# The use of qEEG in predicting relapse among AUD Veterans to improve treatment and function

> **NIH VA I21** · EDITH NOURSE  ROGERS MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL · 2021 · —

## Abstract

Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a varied and complex psychiatric disorder involving the interactions of
behavior, environment, and genetic risk factors and has a significant adverse impact on functioning. To
improve functioning for those suffering from AUD, it is imperative that we understand the modifiable risk factors
for each Veteran across various domains, to discover how to better predict relapse. There is extensive
literature demonstrating the deleterious effects of chronic alcohol abuse can have on brain function. There has
been less attention, however, devoted to translational research that focuses on methods that may provide
more accurate diagnosis and predict relapse among individuals with AUD, which in turn may guide treatment
plans and better meet the medical and psychiatric needs of Veterans and improve functioning.
 The use of neuro-electrophysiological measures provides a potentially powerful way to assist in
predicting the likelihood of relapse, with the potential of informing the best type and length of treatment
necessary for each individual. Quantitative electroencephalogram (qEEG) has shown encouraging predictive
power of relapse, especially when using fast beta activity isolated in the frontal lobes. Specifically, beta activity
and the dysfunction observed in the frontal lobes may serve as an accurate predictor of alcohol relapse.
Despite promising research in this field, only a handful of empirical studies exist that describe the use and
predictive accuracy of beta activity for determining whether an individual will relapse, and no study to-date
attempted to adapt these findings for clinical utility.
 Currently, the measurement of beta activity is a relatively ambiguous description of brain activity and
would benefit from further investigation into its possible clinical and neuropsychological meaning along with
potential functional correlates. The frontal lobes are implicated in executive functioning processes, including
planning, response inhibition/impulse control, problem-solving, set-shifting, and goal-directed behavior. Many
of these cognitive functions play a crucial role in substance use treatment completion and outcomes.
Therefore, to better understand the neuropsychological meaning of the beta dysfunction within the frontal lobes
and to provide insight and cross-validation of possible covarying cognitive function related to beta dysfunction,
the assessment of executive functioning via measures is needed. In addition, there has been much research
investigating the role of impulsivity and craving within the addiction literature. Craving has been shown to
predict the probability of relapse as well as the extent of consumption following abstinence. Research has also
demonstrated a positive association between cue-induced craving affect beta activity. Lastly, quality of life has
been demonstrated to improve with more prolonged remission, and it has been suggested that higher levels of
life satisfaction may protect against ...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10124927
- **Project number:** 1I21RX003470-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** EDITH NOURSE  ROGERS MEMORIAL VETERANS HOSPITAL
- **Principal Investigator:** MO MODARRES
- **Activity code:** I21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** VA
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** —
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-12-01 → 2022-11-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10124927

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10124927, The use of qEEG in predicting relapse among AUD Veterans to improve treatment and function (1I21RX003470-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10124927. Licensed CC0.

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