Background
Research on whether any electroencephalographic (EEG) sleep abnormalities observed
among individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) represent genetic biomarkers
remains inconclusive. We aimed to identify EEG-based biomarkers of MDD through a review
of studies from three populations: individuals with MDD, individuals with MDD under
remission, and never depressed high-risk probands (HRPs) of individuals with MDD.
Methods
We searched databases such as MEDLINE and PsycINFO for EEG studies published since
1970. Of the 886 records, our selection criteria identified 56 studies that employed
standardized EEG scoring procedures and addressed confounds such as participant reactivity
and drug effects. We then used fixed-effects models to calculate average weighted
mean differences in EEG parameters between clinical groups across these studies.
Results
Individuals with MDD differed significantly from control subjects on several EEG variables.
However, remitted individuals showed normalization of all affected EEG parameters
except rapid eye movement (REM) density and slow-wave sleep (SWS). Surprisingly, proportion
of SWS was significantly shorter during remission than depression. Never-depressed
HRPs also exhibited significantly elevated REM density and reduced SWS. Finally, these
parameters constituted the only two EEG variables that were not moderated by depression
severity.
Conclusions
Individuals experiencing MDD and those in remission exhibit increased REM density
and shortened SWS, as do HRPs with no history of MDD. Thus, this combination of EEG
features may represent a genetic biomarker of MDD. Further, SWS appears to be shorter
during remission than depression, suggesting its role as both a genetic marker as
well as a biological scar of the disorder.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: September 21, 2011
Accepted:
July 19,
2011
Received in revised form:
July 7,
2011
Received:
April 18,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
