Correlation of risk-taking propensity with cross-frequency phase–amplitude coupling in the resting EEG

•The cross-frequency phase–amplitude coupling may be successfully adapted to the scalp resting EEG.•There are significant correlations between cross-frequency phase–amplitude couplings and the measures of risk-taking propensity.•It is suggested that the cross-frequency phase–amplitude coupling could be a promising indicator for diagnosing the tendency to take risks.

ObjectiveRecent evidence has suggested that the weak inhibitory influence of the prefrontal cortex on the subcortical structures may be responsible for risk-taking behaviour. The aim was to determine the possibility that this weakness in top-down control is reflected in changes in the cross-frequency phase–amplitude coupling (CFPAC) in the electroencephalography (EEG).MethodsNineteen-channel EEGs were recorded from 50 healthy volunteers with their eyes closed before risk-taking propensity was assessed by behavioural measures, the domain-specific risk-taking (DOSPERT) scale and the Barrett impulsiveness scale (BIS). Correlation analyses between the CFPACs and the behavioural measures were performed.ResultsThe CFPACs were negatively correlated with the risk-taking DOSPERT and BIS scores in frontal (Fp2) and centro–parietal (C3, C4 and P4) regions. By contrast, the CFPACs were positively correlated with the risk-taking DOSPERT and BIS scores in the right hemisphere (T8 and P8).ConclusionsWe suggest that frequent risk-taking behaviour is closely associated with the reduced interference of the cortical control network on the reward-oriented system. The CFPAC, which reflects the degree of interactions among functional systems, provides information about an individual’s risk-taking propensity.SignificanceThe CFPAC may be a useful neurophysiological indicator of an individual’s tendency towards risk-taking behaviours, which thus potentially contributes to evaluating the severity of the psychiatric diseases exhibiting abnormal risk-taking behaviours.