[The EEG rhythms and psychological indices of emotions in reactive depression]

Power and topographic distribution of the EEG rhythms (delta, theta 1, theta 2, alpha, beta 1, and beta 2) were compared with the reactive and personal anxiety levels (by Spilberger) and parameters of subjective emotional semantic space (obtained by the method of subjective scaling). A general decrease in the EEG power was observed in reactive depression, with the exception of the theta-rhythm, the power of which was higher than that in healthy persons. The increase in the theta 2 power in depression was correlated with activation of the right frontal area ("the zone of negative emotions"), and its decrease was associated with activation of the left frontal area ("responsible" for positive emotions), enhancement of positive emotions in semantic emotional space, and with a decrease in personal anxiety. High alpha activity in healthy persons was negatively correlated with the activation of the "zone of negative emotions" while a decrease in the alpha-rhythm power was associated with anxiety enhancement and decrease in contribution of positive emotions in the semantic space.