Abstract

The default mode network (DMN) is composed of neural nodes that are synchronously activated when the brain is at rest and displays a decrease in activation when the brain is involved in a task. Disruptions in the DMN can potentially serve as assessment/screening for individuals with neuropsychological disorders. Many studies use electroencephalography (EEG) to study the brain at rest because of its high temporal resolution and its ability to provide a time sensitive measure of large-scale neural activity. Previous studies examining the brain at rest have found differences when comparing patients with Schizophrenia (Sz) and healthy controls (HC). While many studies have identified the impact of demographic variables on neuropsychological disorders, none of these studies have examined the impact of demographic variables on resting state EEG in either HC or Sz. The current study investigated whether demographic variables (i.e. age and sex) impacted theta (4-7 Hz), alpha (8-12Hz), beta (12-24Hz), and gamma (30-50 Hz) band power during resting state in 124 HC and 117. There were a total of 123 (38% women) HC with a mean age of 37.45 (SD = 11.12), and 117 Sz (34% women) with a mean age of 38.92 (SD = 11.13). An ANOVA revealed that patients with Sz had greater theta and gamma power at site Fz. Multiple linear regression analyses revealed that being female predicted more beta power and being older with a diagnosis of schizophrenia predicted less beta power. The importance of considering demographic variables when examining resting state EEG activity is discussed, with specific emphasis on the beta frequency band.

LLU Discipline

Clinical Psychology

Department

Psychology

School

School of Behavioral Health

First Advisor

Brenner, Colleen A.

Second Advisor

Hartman, Richard E.

Third Advisor

Morrell, Holly E. R.

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Degree Level

Ph.D.

Year Degree Awarded

2017

Date (Title Page)

6-2017

Language

English

Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings

Electroencephalography - Psychology; Schizophrenia; Clinical Neuropsychology; Psychology; Demography

Subject - Local

EEG; Demographic variables; Neuropsychological disorders; Brain at rest

Type

Thesis

Page Count

61

Digital Format

PDF

Digital Publisher

Loma Linda University Libraries

Usage Rights

This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.

Collection

Loma Linda University Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Collection Website

http://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/etd/

Repository

Loma Linda University. Del E. Webb Memorial Library. University Archives

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