Quantitative EEG correlates of panic disorder.

Quantitative analysis of electroencephalographic (EEG) signals recorded from multiple scalp sites was used to compare panic disorder patients (n = 34) with normal healthy controls. Patients exhibited greater overall absolute power in the delta, theta, and alpha frequency bands and less relative power in the beta band. Discriminant analysis of absolute power indices correctly classified 75% of the subjects, while relative power indices exhibited a 69% correct-classification rate. Absolute delta and theta power were positively correlated with observer ratings of anxiety, while relative beta power was related to self-ratings of anxiety.