Quantitative EEG profiles of individuals with alcohol dependence obtaining elevated antisocial scale scores on the MCMI-III
by Lewis, Wendy, Psy.D., ADLER SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, 2011, 78 pages; 3484537

Abstract:

Antisocial personality disorder and impulsivity are predictors of poor treatment outcome and relapse in individuals with alcohol dependence. There is a subgroup of individuals with alcohol dependence who have antisocial and/or impulsive personality styles indicated by elevated scores on the antisocial scale of the MCMI-III. Impulsivity and antisocial behaviors have been linked to hypoactivation in the prefrontal cortex, particularly in the right hemisphere. This study sought to explore the prefrontal brain wave activity of individuals with alcohol dependence and antisocial personality styles through the use of quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG). This study hypothesized these individuals would exhibit differing prefrontal QEEG patterns compared to alcohol-dependent individuals with no cluster B elevations on the MCMI-III, and that the differences would be attributed to greater delta and/or theta absolute power, most prominent in the right hemisphere which may contribute to frontal asymmetry. Samples for this study were selected from an archival database, lending to several methodological limitations, particularly in sample size. The experimental group (n = 10) consisted of individuals who had alcohol dependence and scored 75 or above on the antisocial scale of the MCMI-III with no other elevations on cluster B personality scales. The control group (n = 12) of individuals had alcohol dependence without elevations on any cluster B personality scales. Nonparametric statistics revealed the experimental group had significantly less delta and a tendency for less theta in the right prefrontal region, opposing the hypotheses. Several studies have explored QEEG patterns of individuals with alcohol dependence or antisocial behaviors separately, but this is one of few studies exploring the QEEG pattern of comorbid alcohol dependence and antisocial personality traits.

 
AdviserRobert Baker
SchoolADLER SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
SourceDAI/B 73-02, p. , Nov 2011
Source TypeDissertation
SubjectsPsychobiology; Clinical psychology
Publication Number3484537
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