEG/electrical neuroimaging in neurological practice. Over the period of approximately 6 months, 100 consecutive QEEG recordings were analyzed for potential clinical benefits. The patients who completed QEEG were divided into 5 groups based on their initial clinical presentation. The main groups included patients with seizures, headaches, post-concussion syndrome, cognitive problems, and behavioral dysfunctions. Subsequently, cases were reviewed and a decision was made as to whether QEEG analysis contributed to the diagnosis and/or furthered patient's treatment. Selected and representative cases from each group are presented in more detail, including electrical neuroimaging with additional low-resolution electromagnetic tomography analysis or using computerized cognitive testing. Statistical analysis showed that QEEG analysis contributed to 95% of neurological cases, which indicates great potential for wider application of this modality in general neurology. Many patients also began neurotherapy, depending on the patient's desire to be involved in this treatment modality.
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24
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Wang J, Barstein J, Ethridge LE, Mosconi MW, Takarae Y, Sweeney JA. Resting state EEG abnormalities in autism spectrum disorders. J Neurodev Disord 2013; 5:24. [PMID: 24040879 PMCID: PMC3847481 DOI: 10.1186/1866-1955-5-24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 262] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of complex and heterogeneous developmental disorders involving multiple neural system dysfunctions. In an effort to understand neurophysiological substrates, identify etiopathophysiologically distinct subgroups of patients, and track outcomes of novel treatments with translational biomarkers, EEG (electroencephalography) studies offer a promising research strategy in ASD. Resting-state EEG studies of ASD suggest a U-shaped profile of electrophysiological power alterations, with excessive power in low-frequency and high-frequency bands, abnormal functional connectivity, and enhanced power in the left hemisphere of the brain. In this review, we provide a summary of recent findings, discuss limitations in available research that may contribute to inconsistencies in the literature, and offer suggestions for future research in this area for advancing the understanding of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jamie Barstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Lauren E Ethridge
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Matthew W Mosconi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yukari Takarae
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, TX, USA.,Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders, Bond University, Gold Coast, Australia
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25
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Billeci L, Sicca F, Maharatna K, Apicella F, Narzisi A, Campatelli G, Calderoni S, Pioggia G, Muratori F. On the application of quantitative EEG for characterizing autistic brain: a systematic review. Front Hum Neurosci 2013; 7:442. [PMID: 23935579 PMCID: PMC3733024 DOI: 10.3389/fnhum.2013.00442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2013] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism-Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are thought to be associated with abnormalities in neural connectivity at both the global and local levels. Quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) is a non-invasive technique that allows a highly precise measurement of brain function and connectivity. This review encompasses the key findings of QEEG application in subjects with ASD, in order to assess the relevance of this approach in characterizing brain function and clustering phenotypes. QEEG studies evaluating both the spontaneous brain activity and brain signals under controlled experimental stimuli were examined. Despite conflicting results, literature analysis suggests that QEEG features are sensitive to modification in neuronal regulation dysfunction which characterize autistic brain. QEEG may therefore help in detecting regions of altered brain function and connectivity abnormalities, in linking behavior with brain activity, and subgrouping affected individuals within the wide heterogeneity of ASD. The use of advanced techniques for the increase of the specificity and of spatial localization could allow finding distinctive patterns of QEEG abnormalities in ASD subjects, paving the way for the development of tailored intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia Billeci
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Council of Research (CNR) , Pisa , Italy
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26
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Kouijzer MEJ, van Schie HT, Gerrits BJL, Buitelaar JK, de Moor JMH. Is EEG-biofeedback an effective treatment in autism spectrum disorders? A randomized controlled trial. Appl Psychophysiol Biofeedback 2013; 38:17-28. [PMID: 22903518 DOI: 10.1007/s10484-012-9204-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
EEG-biofeedback has been reported to reduce symptoms of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in several studies. However, these studies did not control for nonspecific effects of EEG-biofeedback and did not distinguish between participants who succeeded in influencing their own EEG activity and participants who did not. To overcome these methodological shortcomings, this study evaluated the effects of EEG-biofeedback in ASD in a randomized pretest-posttest control group design with blinded active comparator and six months follow-up. Thirty-eight participants were randomly allocated to the EEG-biofeedback, skin conductance (SC)-biofeedback or waiting list group. EEG- and SC-biofeedback sessions were similar and participants were blinded to the type of feedback they received. Assessments pre-treatment, post-treatment, and after 6 months included parent ratings of symptoms of ASD, executive function tasks, and 19-channel EEG recordings. Fifty-four percent of the participants significantly reduced delta and/or theta power during EEG-biofeedback sessions and were identified as EEG-regulators. In these EEG-regulators, no statistically significant reductions of symptoms of ASD were observed, but they showed significant improvement in cognitive flexibility as compared to participants who managed to regulate SC. EEG-biofeedback seems to be an applicable tool to regulate EEG activity and has specific effects on cognitive flexibility, but it did not result in significant reductions in symptoms of ASD. An important finding was that no nonspecific effects of EEG-biofeedback were demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam E J Kouijzer
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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