Gender differences in the EEG of abstinent cocaine abusers

Gender differences in the EEG were explored in cocaine-abusing individuals not seeking treatment. Twenty currently abstinent cocaine-abusing females a ged 21-41 were studied. Their cocaine use history was matched to 20 current ly abstinent cocaine-abusing males, Twelve female and 20 male non-drug-abus ing individuals served as a control group. Resting eyes closed EEG was reco rded from 8 leads, The males who used cocaine had elevated EEG beta (p < 0. 0125) and reduced alpha (p < 0.0125) when compared to the cocaine-abusing f emales and control subjects. These findings suggest that the EEG of cocaine -abusing women may be more normal than that of cocaine-abusing men. Such ge nder-specific differences for cocaine-abusing populations may require gende r-specific treatment to improve outcome. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, B asel.