Frontal Alpha Asymmetry in Adolescents Diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Introduction: and Purpose The aim of this study is to evaluate whether Frontal Alpha Asymmetry (FAA) can be used as a biomarker to assist in confirming the diagnosis, tracking the clinical course, and assessing treatment efficacy in adolescents diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Material: and Method: The study group consisted of female adolescents who were victims of sexual abuse and diagnosed with PTSD according to the K-SADS-PL DSM-5 (n=28). The control group was selected using Simple Random Sampling from female adolescents who met the exclusion criteria (n=23). Self-report scales were applied to the study group. At the first evaluation, an EEG was performed for all participants, with a follow-up EEG conducted for the study group after four months of treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Results: : A significant difference in FAA values was found between the groups. The average FAA value in the study group was negative compared to the control group, indicating left asymmetry in the study group. After four months of treatment, the negative FAA value shifted to a positive value, suggesting right asymmetry post-treatment. Furthermore, there were significant differences in the study group’s pre- and post-treatment mean scores on the BDI, CGI, CAPS, and STAI scales. Conclusion: The findings of our study support that FAA may serve as a useful biomarker in monitoring the clinical course and assessing treatment efficacy in patients diagnosed with PTSD.