The effects of alpha asymmetry and high-beta down-training neurofeedback for patients with the major depressive disorder and anxiety symptoms

J Affect Disord. 2019 Oct 1:257:287-296. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.07.026. Epub 2019 Jul 5.

Abstract

Background: Alpha-asymmetry neurofeedback (ALAY) was applied to patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) based on the theory of frontal alpha asymmetry. Neurophysiological studies have found a higher high-beta activity of electroencephalography (EEG) at the posterior cortex among patients with comorbid MDD and anxiety symptoms. The present study examined the effects of ALAY and high-beta down-training (Beta) neurofeedback in symptoms of depression and anxiety and EEG parameters.

Method: Eighty-seven patients with comorbid MDD and anxiety symptoms were allocated to the ALAY, Beta, or control groups. Both neurofeedback groups received ten-session neurofeedback. All participants completed the Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), and five minutes resting EEG recording at pre-test and post-test. EEG raw signals were transformed into an A1 score [log (F4 alpha) - log (F3 alpha)], P3 and P4 high-beta power.

Results: BDI-II and BAI scores decreased at post-test in both ALAY and Beta groups, but no significant difference between the two groups. No significant interaction effect in A1 score at pre-test and post-test between the ALAY, Beta, and control groups. The P3 high-beta was significantly decreased in the Beta group, an increase in the control group, and no change in the ALAY group at post-test compared to the pre-test.

Conclusions: Both neurofeedback groups decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. The Beta group was more effective in decreasing high-beta power at the parietal cortex compared to other groups. This non-invasive psychological intervention can be used in the future for patients with comorbid MDD and anxiety symptoms.

Keywords: Alpha asymmetry neurofeedback; Anxiety symptoms; Electroencephalography; High-beta down-training neurofeedback; Major depressive disorder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anxiety / complications
  • Anxiety / therapy*
  • Biofeedback, Psychology / physiology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / complications
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / therapy*
  • Electroencephalography / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neurofeedback / methods*
  • Rest