Resting and task-elicited prefrontal EEG alpha asymmetry in depression: support for the capability model

Psychophysiology. 2014 May;51(5):446-55. doi: 10.1111/psyp.12191. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Abstract

The capability model of frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) asymmetry suggests that brain activity during emotional challenge will be a more powerful indicator of predispositions toward psychopathology than activity observed at rest. EEG data were assessed during a resting baseline and a facial emotion task, wherein individuals with (n = 143) and without (n = 163) lifetime major depressive disorder (MDD) made approach (angry and happy) and withdrawal (afraid and sad) facial expressions. EEG asymmetry during emotional challenge was a more powerful indicator of MDD status than resting asymmetry for average, Cz, and linked mastoid references, results in support of the capability model. However, current-source-density (CSD) transformed asymmetry was indicative of lifetime MDD status under resting and task-elicited conditions. Findings suggest that CSD-transformed data may be more robust indicators of trait frontal EEG asymmetry.

Keywords: Alpha asymmetry; Capability model; Depression; Electroencephalography; Emotion; Motivation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Alpha Rhythm*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / physiopathology*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology*
  • Female
  • Functional Laterality
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Prefrontal Cortex / physiopathology*
  • Rest*
  • Young Adult