ELECTROPHYSIOLOGICAL FINDINGS DURING THE MENSTRUAL-CYCLE IN WOMEN WITH AND WITHOUT LATE LUTEAL-PHASE DYSPHORIC DISORDER - RELATIONSHIP TO RISK FOR ALCOHOLISM

This study evaluated electrophysiological (EEG, ERPs), and cognitive ( neuropsychological testing) responses in patients with late luteal pha se dysphoric disorder (LLPDD, DSM-III-R) and controls over the menstru al cycle. In both groups, the frequency and stability of electroenceph alogram (EEC) alpha activity significantly differed over the menstrual cycle, The latency of the P3 components of the auditory event-related potentials (ERPs) did not vary as a function of the menstrual cycle, but the P3 latency was found to be later in LLPDD subjects as a group, When the LLPDD subjects were assessed based on family history of alco holism, it was found that those with alcoholic relatives had more high -frequency alpha (9-12 Hz) in their EEG, lower P3 component amplitudes , and longer P3 component latencies when compared to LLPDD subjects wi thout alcoholic relatives or controls. These data suggest that LLPDD m ay have persistent neurophysiological correlates, some of which are al so in common with risk for alcoholism.