Skip to content
Get in touch

Research › Autism

Integration of EEG Into Psychiatric Practice: A Step Toward Precision Medicine for Autism Spectrum Disorder

STS Instructor Authored by Robert Turner

Share

Suggested message

Check out this Knowledge Base article from StressTherapy Solutions: Integration of EEG Into Psychiatric Practice: A Step Toward Precision Medicine for Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Facebook LinkedIn Email

Facebook doesn't let websites fill in your post. Use Copy message, then paste it in.

Study at a glance

Area
Autism
Study type
Observational study
Authors
Swatzyna RJ, Tarnow JD, Turner RP, Roark AJ, MacInerney EK, Kozlowski GP
Journal
Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology
Year
2016
Participants
140
Population
Children, Adolescents, Adults

Key findings

  • 36% of 140 non-epileptic patients with autism had isolated epileptiform discharges
  • No significant gender difference across three age groups
  • Points out that many autism medications lower the seizure threshold
  • Recommends EEG especially for aggressive patients or those who have failed stimulants, antidepressants or antipsychotics

DOI 10.1097/wnp.0000000000000365 → PubMed 27893495 →

Psychiatrists rarely use EEG to guide treatment, yet many drugs prescribed in autism lower the seizure threshold. This study visually reviewed the EEGs of 140 people with autism, aged 4 to 25 and with no history of seizures, seen at a practice that treats hard-to-treat young patients. Over a third showed isolated epileptiform discharges, with no difference between males and females across age groups, and the authors recommend EEG for people with autism, particularly those who are aggressive or have not responded to earlier medications.