Power and coherence analysis of the EEG in hospitalized alcoholics and nonalcoholic controls

EEG recordings from 56 alcoholics (20 women) and 9 nonalcoholic controls (15 women) were compared using power spectral density and coherence techniques. Alcoholics had more power in the delta frequency bands (1-4 Hz) and less power in alpha (9-13 Hz) from all regions of the skull. Interhemispheric coherence scores from homologous brain sites were greater for alcoholics in the delta band (1-4 Hz) but greater for nonalcoholics in the higher frequencies. Among alcoholics, power in the alpha bandwidth was positively correlated with Brain Age Quotient (BAQ) scores, whereas delta power was inversely related to BAQ scores. Increased power in the beta frequencies (14 + Hz) among alcoholics was a function of the time elapsed since the last drink and the use of chlordiazepoxide during detoxication. Issues relating to transient brain dysfunction in recently abstaining alcoholics are also discussed.