Auditory event-related potentials and statistical probability mapping in obsessive-compulsive disorder

The current exploratory investigation was undertaken to replicate and extend previous findings of auditory event related potentials (ERPs) observed in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Similar to previous ERP studies, this study revealed a decreased slow wave (SW) (post P300) latency, a trend towards decreased P300 latency and a greater N200 amplitude in OCD subjects than in controls. In addition, the chronicity of OCD symptoms was correlated with the 140-170 millisecond integrated amplitude and the severity of OCD symptoms correlated with the 386-438 millisecond integrated amplitude. Current findings lend additional support to evidence suggesting OCD represents, in part, hyperarousal of the cortex.