Neural Network of Alpha Rhythm rs-EEG Activity for the Assessment of Consciousness in Psychopathology

Consciousness is an integrative process that combines several executive functions, as well as the analytical and synthetic activity of the brain. In some psychopathological conditions, in particular, in schizophrenia, low-information "borderline" disorders of the executive functions and consciousness are often formed at the onset. The present study was aimed at assessing the integration of the bran alpha regulatory system and the modulation of consciousness based on the data of recording the alpha rhythm of resting state EEG associated with a decrease in the level of consciousness. The study involved 40 outpatients with actual symptomatic schizophrenia associated with neurocognitive and depressive symptoms, and 38 healthy subjects. Using the WinEEG, EEG Studio and Loreta-Key Viewer programs, we analyzed both non-specific physical parameters of alpha rhythm generation - index, frequency, amplitude, and physiological characteristics associated with executive functions - regularity, autorhythmicity (modulation) and stability of the EEG alpha rhythm. A line of indicators for the alpha rhythm in schizophrenia has been calculated based on coherence in different areas of the brain, the latent period of desynchronization, the average number of bursts, and the tone of the cerebral cortex.