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Abstract:
With neuroleptic treatment and withdrawal of treatment,
reversals in directions of functional asymmetry have been found in
schizophrenia, with measures of hemi-inattention, flash evoked
potentials, lower motoneuron excitability eye movements and
recogntion memory (Gruzelier, 1998, Schiz Bull). We have shown that
hemispheric asymmetries in schizophrenia are syndrome-dependent, as
are asymmetry reversals with recovery. Striatal dopamine is under
reciprocal interhemispheric control. Accordingly, we reasoned that
self-regulation of interhemispheric asymmetry may have clinical
benefits. Having demonstrated that normal subjects could learn
efficientyl interhemispheric control of slow potentials (Hardman et
al, 1998, Neuroscience Letters), we examined 17 (DSM-IV)
schizophrenic patients subdivided by syndrome. Feedback of the
left-right asymmetry in slow potential negativity recordedfrom C3,4
was given in the form of a rocket on a screen which rose or fell
with leftward or rightward shifts in negativity. Patients were able
to learn control (p < 0.01). Active syndrome patients were
better able to shift negativity rightward and withdrawn patients
leftward, directions associated with drug reversal of functional
asymmetry and symptom recovery for each syndrome. Accordingly, the
neurofeedback regimens may have therapeutic potential.
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