A Study of Alpha Brain Wave Characteristics from MRI Scanning in Patients with Anxiety Disorder

Abstract

This study measured alpha brain waves in patients with anxiety disorder with MRI scanning. We compared the alpha patterns of these scans to those of healthy persons in the control group. The model MRI machine was designed for 10 healthy persons without a past or current medical history of any anxiety disorders and for 10 patients who suffered from anxiety disorders. The study subjects were placed within the magnetic bore, and electrodes were attached to their head surface before brain waves were measured using a monopolar derivation method. According to the study results, the brain waves from both sides of the frontal lobe (Fp1 and Fp2) were higher in the group of patients with anxiety disorders than those of the control group, indicating that the brain waves were aroused. The brain waves from the front part and both sides of the parietal lobe (F3 and F4) were higher in the group of patients with anxiety disorders compared to those of the control group, also demonstrating that the brain waves were aroused. The brain waves from both sides of the temporal lobe (T3 and T4) and the brain waves from the rear part and both sides of the temporal lobe (P3 and P4) showed no relaxation or arousal in patients with anxiety disorders or in healthy individuals.