CFS and EEG: Is there a connection?

Abstract

Twenty-eight female Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) sufferers were compared to 28 age-matched female controls. Electroencephalograph recordings were taken from both groups under three conditions (eyes open, eyes closed, and while counting backward by sevens). Results revealed significant differences in EEG power between the two groups: 5-7 hertz with eyes open (t = 2.2958, t = 2.2263, t = 2.0412; p < .05, respectively); 3, 4, 6, and 28 hertz with eyes closed (t = 2.0265, t = 2.2486, t = 2.1767, t = -2.3779; p < .05, respectively); and 6 and 28 hertz during the counting task (t = 2.4643, t = -2.5912; p < .05, respectively). Four subjective symptom ratings correlated significantly with specific features of the CFS EEG's (r = -.4576, r = -.4100, r = .4630, r = -.4524; p < .05). Working CFS subjects displayed higher theta to beta ratios than unemployed CFS subjects (point biserial correlation r = 2.5685, r = 2.6612, r = 2.3943; p < .05). Results suggest the need for preliminary neurofeedback and mixed treatment designs.

Publication Title

Biofeedback and Self Regulation

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