Appearance of frontal midline theta activity in patients with generalized anxiety disorder

The appearance of frontal midline theta activity (Fm theta), recognized as distinct EEG theta rhythm in the frontal midline area during performance of a mental task, reflects feelings of relief from anxiety in humans. In the present study, EEGs were recorded, and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiet y and the state anxiety scale of Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventor y were evaluated once a week in 28 patients with generalized anxiety disord er. The Taylor Manifest Anxiety Scale and the trait anxiety scale of Spielb erger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were used to assess anxiety before an d after the tests. The present results suggest that the appearance of Fm th eta might be closely related to an improvement in the anxiety symptoms asso ciated with generalized anxiety disorder. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.