Quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG) spectrum analysis of patients with schizoaffective disorder compared to normal subjects

Objective: the aim of this study was to achieve a better understanding of schizoaffective disorder. therefore,we obtained electroencephalogram (eeg) signals from patients with schizoaffective disorder and analyzed them in comparison to normal subjects. method: forty patients with schizoaffective disorder and 40 normal subjects were selected randomly and their electroencephalogram signals were recorded based on 10-20 international system by 23 electrodes in open- and closed-eyes while they were sitting on a chair comfortably. after pre-processing for noise removal and artifact reduction,we took 60-second segments from each recorded signals. then,the absolute and relative powers of these segments were evaluated in all channels and in 4 frequency bands (i.e.,delta,theta,alpha and beta waves). finally,data were analyzed by independent t-test using spss software. results: a significant decrease in relative power in the alpha band,a significant decrease in power spectra in the alpha band and a significant increase in power spectra in the beta band were found in patients compared to normal subjects (p < 0.05). the predominant wave in the centro-parietal region was the beta wave in patients,but it was the alpha band in normal subjects (p = 0.048). also,the predominant wave of the occipital region in patients was the delta wave,while it was the alpha wave in normal subjects (p = 0.038). conclusion: considering the findings,particularly based on the significant decrease of the alpha waves in schizoaffective patients,it can be concluded that schizoaffective disorder can be seen in schizophrenia spectrum.