Quantitative electroencephalographic evaluation of a young male with schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Considering the neurobiological overlap between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and schizophrenia, this study aims to describe the quantitative electroencephalographic (qEEG) profile of a 27-year-old male with a clinical diagnosis of ASD and schizophrenia, associated with a heterozygous deletion in CELF2 (10p14). A retrospective analysis of clinical records and qEEG data, s-LORETA and HRV was conducted. The qEEG revealed an atypical posterior dominant rhythm with absence of left occipital alpha peak and reduced right alpha peak (7.2 Hz), consistent with ASD-related electrophysiological patterns. Relative power maps showed frontal theta hyperactivity—linked to obsessive-compulsive and schizophrenic traits—and increased beta in central and occipital regions. Theta/beta ratio (TBR) was reduced, suggesting impaired behavioral inhibition. Low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography (s-LORETA) indicated widespread hypoconnectivity in left-hemisphere temporo-parieto-occipital regions, with interhemispheric hyperconnectivity from left frontal to right temporoparietal areas—patterns previously reported in both ASD and schizophrenia. Heart rate variability (HRV) indicated sympathetic dominance (76.2%) and elevated stress index (percentile 82), consistent with clinical anxiety. These findings highlight the utility of qEEG as a neurophysiological biomarker in complex neurodevelopmental-psychiatric comorbidities, supporting the integration of electrophysiological, clinical, and genetic data for personalized management.