Frontal alpha asymmetry in schizotypy: electrophysiological evidence for motivational dysfunction. Issue 5 (2nd September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Le, Thanh P.; Lucas, Heather D.; Schwartz, Elana K.; Mitchell, Kyle R.; Cohen, Alex S.
• Is Part Of: Cognitive neuropsychiatry. Volume 25:Issue 5(2020)
• Page Start: 371
• Page End: 386
• Publication Date: 2020-09-02
• Subjects: Motivation -- objective marker -- frontal asymmetry -- schizotypy -- ambulatory technology; Neuropsychology -- Periodicals; 616.8
• DOI: 10.1080/13546805.2020.1813096
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1354-6805

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Introduction: Schizotypy is defined as personality traits reflecting an underlying risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. As yet, there is a dearth of suitable objective markers for measuring schizotypy. Frontal alpha asymmetry, characterised by reduced left versus right frontal region activity, reflects trait-like diminished approach-related systems and has been found in schizophrenia. Methods: The present study used electroencephalography (EEG) recorded on a consumer-grade mobile headset to examine asymmetric resting-state frontal alpha, beta, and gamma power within the multidimensional schizotypy (e.g. positive, negative, disorganised) during a three-minute "eyes closed" resting period in college undergraduates ( n =49). Results: Findings suggest that schizotypy was exclusively related to reduced left versus right-lateralised power in the alpha frequency (8.1–12.9 Hz., R 2 = .16). Follow-up analysis suggested that positive schizotypy was uniquely associated with increased right alpha activity, indicating increased withdrawal motivation. Conclusions: Frontal asymmetry is a possible ecologically valid objective marker for schizotypy that may be detectable using easily accessible, consumer-grade technology.