The Electroencephalogram in Manic-Depressive Psychosis

Abstract

The main object of this investigation is to verify the claim of Pauline Davis (1941) that manic-depressive depressed psychotics (M.D.D.s) tend to possess frequencies of alpha rhythm in the E.E.G. at 10 c./sec. or slower, whilst manic-depressive manic patients (M.D.M.s) tend to show alpha frequencies at 10 c./sec. or faster; furthermore that there is no shift in alpha frequency corresponding to change in psychotic phase or in degree of phase. These claims are of importance in relation to a recent paper by Mundy-Castle (1951b) in which a significant correlation was reported between ratings of the Heymans-Wiersma temperament variable secondary function and mean frequencies of alpha rhythm in normal adults, since both Heymans (1929) and Wiersma (1932) maintained that M.D.D.s possessed a high degree of secondary function and M.D.M.s a low degree of this variable. To explain this in more detail, secondary function is postulated as being present in individuals in different degrees varying over a continuous scale ranging from domination of the conscious field by secondary function to domination by primary experience (relative lack of secondary function). Individuals displaying the former may be referred to as secondary functioning, their behaviour being characterized by steadiness of action, continuity of interest, evenness of mood and psychic tempo, reduced stimulability and a tendency for mental events to perseverate. Individuals in whom secondary function is relatively lacking (it can never be wholly absent) may be termed primary functioning, their behaviour being characterized by impulsiveness, mobility, high stimulability and a quick and variable psychic tempo. The Heymans-Wiersma temperament scheme has been developed extensively by Biesheuvel (1935, 1949). Mundy-Castle's study revealed that subjects rated as secondary functioning possessed low alpha frequencies whilst those rated as primary functioning possessed high alpha frequencies. The present investigation should help to elucidate the view of Heymans and Wiersma concerning secondary function and manic-depressive psychosis.

Dynamically rigid EEG and subtyping of depressive syndromes

“…A survey of the pertinent literature shows that a number of studies, though not directly comparable for various reasons, have consistently characterized acutely depressed patients through a comparatively well pronounced alpha activity, showing a higher amplitude and slightly lower frequency than controls (Blanc and Lairy, 1960;Brezinova et al, 1966;Harding et al, 1966;Bente, 1975;Schaffcr et al, 1983;von Knorring et al, 1983;Nystrom et al, 1986;Prichep, 1987;John et al, 1988). Moreover, some authors have claimed that this EEG characteristic occurs as a state independent trait (Davis, 1941;Hurst et al, 1954;Brezinova etal, 1966;Pollock and Schneider, 1989). Pollock and Schneider (1989), who found an alpha excess even after long-term recovery, maintained that this characteristic, in addition to its potential function as a state marker, might serve as a trait marker for episodic major depression.…”

Parameters of Research into the Depressive States

“…studies in depression (Davis and Davis, 1939;Davis, 1941Davis, , 1942Greenblatt et al, 1944;Finley, 1944;Roth, 1951;Hurst et al, 1954;Tucker et al, 1965;Anderson et al, 1964;Hes, 1960;Winnik and Assael, 1966) without agreement as to any changes in depression, although some have described a lower frequency and a greater incidence of low voltage fast activity in psychotic depression. Shagass (1955) found that photic stimulation responses differentiated between neurotic depression, anxiety states and psychotic depression, whilst Wilson and Wilson (1961) found that psychotic depressives showed an increased mean duration of arousal response to photic stimulation.…”

Evaluación y tratamiento del insomnio: aspectos psiquiátricos

“…Hay diferencias en el trazado EEG entre los depresivos y los maníacos, puestas de manifiesto hace más de treinta años por Hurst y col. 37 • En un reciente trabajo de Shagass y cols. " realizado en doscientos cuarenta y dos pacientes psiquiátricos se informa de las siguientes conclusiones: l. La amplitud del trazado fue siempre superior en todos los pacientes psiquiátricos que en los sujetos del grupo control.…”