Abnormal theta oscillation in schizophrenic patients under auditory stimulation: a comparative study

Abstract Background: There was growing evidences that theta (4-7Hz) power was highly likely to be an indicator of cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. And auditory information processing deficits in schizophrenia were reduced inhibition due to the disruption of the inhibitory mechanisms required to suppress redundant acoustic input. Further assuming that this inhibition was mainly evident in the theta band activity and reflected in the different brain regions. Method: We chose to use the auditory paradigms to study the change of the theta band power in different brain regions in patients with patients using frequency domain analysis. Results: The results showed that the sounds always induced abnormal elevation of theta oscillations, and when the frequency of sound stimulation was different, the striking elevation of the induced theta oscillations was reflected in temporal, parietal and central regions. While compared to the other frequencies, the abnormality of theta oscillations had specificity and stability. Conclusion: This suggested that theta oscillations could serve as a biomarker in schizophrenia research. Future studies in the corresponding brain regions could also provide reference for the selection of the frequency and location for non-invasive treatment in patients with schizophrenia.