Quantitative electroencephalographic evaluation of a young male with schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: 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.
Authors: Lucas Longo Ferreira, João Carlos Amorelli Bohrer de Andrade Figueira, Clara Peixoto Cirillo Costa, José Geraldo Netto Medeiros, Weslley Morais Costa, Mariana Lira Schlodtmann D’Ávila, Alair Augusto Sarmet Moreira Damas dos Santos, Seung Wan Kang, Bruno Lima Pessôa
Institutions: Universidade Federal Fluminense, Seoul National University
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4413988868