Electroencephalogram alpha-to-theta ratio over left fronto-temporal region correlates with negative symptoms in schizophrenia

Reduced alpha power over frontal regions might imply altered arousal and/or impaired attentional process, while abnormal theta range oscillations may relate to impairments in working memory via their influences on theta-gamma coupling. Our findings suggest left-predominant deficiencies in these processes might mediate negative symptoms. Further, since ATR might reflect integrity of certain cognitive processes, those with a higher bATR might possess better cognitive resource at baseline and therefore experience greater improvement in negative symptoms with antipsychotic treatments, at least during the first 4 weeks.