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Increased beta power in the bereaved families of the S ewol ferry disaster: A paradoxical compensatory phenomenon? A two‐channel electroencephalography study
Author(s) -
Jang KukIn,
Shim Miseon,
Lee Sang Min,
Huh Hyu Jung,
Huh Seung,
Joo JiYoung,
Lee SeungHwan,
Chae JeongHo
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
psychiatry and clinical neurosciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.609
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1440-1819
pISSN - 1323-1316
DOI - 10.1111/pcn.12546
Subject(s) - electroencephalography , psychology , insomnia , psychiatry , sleep disorder , anxiety , audiology , medicine
Aim The Sewol ferry capsizing accident on South Korea's southern coast resulted in the death of 304 people, and serious bereavement problems for their families. Electroencephalography (EEG) beta frequency is associated with psychiatric symptoms, such as insomnia. The aim of this study was to investigate the relation between frontal beta power, psychological symptoms, and insomnia in the bereaved families. Methods Eighty‐four family members of the Sewol ferry victims (32 men and 52 women) were recruited and their EEG was compared with that of 25 (13 men and 12 women) healthy controls. A two‐channel EEG device was used to measure cortical activity in the frontal lobe. Symptom severity of insomnia, post‐traumatic stress disorder, complicated grief, and anxiety were evaluated. Results The bereaved families showed a higher frontal beta power than healthy controls. Subgroup analysis showed that frontal beta power was lower in the individuals with severe insomnia than in those with normal sleep. There was a significant inverse correlation between frontal beta power and insomnia symptom in the bereaved families. Conclusion This study suggests that increased beta power, reflecting the psychopathology in the bereaved families of the Sewol ferry disaster, may be a compensatory mechanism that follows complex trauma. Frontal beta power could be a potential marker indicating the severity of sleep disturbances. Our results suggest that sleep disturbance is an important symptom in family members of the Sewol ferry disaster's victims, which may be screened by EEG beta power.