Changes in Frontal Brain Asymmetry Associated with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder: A Single Case Study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background. In a pilot study, Baehr (2001) reports changes in frontal cortical alpha asymmetry during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle were documented in five depressed women who also experienced Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). In this paper detailed data is presented for one of these subjects and two comparison subjects who were part of the first study. The goal was two-fold: (a) to study how patterns of mood changes during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle correlated with changes in frontal alpha brainwave asymmetry, and (b) to determine whether treatment strategies, tailored to ameliorate symptoms, would be reflected in brainwave changes. Method. Neurofeedback, medical interventions, and prospective charting were collected over a period of six months for one patient. These data were compared with data collected for two monthly cycles from two non-PMDD comparison subjects. Results. The patient responded well to the neurofeedback protocol for depression and was normalizing h...