Spontaneous dense array gamma activity in children and adolescents with volatile solvent dependence

OBJECTIVES: Children and adolescents with volatile solvent/inhalant dependence have neurocognitive deficits. The study aimed to explore resting state gamma activity, which is a marker of cognitive function, in children and adolescents with inhalant dependence. The study also investigated differences in gamma activity across groups differing in inhaled amounts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and electroencephalographic (EEG) data were collected from nine patients with inhalant dependence. 30–50 Hz spectral power was calculated using Welch's averaged periodogram method. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, bi-variate correlation, and nonparametric Mann–Whitney U-test. RESULTS: While significant positive correlation was found between duration of dependence and gamma spectral power in left frontal region, no significant differences were found on comparison of the groups on gamma spectral power. CONCLUSION: A complex neurobiological interaction is involved in the synaptic modulation brought about by inhalant use and this could be understood by studying changes in EEG parameters especially gamma activity.