Altered EEG patterns in individuals with disorganized attachment: an EEG microstates study

Abstract

Abstract Background: Over the past years, different studies provided preliminary evidence that Disorganized Attachment (DA) may have dysregulatory and disintegrative effects on both autonomic arousal regulation and brain connectivity. However, despite the clinical relevance of this construct, few studies have investigated the specific alterations underlying DA using electroencephalography (EEG). Thus, the main aim of the current study was to extend the scientific literature on the EEG microstates correlates of DA in a non-clinical sample (N= 50) before and after the administration of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Methods: Two EEG Resting State (RS) recordings were performed before and after the AAI. Microstates indices were then calculated using Cartool software. Results: the Disorganized/Unrevolved (D/U) group showed a lower mean duration of map E and a higher occurrence of map F than the organized individuals. Then, an effect of time also emerged for the microstates indices. Finally, a positive and significant correlation between mean duration of map E post-AAI and coherence of mind was found as well as a negative and significant correlation with segmentation density of map F post-AAI. Conclusion: our results showed significant differences in the EEG dynamic patterns of mean duration of map E and segmentation density of map F between groups, and a time effect reflecting disintegration mechanisms after retrieval of attachment memories.