EEG characteristics in males at risk for alcoholism.

Baseline EEG activity was recorded with eyes closed in 15 males, aged 19 to 24 at risk (HR = high risk) for the development of alcoholism and 15 matched controls (LR = low risk). Four EEG frequency bands were examined: slow alpha (7.5-10 Hz), fast alpha (10.25-12.75 Hz), slow beta (13-19.5 Hz) and fast beta (19.75-26 Hz). The HR and LR groups were compared on four measures of EEG activity for each frequency band: band power, absolute and relative area and laterality differences. Statistical analysis of the data via ANOVA revealed no significant difference between the HR and LR groups for any comparison. The results indicate that EEG measures prior to alcohol administration do not effectively discriminate between individuals at high and low risk for alcoholism.