[The spatial organization of the electrical processes of the cerebral cortex in a pathological attraction to alcohol]

The polymorphism of reaction to emotionally significant stimuli is discussed in the context of pathological incentive. Using the "Synchro-EEG" technique 41 patients and 11 healthy volunteers were examined. Analysis of the spatial organization of cortical electrical activity revealed three types of reactions in patients. Intergroup differences were reflected in generalized and local cortical processes (mainly, in the frontal regions of the left and temporo-parieto-occipital regions of the right hemispheres). They were probably related to the sign of emotions, behavioural and autonomic nervous tension and the attitude to the object of motivation ("approach-withdrawal"). This suggestion was substantiated by the finding that the aversive therapy can change the pattern of cortical processes. Intergroup differences were revealed not only in the reactive (to emotionally significant stimulus) but also in the background electrical activity. The groups were different in the dominance of different narrow-frequency processes in one group as compared to the other. These findings suggest determination of emotional reactions by the initial functional state of patients.