Psychiatrically noticeable anxiety, EEG alpha index, alpha feedback and relaxation

In a follow-up study (first investigation: KIRSCHBAUM u. GISTL, arch. Psychol. 1973, 125, 263-273) fifteen patients with psychiatric or neurological disorders were examined for correlations between anxiety (clinical rating), scores from MAS and MMQ, and EEG-Alpha-percentage alterations during an unspecific relaxation training with or without Alpha-Biofeedback. Clinically and psychometrically high anxious patients (n = 10) showed under both conditions significant diminuation of Alpha-percentage in contrast to earlier examined students whose Alpha-rates had increased (significantly). Theoretical explanations of these results are discussed.