A preliminary study of the association among metacognition and resting state EEG in schizophrenia.

Metacognition refers to a spectrum of activities that range from the consideration of discrete mental experiences, such as a specific thought or emotion, to the synthesis of discrete perceptions into integrated representations of the self and others as unique agents in the world. Metacognitive deficits have been observed in schizophrenia and linked with a number of behavioral correlates and outcomes. Less is known however about the neural systems associated with such processes. Establishing the link between brain activity and metacognition therefore is an essential next step. Resting state electroencephalography (EEG) provides one possible avenue for investigating this link. EEG studies in schizophrenia suggest that the gamma frequency range may have functional significance and be related to the disturbed information processing often observed in the disorder. In the present investigation, we assessed metacognition among 20 individuals with prolonged schizophrenia using the Metacognition Assessment Scale Abbreviated, who also participated in resting state EEG recording. We hypothesized that gamma activity would be associated with those domains of metacognition that require the most integration to perform, Decentration and Mastery. We then examined the association among gamma power and each metacognitive domain. Additional exploratory analyses were conducted across a spectrum of EEG activity. We found that increased gamma activity at rest was linked with decreased decentration....
Source: Journal of Psychophysiology - Category: Psychiatry & Psychology Authors: Source Type: research