Characteristics of the θ and α EEG Bands in 15- to 17-Year-Old Adolescents

Abstract

A neurophysiological study included 16 males aged 15–17 years and 12 psychologically and neurologically healthy men. The EEG was recorded under conditions of quiet wakefulness (eyes closed), total activation (eyes open), and aversive acoustic stimulation. Under all conditions, the adolescents showed a significantly higher spectral power (SP) in the θ1 and θ2 EEG bands and a lower SP in the α1 and α2 bands as compared to the adults. Under all conditions and in all frequency bands, the level of interhemispheric coherence (ICOH) between the frontotemporal regions (F 7/8) in the adolescents significantly surpassed that in the adults, whereas, in all other areas, ICOH was lower than in the adults. The opening of the eyes and aversive acoustic stimulation were associated with a decrease in SP in all groups. This decrease was more pronounced in the θ1 and θ2 bands in the adolescents compared to the adults and less significant in the α2 band. The EEG was characterized by significant differences in both the initial parameters of the θ and α bands and their activation-induced reactive changes in the adolescents compared to the adults. This finding was explained by brain immaturity in the adolescents of this age group.