Frontal alpha asymmetry in schizotypy: electrophysiological evidence for motivational dysfunction

Abstract

<b>Introduction:</b> Schizotypy is defined as personality traits reflecting an underlying risk for schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. As yet, there is a dearth of suitable objective markers for measuring schizotypy. Frontal alpha asymmetry, characterised by reduced left versus right frontal region activity, reflects trait-like diminished approach-related systems and has been found in schizophrenia. <b>Methods:</b> The present study used electroencephalography (EEG) recorded on a consumer-grade mobile headset to examine asymmetric resting-state frontal alpha, beta, and gamma power within the multidimensional schizotypy (e.g. positive, negative, disorganised) during a three-minute "eyes closed" resting period in college undergraduates (<i>n</i>=49). <b>Results:</b> Findings suggest that schizotypy was exclusively related to reduced left versus right-lateralised power in the alpha frequency (8.1-12.9 Hz., <i>R</i>²= .16). Follow-up analysis suggested that positive schizotypy was uniquely associated with increased right alpha activity, indicating increased withdrawal motivation. <b>Conclusions:</b> Frontal asymmetry is a possible ecologically valid objective marker for schizotypy that may be detectable using easily accessible, consumer-grade technology.