Quantitative Electroencephalogram in Persons with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: A Pre- and Post-Treatment Findings

Abstract

Background

Assessment and treatment monitoring in alcohol dependence syndrome often rely on subjective measures, particularly in resource-limited settings. Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) provides an objective alternative, though its role in alcohol use and abstinence remains underexplored in the Indian context.

Aim

To study changes in the quantitative electroencephalogram in persons with alcohol dependence syndrome undergoing treatment.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with alcohol dependence syndrome as per ICD-11 were recruited. At baseline, the Severity of Alcohol Dependence Questionnaire (SADQ) (mean 22.60 ± 4.81) and Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol–Revised (CIWA-Ar) (mean 10.98 ± 2.45) were administered to assess the severity of dependence and withdrawal symptoms. qEEG was recorded at baseline, following detoxification and at 12 weeks. Detoxification was done using benzodiazepines via a symptom-triggered regimen. Baclofen was offered post-detoxification with regular follow-ups. EEG signals were analysed for changes across standard frequency bands in various scalp regions and in terms of absolute powers.

Results

Sixty patients completed the 12-week follow-up. The sample consisted of all males, with a mean age of 40.85 ± 8.30 years. Alpha and gamma powers showed increasing trends, while beta, theta, and delta powers declined across most scalp regions. Absolute power trends were similar, with a statistically significant reduction noted in the delta wave (p-value=.024). No significant correlation was found between severity of dependence and wave powers, except for gamma in the fronto-parietal region (p-value=.01) and beta in the central region (p-value=.021).

Conclusion

qEEG changes with detoxification and abstinence may serve as an objective indicator for assessing treatment efficacy and abstinence status in alcohol dependence.