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Abstract
Alterations in mean frequency and power in the alpha band of the electroencephalogram (EEG) is thought to reflect fundamental attentional and cognitive factors. This study investigated changes in the mean alpha frequency of the quantified EEG in 21 subjects with schizophrenia, compared to an equal number of age and sex matched controls. Four standard electrophysiological paradigms (eyes closed, eyes open, habituation and oddball) were used to manipulate the level of cognitive demand required of each subject. Significant differences were found both between normal and schizophrenic groups in mean alpha frequency as well as within groups between different paradigms. Whilst a consistent linear relationship between site and paradigm was observed in controls subjects (slower frontally and slower with cognitive load), this was not observed in subjects with schizophrenia. The subjects with schizophrenia showed a loss of this linear relationship and increased mean alpha frequency frontally with cognitive load.