High Beta Waves Research Articles

The Psychophysiological Relaxation Effects of Essential Oil Combined with Still-Life Painting Activities on Older Adults in Taiwan During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic affected all types of people, older adults were disproportionately affected. Therefore, we developed an indoor program inspired by art and natural elements (plant essential oils [EOs]) intended to have a relaxing effect akin to a forest atmosphere to enhance psychophysiological health during this period. Thirty Taiwanese older adults (range, 59-79 years) participated in the study. We combined an art activity (still-life painting of vegetables) with the inhalation of Pseudotsuga menziesii and Lavandula angustifolia EOs during a 100-minute experiment. The study showed that physiological measures (heart rate, normalized low-frequency heart variability, the ratio of low- to high-frequency heart variability, high-beta waves, and gamma waves) decreased during the experiment; correspondingly, increased standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, normalized high-frequency heart variability, and high-alpha waves were observed, indicating relaxed physiological state. Subjective psychological assessments using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State showed lower posttest scores, further supporting the relaxation effects. The psychophysiological data from this study provide important scientific evidence for the physical and mental health benefits of indoor nature-based activity programs for older adults, thereby improving their quality of life.

The Influence of Positive Psychological Capital and Mindset on Grit among Nursing Students: A Cross-sectional Survey

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify factors influencing grit among nursing students.Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in September 2023 involving 135 nursing students from a college in J City, South Korea. The survey included measures of positive psychological capital, mindset, and grit. At the same time, stress, as part of the general characteristics, was evaluated through the power values of high beta waves in brain waves. Statistical analyses included t-tests, analysis of variance, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis.Results: Positive correlations were found between positive psychological capital, mindset, and grit in nursing students. Volunteer experience and positive psychological capital were identified as significant factors influencing grit.Conclusion: To enhance grit among nursing students, it is essential to encourage participation in volunteer activities at the societal, educational, and familial levels, in conjunction with interventions to strengthen positive psychological capital.

Electrophysiological Markers Predicting Antipsychotic Treatment Response in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Retrospective Study.

This study aimed to provide an objective means of predicting treatment responses in patients with schizophrenia using quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) as an electrophysiological indicator. We obtained qEEG recordings from patients with schizophrenia and explored them for patterns indicative of treatment responsiveness. The study included 68 patients had been diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. After retrospectively gathering demographic information, clinical data such as qEEG, Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), a multiple regression analysis was performed. This analysis employed baseline qEEG findings as independent variables and PANSS score changes as dependent variables to discern causal relationships. The mean age of the participants was 38.4 years(SD =13.73). The mean PANSS score on admission was 92.97, decreasing to 67.41 at discharge. Multiple regression analysis revealed that delta waves in T4 (β=0.346, t=3.165, p=0.002), and high-beta waves in Fp2 (β=0.231, t=2.361, p=0.021) were associated with PANSS changes in absolute power. In addition, the delta waves of O2 (β=0.250, t=3.288, p=0.002); beta waves of T3 (β=-1.463, t=-5.423, p<0.001) and O2 (β=0.551, t=3.366, p=0.001); high beta waves of Fp1 (β=0.307, t=4.026, p<0.001), T3 (β=0.855, t=4.414, p<0.001) and T6 (β=-0.838, t=-4.559, p<0.001) of absolute power using the Z-score were also related to PANSS changes. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that only delta waves at Cz (r= 0.246, p=0.043) in absolute power correlated with changes in the PANSS. We found that certain qEEG wave patterns in patients with schizophrenia prior to antipsychotic treatment were linked to PANSS changes before and after treatment. Delta waves and beta waves, primarily in the frontal and temporal regions, were found to be significantly associated with changes in PANSS scores. In the future, the qEEG indicators identified in this study could serve as electrophysiological markers for predicting antipsychotic treatment responses in patients with schizophrenia.

Quantitative electroencephalography as a potential biomarker in migraine.

The aim of this study was to investigate the utility of quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG) as a diagnostic tool for migraine and as an indicator of treatment response by comparing QEEG characteristics between migraine patients and controls, and monitoring changes in these characteristics alongside clinical symptoms in response to treatment BACKGROUND: We hypothesized that patients with migraine exhibit distinctive characteristics in QEEG measurements, which could be used as potential diagnostic biomarkers and as a tool for monitoring treatment response. A total of 720 patients were included in the study, comprising 619 patients with migraine and 101 subjects as a control group. QEEG measurements were analyzed for absolute power across specific frequency bands: delta wave (0.5-4Hz), theta wave (4-8Hz), alpha wave (8-12Hz), beta wave (12-25Hz), and high beta wave (25-30Hz). The absolute power was normalized against a normative dataset from NeuroGuide, with electrodes being highlighted for significance if they exceeded 1.96. Clinical symptoms were also monitored for correlation with QEEG changes. Our analysis showed that patients with migraine exhibited significantly higher absolute power across all frequencies, most markedly within the high beta frequency range. When considering electrodes with z-scores exceeding the threshold of 1.96 in the high beta range, a significant association with migraine diagnosis was observed (per 1 electrode increase, OR 1.06; 95% CI 1.01-1.11; p=.012). Moreover, pre- and posttreatment changes in QEEG measurements corresponded with changes in clinical symptoms. Patients with migraine have distinctive QEEG measurements, particularly regarding absolute power and the number of electrodes that surpassed the z-score threshold in high beta wave activity. These findings suggest the potential of QEEG as a diagnostic biomarker and as a tool for monitoring treatment response in migraine patients, warranting further large-scale studies for confirmation and expansion.

Kokedama and essential oils had a relaxing psychophysiological effect on Taiwanese women during the COVID-19 pandemic

BackgroundDuring the COVID-19 pandemic, we designed an indoor nature activity program for citizens with a relaxing effect similar to forest bathing to promote their physical and mental health. We integrated an indoor horticultural activity (Kokedama) with the breathing of Pseudotsuga menziesii (P. menziesii) and Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) essential oils (EOs) with the goal of creating a nature-inspired environment in an indoor setting where participants would feel as if immersed in a forest atmosphere. MethodsTaiwanese women participated in the experiment, using two Saturday mornings, one Saturday in a university classroom in the city center; and the other Saturday in a workshop in a Suburban Park. Intra-group comparisons were used to assess the Physiological responses to urban and suburban environmental stimuli and measured self-reported psychological responses. We recorded parameters associated with heart-rate variability and brainwaves. We also administered the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) questionnaire before and after the participants had completed the entire program. ResultsAfter the participants had breathed the P. menziesii and L. angustifolia EOs, the levels of some physiological parameters increased (standard deviation of normal-to-normal intervals, normalized high frequency, and high alpha wave) and those of others decreased (normalized low frequency, low- to high-frequency ratio power, high beta wave, and gamma wave). These findings were corroborated by the data from the STAI-S questionnaires. ConclusionsThe psychophysiological data from this study provide significant scientific evidence for the health benefits of an indoor nature activity program in women.

Effect of homeostatic pressure on daytime vigilance performance: Evidence from behaviour and resting-state EEG.

Vigilance is highly sensitive to the time-of-day effect and goes through the daytime trough during the period of the post-noon dip. A midday nap could maintain individuals' vigilance at an optimal level. Thus, homeostatic sleep pressure is one of the main reasons for the post-noon dip in daytime vigilance. The current study focussed on the role of homeostatic sleep pressure in the diurnal variation of vigilance performance with normal circadian rhythms and the corresponding neural basis. With 34 healthy adults, we recorded the resting-state electroencephalogram activities and the following vigilance performance measured by psychomotor vigilance test in the morning, the no-nap mid afternoon, and the nap mid afternoon. The circadian process was controlled by measuring vigilance and resting-state electroencephalogram activities at the same time point in the nap and no-nap conditions. Homeostatic sleep pressure accumulated from morning to mid afternoon induced the declined vigilance performance and a global increase in resting-state delta, theta, alpha, and beta1 bands power, and a local increase in beta2 band power in the central region. Furthermore, the more the spontaneous beta2 power increased, the less vigilance declined from morning to mid afternoon. The current findings suggest that homeostatic sleep pressure increased cortical excitability but decreased cortical communication efficiency from morning to mid afternoon. In addition, the activity of the high beta waves probably reflected the compensatory effort to counteract the negative impact of the low arousal state on the following vigilance task by performing more action preparation in the no-nap afternoon.

Quantitative electroencephalographic biomarker of pharmacological treatment response in patients with anxiety disorder: a retrospective study

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) biomarker in predicting the response to pharmacological treatment in patients with anxiety disorder. A total of 86 patients were diagnosed with anxiety disorder according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition, and subsequently treated with antidepressants. After 8–12 weeks, the participants were divided into treatment-resistant (TRS) and treatment-response (TRP) groups based on their Clinical Global Impressions-Severity (CGI-S) scores. We obtained the absolute-EEG measurements for 19-channels and analyzed qEEG findings according to the frequency range: delta, theta, alpha, and beta. The beta-wave was subdivided into low-beta, beta, and high-beta waves. The theta-beta ratio (TBR) was calculated, and an analysis of covariance was performed. Of the 86 patients with anxiety disorder, 56 patients (65%) were classified in the TRS group. The TRS and TRP groups did not differ in terms of age, sex, or medication-dosage. However, the baseline CGI-S was higher in the TRP group. After calibration by covariates, the TRP group showed higher beta-waves in T3 and T4, and a lower TBR, especially in T3 and T4, than the TRS group. These results indicate that patients with a lower TBR and higher beta and high-beta waves in T3 and T4 are more likely to respond to medication.

Relaxing Effects of Breathing Pseudotsuga menziesii and Lavandula angustifolia Essential Oils on Psychophysiological Status in Older Adults.

We evaluated the effects of breathing Pseudotsuga menziesii (P. menziesii) and Lavandula angustifolia (L. angustifolia) essential oils (EOs) during a horticultural activity on older adults. A total number of 92 older adult (71.2 ± 7.7 years old) participants were guided through a leaf printing procedure. In the meantime, water vapor and EOs were diffused in an orderly manner. The heart rate variability-related parameters as well as the brain waves were recorded. In addition, we also collected data for the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State (STAI-S) questionnaires before and after the whole indoor natural activity program. The physiological parameters including standard deviation of normal to normal intervals, normalized high frequency (nHF), and high alpha wave increased while the normalized low frequency (nLF), the ratio of LF-to-HF power, high beta wave, and gamma wave decreased following the breathing of P. menziesii and L. angustifolia EOs. These changes indicated a relaxing effect of breathing both EOs during a horticultural activity on older adults. Our results demonstrated a beneficial effect of P. menziesii EO which is as good as a well-known relaxant L. angustifolia EO. This notion was supported by the results of STAI-S. Here we developed an indoor natural activity program for older adults to promote physical and mental health.

Comparison of autonomous sensory meridian response and binaural auditory beats effects on stress reduction: a pilot study

This study aimed to compare the effects of Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) and binaural beat (BB) on stress reduction, and to determine whether ASMR and BB can induce changes in quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG). A double-blind randomized trial was conducted. Subjects with stress were recruited considering their perceived stress scale (PSS), Beck depression inventory-II (BDI-II), insomnia severity index (ISI), and state-trait anxiety inventory-state anxiety (STAI-S) scores. Subjects listened to ASMR or BB with music (8 Hz for daytime, 5 Hz for nighttime) for 15 min in daytime and 30 min before going to sleep for 3 weeks. QEEG was measured before and after the intervention. Seventy-six participants (57 female, mean age = 46.12 ± 12.01) finished the trial. After the intervention, PSS, BDI-II, ISI, STAI-S, and PSQI scores improved significantly in both groups. BDI-II and ISI mean scores were normalized in both groups after the intervention. Changes of absolute beta and high beta power in the ASMR group were larger than those in the BB group (p = 0.026, p = 0.040, respectively). Both ASMR and BB are equally effective in reducing stress levels. Unlike BB, ASMR can lead to an increase in beta and high beta waves associated with cortical arousal.

Brainwaves Activities during Resting State: A Neurofeedback Case Study

Neurofeedback training (NFT) on a healthy participant was used to analyse brainwave activity during resting state. Electrodes were placed on the prefrontal cortex and at reference sites to conduct the experiment. The patient was asked to remain still and rest by sitting in a chair. The technology was then used to record the electrical waves emitted by brain activities. After ten cycles with a break interval, theta, alpha, and high beta brainwaves were discovered. There were statistically significant brainwaves in the prefrontal cortex. Remarkably, the ascending high beta oscillation range was the highest, while the alpha wave was the lowest, contradicting earlier results. Anxiety, excitement, and focus were thought to be associated with the highest range of high beta waves.

Neurofeedback (NFB) Training in Aspergers

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing globally. Due to its high incidence rate reported globally, ASD should be considered as a public health emergency that requires immediate attention to the process of screening, diagnosis, and intervention. This is a preliminary case study to test the efficacy of the neurofeedback technique in helping an Asperger’s child to reduce his pathological symptoms (e.g., sociability, sensory/cognitive awareness, communication/ speech/ language, and physical behaviour). Neurofeedback is brain training based on the operant conditioning concept to regulate brainwave activities voluntarily using audio or visual feedback (real-time). In this study, we conducted neurofeedback training on an eight-year-old boy diagnosed with Aspergers aimed to enhance Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) wave (12 to 15 Hz) and at the same time inhibiting theta wave (4-8 Hz) and high beta wave (22-36Hz) at C4 over the right motor area, with the reference electrode placed on A2 and ground electrode placed on A1. Twenty (20) sessions of neurofeedback training were conducted on the boy’s aims to improve his behaviour and emotional expression, language comprehension. The participant showed observable improvement after 20 sessions of neurofeedback training in sociability and speech/ language or communication subscale of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), and parent’s report. This study provided important evidence that neurofeedback training can be employed to improve the child’s Asperger’s symptoms.

Neurofeedback (NFB) Training in Aspergers

The prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is increasing globally. Due to its high incidence rate reported globally, ASD should be considered as a public health emergency that requires immediate attention to the process of screening, diagnosis, and intervention. This is a preliminary case study to test the efficacy of the neurofeedback technique in helping an Asperger’s child to reduce his pathological symptoms (e.g., sociability, sensory/cognitive awareness, communication/ speech/ language, and physical behaviour). Neurofeedback is brain training based on the operant conditioning concept to regulate brainwave activities voluntarily using audio or visual feedback (real-time). In this study, we conducted neurofeedback training on an eight-year-old boy diagnosed with Aspergers aimed to enhance Sensorimotor Rhythm (SMR) wave (12 to 15 Hz) and at the same time inhibiting theta wave (4-8 Hz) and high beta wave (22-36Hz) at C4 over the right motor area, with the reference electrode placed on A2 and ground electrode placed on A1. Twenty (20) sessions of neurofeedback training were conducted on the boy’s aims to improve his behaviour and emotional expression, language comprehension. The participant showed observable improvement after 20 sessions of neurofeedback training in sociability and speech/ language or communication subscale of the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC), and parent’s report. This study provided important evidence that neurofeedback training can be employed to improve the child’s Asperger’s symptoms.

Association Between Frontal Alpha Asymmetry With Cognitive Symptoms, Depression Severity, and Insomnia

Objective: Previous studies have compared depressive episodes between bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) using quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG); however, there are no distinct discriminating feature between them. Here, we used QEEG to directly compare the alpha asymmetry and absolute power of each band between patients with BD and MDD.Methods: Fifty in-patients with major depressive episodes between 2019 and 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Self-reported questionnaires including the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Korean version of the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, and Adult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Self Report Scale (ASRS) were used to evaluate the symptoms. The absolute power of QEEG delta, theta, alpha, beta, high beta waves, and the Z-scores of frontal alpha asymmetry were collected. A t-test and Pearson’s correlation test were conducted using these data and based on these results, an analysis of covariance was conducted.Results: There were no significant differences between MDD and BD in QEEG power or alpha asymmetry. Patients with severe depression (BDI ≥29) had higher alpha power at FP1 (p=0.037), FP2 (p=0.028), F3 (p=0.047), F4 (p=0.016), and higher right frontal alpha asymmetry at F3–F4 (p=0.039). Adult patients with features consistent with ADHD (ASRS ≥4) had higher right frontal alpha asymmetry at F3–F4 (p=0.046). Patients with insomnia had higher left frontal alpha asymmetry at F3–F4 (p=0.003).Conclusion: QEEG limited the differential diagnosis of MDD and BD. However, frontal alpha asymmetry did exist in depression and affected cognitive impairment, insomnia, and depression severity in particular. Future studies with improved methodologies are needed for a better comparison.

Effect of Fragrant Primula Flowers on Physiology and Psychology in Female College Students: An Empirical Study

Indoor plants can positively impact physical and mental health in daily life. However, the benefits of viewing indoor plants may be enhanced if the plants emit a fragrant aroma. In this crossover-design study, we measured the physiological and psychological effects of fragrant and non-fragrant Primula plants on 50 female college students, and explored whether aroma stimulation had additive benefits for this group. Non-fragrant Primula malacoides Franch was used as a control stimulus, and Primula forbesii Franch, which has a floral fragrance, was used as an experimental stimulus. We measured blood pressure, pulse rate, and electroencephalogram (EEG) to evaluate physiological responses, and used a mood state profile and the semantic differential (SD) method to evaluate psychological responses. We found that mean blood pressure and pulse rate decreased significantly after the experiment in both conditions. EEGs showed that the mean values of high alpha waves, high beta waves, and relaxation scores were significantly higher in the experimental vs. control condition. The average scores on each subscale of the psychological questionnaire improved after the experiment in both conditions, and the vitality (V) subscale and total emotional state scores were significantly better in the experimental vs. control condition. The results of the SD method showed that the sense of relaxation and comfort were significantly higher in the experimental vs. control condition. Compared with the non-fragrant Primula, the fragrant Primula induced relatively better physiological and psychological effects.

엘리트스포츠 지도자들의 대뇌 네트워킹과 직무 스트레스, 직무탈진의 관계 : 브레인 맵핑 분석

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between cerebral networking, job stress and job exhaustion in elite sports leaders using brain mapping analysis. For this purpose, 60 elite sports leaders were analyzed. For this purpose, 60 elite sports leaders were analyzed. The results were as follows. First, the high-beta wave networking activities of the left frontal lobe and the right frontal lobe of elite sports leaders were positively related to occupational overload (.370, p.01), security problems (.288, p.05), working conditions (p.05) were found to have a statistically significant effect on stress. In addition, high-beta wave networking activity between the right frontal and right occipital lobes was found to have a statistically significant effect on working conditions (.264, p.05). Second, the high-beta wave networking activity of the left frontal lobe and the right frontal lobe of elite sports leaders has a statistically significant effect on post-personality burnout (.256, p.05) and emotional exhaustion(.308, p.05). Finally, the overloading factors of job stress of elite sports leaders showed a statistically significant effect on de-personification(.443, p.001) and mental exhaustion(.357, p.01). Also, role ambiguity factors showed a statistically significant effect on mental exhaustion(.137, p.001).

Effects of brain activity, morning salivary cortisol, and emotion regulation on cognitive impairment in elderly people.

Objective:Cognitive impairment subjects exhibit high cortisol levels that are associated with low brain activity, but negative emotions with high cortisol are associated with high brain activity and reduced cognition. Emotion regulation, glucocorticoid hormones, and brain activity all interact with cognitive impairment. Therefore, we aimed to investigate cognitive impairment differences related to sex, morning salivary cortisol, emotion regulation, and brain activity in elderly people.Methods:A total of 64 participants (19 males and 45 females) were tested by the Montreal cognitive assessment. Next, morning saliva was collected from each participant and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the brain activity of the participants was subsequently recorded. Finally, emotion regulation was assessed via the Brunel mood scale questionnaire.Results:The results revealed that attention was significantly lower in elderly females than in elderly males. Depression and vigor were significantly higher in elderly females than in elderly males. Brain activity of the slow (delta and theta) and fast (beta and high beta) waves was significantly higher in elderly females than in elderly males. Moreover, attention was negatively correlated with the theta wave, whereas delayed recall was positively correlated with the theta wave and salivary cortisol. Depression was positively correlated with the high beta wave and language skill, whereas the high beta wave was negatively correlated with visuoconstructional skill.Conclusion:The brain activity, emotion, and cortisol were influenced by cognitive impairments, although the relation of brain activity with glucocorticoid hormones remains inconclusive. This finding may be useful to the brain aging process, promote healthy brain aging, and prevent neurodegenerative conditions.

Enhancing Vigilance by Low Intensity Transcranial Pulsed Magnetic Stimulation Applying the Entrainment Model

Vigilance and attention are very important aspects of our working capacities and our general wellbeing as well. Besides taking drugs, they can in principle be achieved also by an appropriate transcranial pulsed magnetic field (MF) stimulation. In the reported research, we took the entrainment principle as the leading one, trying to enhance high beta waves with volunteers. The research conformed to clinical testing conditions. We checked the volunteers’ state monitoring their physiological parameters, their responses following visual an-alog scale (VAS) method and their performance with the Clock test of sus-tained attention. In addition to observing the differences between the true stim-ulation and the sham one, we checked also the psychological influence on attention (additional to true stimulation). The results demonstrated overall en-hanced relaxation with MF stimulation that was further improved by expectation. Relaxation, better nervous energy conservation and better performance (reduction of errors) may be concluded from all parts of the research.

Effects of Quantitative Electroencephalography Based Neurofeedback Training on Autonomous Regulations in Patients with Alcohol Use Disorder

PurposeThe study investigated whether neurofeedback training (NFT) can normalize the excessive high beta and low alpha waves indicative of hyperarousal and subsequently improve autonomous regulation based on the self-determination theory in alcohol use disorders. MethodsA nonequivalent control group pretest–posttest design was used. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires from 36 Korean inpatients who met the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test in Korea criteria. Data were collected from quantitative electroencephalography to assess alpha (8–12 Hz) and high beta (21–30 Hz) waves for hyperarousal. The questionnaires included Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction scales that assessed autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and the Alcohol Abstinence Self-Efficacy Scale and Treatment Self-Regulation Questionnaire. The experimental group underwent 10 sessions of NFT over 4 weeks. Data were analyzed using the Chi-squared, Mann–Whitney U, and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. ResultsIn the experimental group, the alpha wave was increased in 15 of 19 sites and high beta waves were decreased in 15 of 19 sites, but this difference was not significant. However, high beta waves were increased in 15 of 19 sites in the control group, with seven sites (Fz, Cz, Pz, Fp2, F4, C4, and P4) showing significant increases. The experimental group showed a significant increase in basic psychological need satisfaction, alcohol abstinence self-efficacy, and self-regulation compared with the control group. ConclusionNFT is recommended for improving autonomous regulation in alcohol use disorder as a nursing intervention. However, for significantly attenuating hyperarousal through brain wave correction, it may be necessary to increase the number of neurofeedback sessions.

Pattern of anxiety, insecurity, fear, panic and/or phobia observed by quantitative electroencephalography (QEEG).

Stress is a response in which an individual wants to have more control over a situation. A constant state of stress is called anxiety. Some patients deny symptoms. An instrument can help arrive at a diagnosis.Objective:Using TQ-7 QEEG, this study aimed to evaluate the association of symptoms of anxiety, insecurity, fear, panic and phobia with hot temporals defined as Beta (15-23 Hz) >17% and High-Beta waves (23-38 Hz) >10% at T3 and T4.Methods:Five hundred and forty-three patients of both genders with ages ranging from 16-59 years were evaluated, divided into two groups: Control (without hot temporals: n=274) and Case Group (with hot temporals: n=269). The Chi-square test was used (p-values ≤0.05).Results:There was a significant association (p-value <0.001) between the symptoms related to amygdala activation, expressed in the temporals (Beta >17% and High-Beta >10%). (Anxiety, T3=89.6% - T4=88.8%; T3=92.6% - T4=93.3%), (Fear, T3=80.7% - T4=84.4%; T3=82.9% - T4=95.9%), (Insecurity, T3=82.2% - T4=81.4%; T3=69.5% - T4=97.8%), (Panic, T3=52.4 - T4=72.5%; T3=90.3% - T4=74.0%), (Phobia, T3=17.5% - T4=22.7%; T3=19.7% - T4=27.1%), when compared to the respective controls (Beta control, T3=8.4%, 10.2%, 21.2%, 1.1%, 0.4% and T4=11.3%, 4.4%, 23.0%, 2.6%, 1.1%) (High-Beta control, T3=4.0%, 6.9%, 6.2%, 0.4%, 0.0% and T4=17.5%, 6.2%, 3.3%, 4.0%, 0.7%).Conclusion:Anxiety, insecurity, fear, panic and phobia are observed by QEEG when the levels of total Beta >17% and High-Beta waves >10% at T3 and T4.

Gender Differences in Electroencephalographic Activity in Response to the Earthy Odorants Geosmin and 2-Methylisoborneol

Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol, molecules with the same odor characteristics, are mainly responsible for the smell of soil and cause odor problems worldwide in drinking water supplies. However, the effect of these odor molecules on human brain function is still unclear. The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of inhalation of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol on human electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in order to understand whether their action on brain wave activity is the same or different. A total of 20 healthy volunteers (10 women and 10 men) were selected to determine the EEG power spectrum changes. The EEG data were recorded from 32 channels according to the International 10–20 system and 25 EEG power spectrum indices were analyzed. The inhalation of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol exhibited different EEG activity by producing changes in different EEG indicators as well as brain regions. In both genders, significant changes in EEG power spectra were observed during the inhalation of geosmin when compared with 2-methylisoborneol. Absolute waves such as beta, fast alpha, low beta, high beta, and gamma significantly decreased, particularly in the centro-parietal (Cp6) region, due to the exposure to geosmin. According to gender variation, geosmin produced significant changes in the absolute low beta and high beta waves at the Cp6 region in women. In the case of 2-methylisoborneol, a significant increase in absolute alpha and absolute fast alpha activity was observed at the F8 region in men. However, there were no significant changes in absolute waves for men and women during the inhalation of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol. Although both components are responsible for soil smell, they exhibit significantly different EEG activity according to gender.