RESTING FRONTAL ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHIC ASYMMETRY IN DEPRESSION - INCONSISTENCIES SUGGEST THE NEED TO IDENTIFY MEDIATING FACTORS

Two studies of the relationship between depression and resting frontal electroencephalographic (EEG) activity are reported. Although conside rable research supports the theory of left and right hemispheric speci alization for approach and withdrawal behaviors, only four studies inv olving clinically depressed individuals have been published to date. D espite methodological similarities with published research, no signifi cant differences in frontal activation emerged between depressed and n ondepressed participants with either college students having high Beck Depression Inventory scores (Study 1) or with individuals diagnosed w ith DSM-III-R depression (Study 2). Post hoc analyses in Study 2 revea led one effect confined to lateral frontal leads during the first 2 mi n of EEG data; this finding was significant in only one of three refer ence montages. Results are discussed in light of methodological consid erations and mediating variables such as temperament and coping styles .