Abstract
Recent neuroimaging studies have shown that alexithymia is characterized by functional alterations in different brain areas [e.g., posterior cingulate cortex (PCC)], during emotional/social tasks. However, only few data are available about alexithymic cortical networking features during resting state (RS). We have investigated the modifications of electroencephalographic (EEG) power spectra and EEG functional connectivity in the default mode network (DMN) in subjects with alexithymia. Eighteen subjects with alexithymia and eighteen subjects without alexithymia matched for age and gender were enrolled. EEG was recorded during 5 min of RS. EEG analyses were conducted by means of the exact Low Resolution Electric Tomography software (eLORETA). Compared to controls, alexithymic subjects showed a decrease of alpha power in the right PCC. In the connectivity analysis, compared to controls, alexithymic subjects showed a decrease of alpha connectivity between: (i) right anterior cingulate cortex and right PCC, (ii) right frontal lobe and right PCC, and (iii) right parietal lobe and right temporal lobe. Finally, mediation models showed that the association between alexithymia and EEG connectivity values was directed and was not mediated by psychopathology severity. Taken together, our results could reflect the neurophysiological substrate of some core features of alexithymia, such as the impairment in emotional awareness.
Highlights
Functional connectivity have been widely reported in several psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders[18]
All mediation models indicated that the total effect of TAS-20 on EEG functional connectivity values was significant (b = −0 .01; p < 0.01), with more severe alexithymia associated with a greater decrease in EEG functional connectivity value
The main aim of the present study was to explore the modifications of EEG power spectra and EEG functional connectivity in DMN in alexithymia
Summary
Functional connectivity have been widely reported in several psychiatric disorders, such as schizophrenia and mood disorders[18]. Compared to fMRI, EEG time-series data directly relate to dynamic postsynaptic activity in the cerebral cortex with a higher temporal resolution[19]. To the best of our knowledge, only one study has directly investigated the DMN in subjects with alexithymia. The main aim of the present study was to extend these previous findings by exploring the modifications of EEG power spectra and EEG functional connectivity in DMN in subjects with alexithymia. Another aim was to investigate the association among any significantly modified connections of DMN, alexithymia severity and general psychopathology
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