Determining the relationship between depression and brain waves in depressed subjects using Pearson correlation and regression

Background and aims: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between brain waves and Beck Depression Inventory(BDI) score in clinical cases with depression. Methods: In this study, EEG was taken using neurofeedback device at the point F4 of dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) of the brain of 60 depressed patients referred to psychiatric clinic. At the same time, Beck Depression Inventory was performed to assess the severity of depression. With the condition of artifact lower than 50%, fourty one EEG related to the 41 subjects were remained after eliminating artifact. Results: The findings of this study confirm the mean decrease in alpha and theta waves and increase beta wave in the brain waves of depressed patients. Comprehensive analysis of the data with a multi-regression indicates a predictable BDI score at F4, based on two variables (mean beta and mean alpha) which reflects the depression increase by increased mean beta and decreased mean alpha according to the following equation: Depression based on Beck at F4 point is equal to: Beck’s depression score= mean beta (0.532)+mean Alpha (0.412). Conclusion: Due to rapid growth of the elderly population in the country as well as Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari province, considering the needs of this age group is an important necessity.