EEG frontal asymmetry in the depressed and remitted elderly: is it related to the trait or to the state of depression?

Abstract

Background: Over the last 30 years, frontal EEG asymmetry has been investigated with regards to the study of emotion, motivation, and psychopathology.

Method: We analyzed the frontal alpha asymmetry, depressive symptoms with a Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and quality of life with a Short Form Health Survey-36® (SF-36®) in depressed (n=12), remitted (n=8) and non-depressed (n=7) elderly subjects. We also evaluated the correlation between the frontal EEG asymmetry and physical and mental aspects of SF-36®.

Results: The groups showed no difference regarding the frontal alpha asymmetry (F=0.37; p=0.69). Moreover, there was no significant correlation between frontal asymmetry and quality of life (mental and physical aspects).

Conclusion: The results showed no evidence of a relationship between frontal asymmetry, quality of life and depression in the elderly. Future studies on frontal asymmetry should carefully consider the effects of age.