A review of indications for routine EEG in clinical psychiatry.

With increasing recognition of the role of organic factors in the etiology of psychiatric disorders, greater use of neurodiagnostic tests is expected. Clinical electroencephalography (EEG) is a noninvasive, low-cost neurodiagnostic technique widely available in psychiatric hospitals. Based on a review of the literature, the author outlines clinical applications of routine (non-computerized) EEG related to evaluation of organic etiologies and symptoms of dementia, delirium, and lithium toxicity; evaluation before electroconvulsive therapy; and routine screening of patients. Screening EEGs are not recommended in settings in which complete neurological examinations are routinely performed.