Dissociative-Traumatic Dimension and Triple Network: An EEG Functional Connectivity Study in a Sample of University Students

Abstract

Aims: We investigated the association among triple network electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity, dissociative symptoms, and childhood trauma (CT) in a sample of university students.

Sampling and methods: Seventy-six participants (30 males and 46 females; mean age 22.12 ± 2.35) completed self-report measures investigating dissociative symptoms, CT, and depressive symptoms. Participants also performed an eyes-closed resting-state EEG recording. EEG analyses were conducted through the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software.

Results: A 2-step cluster analysis revealed 2 groups: participants (N = 23) with high dissociative-traumatic dimension symptoms (DTD+) and participants (N = 53) with low DTD symptoms (DTD-). Compared to DTD- subjects, DTD+ participants showed decreased theta connectivity between the salience network (SN) and central executive network (CEN), specifically between the right anterior insula and the left posterior parietal cortex. No significant correlation was detected between EEG data and clinical variables.

Conclusion: Our results raise the possibility of a dysfunctional connectivity pattern occurring between the SN and CEN in individuals with high DTD symptoms. Such connectivity pattern might reflect the neuropsychophysiological disintegration related to pathological dissociation.

Keywords: Childhood trauma; Dissociative symptoms; Electroencephalographic functional connectivity; Exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography; Triple network.