A narrative review and discussion of concepts and ongoing data regarding quantitative EEG as a childhood mood disorder biomarker

Abstract

Background

As the need for prompt identification and management of childhood mood. disorders continues to grow, increasing interest has shifted towards potential objective. biomarkers. One modality that has shown promise as a biomarker has been quantitative electroencephalography or qEEG. In this review, we expand on our previous investigation into qEEG biomarker research for child mood disorders and potential challenges faced in ongoing development.

Ongoing research into qEEG:

Since our last systematic review, qEEG biomarker research of childhood major depressive disorder remained sparse, with only one novel awake qEEG investigation in children despite ongoing adult depression qEEG research. For bipolar disorder, previously identified qEEG researchers have continued investigation into Bipolar II diagnosis identification, Bipolar I versus II diagnostic discrimination, and general bipolar biomarker utilization.

Challenges faced by qEEG:

While the nature of qEEG as a data-driven, easily performed, and easily analyzable biomarker is promising, challenges to clinical utilization remain, including direct anatomical correlation and generation of patientfacing clinically tested and usable tools. However, preliminary general utilization of qEEG in clinical settings with childhood mood disorder has shown excellent efficacy, and ongoing research to address these limitations is feasible and ongoing.

Conclusions

While qEEG biomarker research in child mood disorders has remained slow, there is a clear need and strong ongoing potential for future investigations.