Automatic sensory change processing in adults with attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder: a visual mismatch negativity study.

In addition to higher-order executive functions, underlying sensory processing ability is also thought to play an important role in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD). An event-related potential feature, the mismatch negativity, reflects the ability of automatic sensory change processing and may be correlated with AD/HD symptoms and executive functions. This study aims to investigate the characteristics of visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) in adults with AD/HD. Twenty eight adults with AD/HD and 31 healthy controls were included in this study. These two groups were matched in age, IQ and sex. In addition, both groups completed psychiatric evaluations, a visual ERP task used to elicit vMMN, and psychological measures about AD/HD symptoms and day-to-day executive functions. Compared to trols, the late vMMN (230-330 ms) was significantly reduced in the AD/HD group. Correlation analyses showed that late vMMN was correlated with executive functions but not AD/HD symptoms. However, further mediation analyses showed that different executive functions had mediated the relationships between late vMMN and AD/HD symptoms. Our findings indicate that the late vMMN, reflecting automatic sensory change processing ability, was impaired in adults with AD/HD. This impairment could have negative impact on AD/HD symptoms via affecting day-to-day executive functions.

Atypical Developmental Trajectories of Early Perception Among School-Age Children With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder During a Visual Search Task.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by cognitive deficits associated with attention. Prior studies have revealed the potential impact of ADHD on basic perception and cognitive ability in patients with ADHD. In this study, bilateral posterior P1 and N1 were measured in 122 Chinese children aged 7-12 years (64 with ADHD) to investigate the developmental characteristics of early perception during visual processing in school-age children with ADHD. For children with ADHD, a larger P1 activity with an atypical developmental pattern was evoked and observed for the visual search performance. These findings offer new insights into the mechanisms of cognitive developmental deficits and intervention techniques in children with ADHD.

Time Effects on Resting EEG in Children With/Without AD/HD.

In this study we extend on behavioural evidence to examine the effect of time on EEG measures related to arousal and emotion/motivation in children with/without AD/HD. Thirty children with AD/HD and 30 age- and sex-matched controls participated. EEG was recorded during an eyes-closed resting condition and divided into three 2.5 min blocks after pre-processing. Time effects for absolute and relative alpha activity were found in healthy controls; these effects did not interact with AD/HD status. Interactions between time and AD/HD status were found for absolute theta, relative theta, and theta/beta ratio (TBR), with these EEG indices increasing over time in children with AD/HD. Moreover, IQ played a role in the interaction between time and AD/HD status. These results are consistent with predictions from both the optimal stimulation model and the delay aversion model, and suggest important methodological considerations for future EEG research in children with/without AD/HD.

The EEG Theta/Beta Ratio: A marker of Arousal or Cognitive Processing Capacity?

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD) is the most common psychiatric disorder of childhood and has been extensively researched using EEG technology. Within this literature, one of the most widely examined measures has been the theta/beta ratio. The theta/beta ratio was initially hypothesised to represent the arousal mechanism. However, subsequent research has shown this to be inaccurate and it was hypothesised that the ratio represents cognitive processing capacity. To examine that hypothesis, this study aimed to test the relationship between the P300 and the theta/beta ratio. The P300, absolute alpha and the theta/beta ratio were measured at Fz, Cz and Pz, and correlated in a group of 47 normal adults. A significant positive correlation was found between P300 latency and the theta/beta ratio. No relationship was found between P300 amplitude and the theta/beta ratio. P300 amplitude, but not latency, significantly correlated with alpha power. These results support the hypothesis that the theta/beta ratio is a marker of cognitive processing capacity.

Mismatch Negativity and P50 Sensory Gating in Abstinent Former Cannabis Users.

Prolonged heavy exposure to cannabis is associated with impaired cognition and brain functional and structural alterations. We recently reported attenuated mismatch negativity (MMN) and altered P50 sensory gating in chronic cannabis users. This study investigated the extent of brain functional recovery (indexed by MMN and P50) in chronic users after cessation of use. Eighteen ex-users (median 13.5 years prior regular use; median 3.5 years abstinence) and 18 nonusers completed (1) a multifeature oddball task with duration, frequency, and intensity deviants and (2) a P50 paired-click paradigm. Trend level smaller duration MMN amplitude and larger P50 ratios (indicative of poorer sensory gating) were observed in ex-users compared to controls. Poorer P50 gating correlated with prior duration of cannabis use. Duration of abstinence was positively correlated with duration MMN amplitude, even after controlling for age and duration of cannabis use. Impaired sensory gating and attenuated MMN amplitude tended to persist in ex-users after prolonged cessation of use, suggesting a lack of full recovery. An association with prolonged duration of prior cannabis use may indicate persistent cannabis-related alterations to P50 sensory gating. Greater reductions in MMN amplitude with increasing abstinence (positive correlation) may be related to either self-medication or an accelerated aging process.

Brain and heart activity during interactions with pet dogs: A portable electroencephalogram and heart rate variability study.

Dog ownership has been linked to numerous benefits to human health and wellbeing. However, due to the lack of previous research on changes to brain activity during interactions with pet dogs, the underlying psychophysiological mechanisms are still unclear. The aim of the present study was to examine changes in heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and electroencephalogram (EEG) power during interactions between dog owners and their pet dog. Fifty healthy adult dog owners completed baseline psychological measures and pet attachment scales. Subjective units of relaxation (SUR) as well as continuous EEG, HR, and HRV via portable devices were measured during five experimental conditions (baseline resting, relaxation-induction exercise, patting a toy dog, real dog present, and patting a real dog) in participants' homes. SUR was higher in all experimental conditions than at baseline. SUR was also higher during dog interaction than when the dog was present with no interaction. However, SUR during dog interaction was not significantly different from the toy dog and relaxation induction condition. Higher delta, theta, alpha, beta power and HR were found during dog interaction than all other conditions. Higher HRV was found during dog interaction compared to baseline, patting a toy dog, and relaxation-induction exercise, but not significantly different from the real dog present only condition. Lastly, overall HR correlated with psychological measures. Overall, the results show that there are significant changes in brain and heart activity when humans interact with pet dogs, consistent with increases in relaxation and focussed attention. These findings are relevant to understanding the potential mechanisms for health benefits associated with pets.

EEG activation in preschool children: Characteristics and predictive value for current and future mental health status.

BACKGROUND: Previous research has characterised EEG changes associated with resting activation in primary school children and adults, while task-related activation has only been considered in adults. The current study characterises physiological activation in preschool children and examines the potential value of activation indices for predicting mental health status at two time points. AIMS: To investigate how resting activation and task-related activation are represented in 4- to 5-year-old preschool children and examine if these activation indices can predict current and future mental health status. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: Frontal EEG was recorded from 81 preschool children during eyes-closed resting, eyes-open resting, and an inhibitory control task to allow calculation of activation indices. The Child Behaviour Checklist was completed by the child's parent at this time, and again 6-8 months later after the child's transition to kindergarten. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Resting activation was represented by reductions in frontal delta, theta, and alpha power in the eyes-open compared to eyes-closed condition, and an increase in frontal beta power. Task-related activation was represented by increases in frontal delta, theta, and alpha power and a decrease in beta power. Frontal delta and theta task-related activation significantly predicted externalising behaviours in both preschool and kindergarten, with stronger prediction in kindergarten. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: This study characterised resting and task-related activation in preschool children, and reported similar effects to those found in older children and adults for resting activation, with novel effects for task-related activation. As task-related activation indices were predictive of externalising behaviours in both preschool and kindergarten, these results have implications for early identification of children who experience externalising behavioural problems across the transition to school period. WHAT DOES THIS STUDY ADD?: This study provides new data on how the fundamental physiological processes of resting and task-related activation, both of which are theorised to contribute to "upstream" processes such as executive functions and broader behaviour, are represented in the frontal EEG of preschool aged children. We also learn that the top-down task-related activation indices for delta and theta activity were predictive of current mental health status and future status after the transition to kindergarten, while the bottom-up resting activation indices were not.

Use of portable devices to measure brain and heart activity during relaxation and comparative conditions: Electroencephalogram, heart rate variability, and correlations with self-report psychological measures.

Recent technological advancements have enabled the development of portable devices that facilitate psychophysiological measurement in ecologically valid settings. The aim of the present study was to establish normative heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), and electroencephalogram (EEG) power during relaxation and comparative conditions. Fifty healthy adult participants completed baseline psychological questionnaires and subjective ratings of relaxation while portable devices measured continuous EEG, HR, and HRV data during eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) resting, relaxation induction, and patting a toy dog (TD). Subjective relaxation levels were higher after the relaxation and TD compared to EO and EC resting conditions. Psychophysiological indications of relaxation included higher HRV during relaxation, and higher delta, theta, and alpha power during the TD condition. EEG recorded using a portable wireless single-channel device showed frontal EC versus EO differences comparable with those reported using traditional laboratory-based EEG equipment. Additionally, alpha power was positively correlated with resilience and negatively correlated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Delta power correlated positively with subjective relaxation levels during relaxation. Overall, the results suggest that portable devices can provide valid measurements of psychophysiological activity during relaxation outside of laboratory settings. Changes in HRV and EEG waveforms reveal more information about physiological relaxation and show promise for real-world monitoring in fields of study that investigate human arousal, stress, and health.

Test anxiety in primary school children: A 20-year systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study sought to systematically review the full body of research on test anxiety in primary (elementary) school children aged 5-12 years. A comprehensive electronic and manual literature search identified 76 studies (85 independent samples; N = 53,617 children) that satisfied inclusion criteria. Inverse-variance weighted random effects meta-analysis showed that test anxiety related negatively to academic achievement in Mathematics (r = 0.21) and Literacy (r = -0.20), academic self-concept (r = -0.41), and self-efficacy (r = -0.39), and related positively to general anxiety (r = 0.62), social anxiety (r = 0.57), and depression (r = 0.45). Test anxiety was higher among girls than boys (d = 0.21) and in Asian samples compared to European and North American samples. There was some evidence of publication bias and heterogeneity across meta-analyses. Random effects meta-regression models further showed that the association between test anxiety and mathematics achievement was stronger among older children compared to younger children, and that gender differences in test anxiety scores were more prevalent in North American samples compared to Asian samples. Intervention studies targeting anxiety reduction have been successful in reducing test anxiety and improving test anxiety-related outcomes. Overall, findings from this systematic review and meta-analysis provide evidence that test anxiety varies in magnitude across populations and relates to multiple educational and psychosocial outcomes. We recommend further experimental studies that target the reduction of test anxiety among primary school children.

Links between excessive daytime sleepiness and EEG power and activation in two subtypes of ADHD.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to replicate previously reported EEG characteristics between typically developing (TD) children and two subtypes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using a frontal, single-channel, dry-sensor portable EEG device, and explore whether differences are moderated by excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). METHODS: Children with ADHD Inattentive (ADHD-I) and ADHD Combined presentation (ADHD-C) and typically-developing (TD) children (N = 34 in each group) had frontal EEG recorded during eyes-closed resting, eyes-open resting, and focus tasks. Participants also completed the Children's Self-Report Sleep Patterns - Sleepiness Scale as a measure of EDS. RESULTS: Consistent with previous literature, there were increases in frontal delta and theta power in the ADHD-C compared to ADHD-I and TD groups, in all conditions. Novel power and activation effects in ADHD subtypes, as well as significant group and EDS interactions for alpha and beta power were also found. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight the importance of considering ADHD subtypes and EDS when exploring EEG characteristics, and have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of children with ADHD.

Remote neurocognitive interventions for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder - Opportunities and challenges.

Improving neurocognitive functions through remote interventions has been a promising approach to developing new treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). Remote neurocognitive interventions may address the shortcomings of the current prevailing pharmacological therapies for AD/HD, e.g., side effects and access barriers. Here we review the current options for remote neurocognitive interventions to reduce AD/HD symptoms, including cognitive training, EEG neurofeedback training, transcranial electrical stimulation, and external cranial nerve stimulation. We begin with an overview of the neurocognitive deficits in AD/HD to identify the targets for developing interventions. The role of neuroplasticity in each intervention is then highlighted due to its essential role in facilitating neuropsychological adaptations. Following this, each intervention type is discussed in terms of the critical details of the intervention protocols, the role of neuroplasticity, and the available evidence. Finally, we offer suggestions for future directions in terms of optimizing the existing intervention protocols and developing novel protocols.

Comparing the Efficacy of Two School-Based Approaches of Neurocognitive Training for Enhancing Executive Functions.

Neurocognitive training has been shown to improve a range of cognitive/executive functions and behavior in children. Delivering this training in a school context may enhance its ecological validity and improve training outcomes. The current study examined the efficacy of two school-based neurocognitive training approaches for enhancing executive functions (EF) in typically developing children: neurocognitive training with no teacher positive feedback (NCT), and neurocognitive training with teacher positive feedback (NCT-TPF). Using a randomized control design, 45 children were randomly allocated to the no-training control, NCT, or NCT-TPF group and completed pre- and post-training assessments on the core executive function (EF) domains of inhibitory control, working memory, and task switching. Teachers' subjective acceptance of the two training protocols was investigated to explore potential ecological validity. The two training groups completed six sessions of training in a kindergarten over a 3-week period. The results showed significant post-training improvements in an untrained inhibitory control task for both training groups when compared with the control group. Different effects were found for each group for the untrained task switching task. While reduced reaction time (RT) in correct Color and Shape trials at Time 2 were reported for the NCT-TPF group, there was no difference compared to the control group for the NCT group. The NCT group showed increased RT in Switch trials but reduced Shape errors compared to controls at Time 2, while these effects were not significant for the NCT-TPF group. An unexpected outcome was that children in both training conditions did not show a significant improvement in an untrained working memory task. Teachers' subjective acceptance consistently supported including positive feedback as part of NCT. While further research is needed, these results support use of neurocognitive training and/or neurocognitive training with teacher positive feedback for typically developing children in a school context.

Psychophysiological mechanisms underlying the potential health benefits of human-dog interactions: A systematic literature review.

While the symbiotic nature of human-dog relationships and perceived benefits to human health have attracted much scientific interest, the mechanisms through which human-dog interactions may confer health benefits to humans are still poorly understood. The aim of this systematic literature review was to synthesize evidence of physiological changes associated with human-dog interactions with relevance to human health. Electronic databases were systematically searched (PubMed, MEDLINE with full text, Scopus, PsycINFO, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Web of Science Core Collection) for relevant studies. Of the 13,072 studies identified, 129 met the inclusion criteria, with approximately half being randomized trials (Level 2) based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence Based Medicine level system. Measures employed to study human physiological changes associated with human-dog interactions most commonly involved cardiac parameters and hormones, with negligible research of brain activity. The main positive findings were increases in heart rate variability and oxytocin, and decreases in cortisol with human-dog interactions. These physiological indicators are consistent with activation of the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and oxytocinergic system (OTS), and down-regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity. These results provide evidence of specific pathways through which human-dog contact may confer health benefits, likely through relaxation, bonding, and stress reduction. However, these findings should be interpreted contextually due to limitations and methodological differences. Previous research using other biological variables was limited in quantity and quality, thus impeding firm conclusions on other possible mechanisms. Further research is needed in some psychophysiological domains, particularly electroencephalography, to better understand central nervous system (CNS) effects. The findings of this review have implications for human-dog interactions to positively affect several stress-sensitive physiological pathways and thus confer health benefits. This supports their incorporation in various clinical, non-clinical, and research settings to develop evidence-based interventions and practices for cost-effective and efficacious ways to improve human health.

Effect of Neurocognitive Training for Children With ADHD at Improving Academic Engagement in Two Learning Settings.

Objective: This preliminary study investigated effectiveness of neurocognitive training on academic engagement (AET) for children with ADHD. The training approach targeted working memory, inhibitory control, and attention/relaxation (via brain electrical activity). Method: A reversal design with a 2-week follow-up was used to assess the effectiveness of the treatment on two children with diagnosed ADHD in two learning settings. Direct observation was used to collect academic-related behavior. Results: Improvements in on-task expected behavior (ONT-EX) and general AET, as well as reductions in off-task motor activity (OFF-MA) and off-task passive behavior (OFF-PB) were observed for both students over baselines and across the settings. Moreover, differences in behavioral change were found between participants and settings. Conclusion: These findings support using the treatment for improving academic performance of children with ADHD. Future studies may investigate influences of contextual differences, nontreatment variables, or adult's feedback during the training session on treatment effectiveness.

Development of Frontal EEG Differences Between Eyes-Closed and Eyes-Open Resting Conditions in Children: Data From a Single-Channel Dry-Sensor Portable Device.

Changes in EEG when moving from an eyes-closed to an eyes-open resting condition result from bottom-up sensory processing and have been referred to as activation. In children, activation is characterized by a global reduction in alpha, frontally present reductions for delta and theta, and a frontal increase for beta. The present study aimed to replicate frontal EEG activation effects using single-channel, dry-sensor EEG, and to extend current understanding by examining developmental change in children. Frontal EEG was recorded using a single-channel, dry-sensor EEG device while 182 children aged 7 to 12 years completed eyes-closed resting (EC), eyes-open resting (EO), and focus (FO) tasks. Results indicated that frontal delta, theta, and alpha power were reduced, and frontal beta power was increased, in the EO compared with the EC condition. Exploratory analysis of a form of top-down activation showed that frontal beta power was increased in the FO compared with to the EO condition, with no differences for other bands. The activation effects were robust at the individual level. The bottom-up activation effects reduced with age for frontal delta and theta, increased for frontal alpha, with no developmental change for top-down or bottom-up frontal beta activation. These findings contribute further to validation of the single-channel, dry-sensor, frontal EEG and provide support for use in a range of medical, therapeutic, and clinical domains.

Aiding diagnosis of childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder of the inattentive presentation: Discriminant function analysis of multi-domain measures including EEG.

INTRODUCTION: We developed a neurocognitive assessment tool (NCAT) in consultation with mental health professionals working with children with AD/HD as a diagnostic aid and screening tool. This study examines the predictive utility of NCAT in the classification of children with AD/HD Inattentive presentation. METHOD: Fifty three children with AD/HD Inattentive presentation and 161 typically-developing children completed an NCAT assessment. Discriminant function analyses examined group membership prediction for separate components of NCAT and for the components combined. RESULTS: The combined model correctly classified 93.4 % of participants, with 91.4 % sensitivity and 93.9 % specificity. Contributions to classification were from SNAP-IV, psychological needs satisfaction, self-regulation, executive function performance, and EEG. The combined model resulted in a 9.3 % increase in specificity and 5.9 % increase in sensitivity compared to SNAP-IV alone. CONCLUSIONS: NCAT provides good discrimination between children with and without AD/HD of the Inattentive presentation, and further investigation including other subtypes and comorbidities is warranted.

Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Self-Regulation in Typically Developing Preschool-Aged Children: Results of the Omega Kid Pilot Study-A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Supplementation of omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFA) may enhance self-regulation (SR) and executive functioning (EF) in children of preschool age. The aim of the Omega Kid Study was to investigate the effect of n-3 LCPUFA supplementation on SR and EF in typically developing preschool-aged children. A double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial was undertaken, the intervention was 12 weeks and consisted of 1.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day compared to placebo. The HS-Omega-3 Index® was assessed by capillary blood samples at baseline and post-intervention. Seventy-eight children were enrolled and randomised to either the n-3 LCPUFA treatment (n = 39) or placebo (n = 39) group. Post intervention, there was a significant three-fold increase in the HS-Omega-3 Index® in the n-3 LCPUFA group (p < 0.001). There were no improvements in SR or EF outcome variables for the n-3 LCPUFA group post intervention compared to the placebo group determined by linear mixed models. At baseline, there were significant modest positive Spearman correlations found between the HS-Omega-3 index® and both behavioural self-regulation and cognitive self-regulation (r = 0.287, p = 0.015 and r = 0.242, p = 0.015 respectively). Although no treatment effects were found in typically developing children, further research is required to target children with sub-optimal self-regulation who may benefit most from n-3 LCPUFA supplementation.

The Feasibility of the "Omega Kid" Study Protocol: A Double-Blind, Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Trial Investigating the Effect of Omega-3 Supplementation on Self-Regulation in Preschool-Aged Children.

Self-regulation, the regulation of behaviour in early childhood, impacts children's success at school and is a predictor of health, wealth, and criminal outcomes in adulthood. Self-regulation may be optimised by dietary supplementation of omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LCPUFAs). The aim of the "Omega Kid" study is to investigate the feasibility of a protocol to investigate whether n-3 LCPUFA supplementation enhances self-regulation in preschool-aged children. The protocol assessed involved a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of 12 weeks duration, with an intervention of 1.6 g of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) per day (0.3 g EPA and 1.3 g DHA) in a microencapsulated powder compared to placebo. Children (n = 78; 40 boys and 38 girls) aged 3-5 years old were recruited and randomly allocated to the treatment (n = 39) or placebo group (n = 39). The HS-Omega-3 Index® served as a manipulation check on the delivery of either active (n-3 LCPUFAs) or placebo powders. Fifty-eight children (76%) completed the intervention (28-30 per group). Compliance to the study protocol was high, with 92% of children providing a finger-prick blood sample at baseline and high reported-adherence to the study intervention (88%). Results indicate that the protocol is feasible and may be employed in an adequately powered clinical trial to test the hypothesis that n-3 LCPUFA supplementation will improve the self-regulation of preschool-aged children.

Predicting functional outcomes after stroke: an observational study of acute single-channel EEG.

Background: Early and objective prediction of functional outcome after stroke is an important issue in rehabilitation. Electroencephalography (EEG) has long been utilized to describe and monitor brain function following neuro-trauma, and technological advances have improved usability in the acute setting. However, skepticism persists whether EEG can provide the same prognostic value as neurological examination.Objective: The current cohort study examined the relationship between acute single-channel EEG and functional outcomes after stroke.Methods: Resting-state EEG recorded at a single left pre-frontal EEG channel (FP1) was obtained from 16 adults within 72 h of first stroke. At 30 and 90 days, measures of disability (modified Rankin Scale; mRS) and involvement in daily activities (modified Barthel Index; mBI) were obtained. Acute EEG measures were correlated with functional outcomes and compared to an early neurological examination of stroke severity using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Classification of good outcomes (mRS ≤1 or mBI ≥95) was also examined using Receiver Operator Curve analyses.Results: One-third to one-half of participants experienced incomplete post-stroke recovery, depending on the time point and measure. Functional outcomes correlated with acute theta values (rs 0.45-0.60), with the strength of associations equivalent to previously reported values obtained from conventional multi-channel systems. Acute theta values ≥0.25 were associated with good outcomes, with positive (67-83%) and negative predictive values (70-90%) comparable to those obtained using the NIHSS.Conclusions: Acute, single-channel EEG can provide unique, non-overlapping clinical information, which may facilitate objective prediction of functional outcome after stroke.

EEG coherence during subjectively-rated psychological state variations.

BACKGROUND: Neurofeedback training aims to develop awareness and control of psychological states in order to self-regulate brain activity and while used widely therapeutically, important questions remain unanswered. Central to these aims is an assumed association between the live EEG-based feedback and the subjective experience of a psychological state. To date, there is little evidence to support this relationship. Previous studies examining the association between an EEG index and subjective experience have explored only the presence or absence of the state, or merely assumed state variations. The current study aims to examine this association by considering how different levels of a psychological state (i.e., attention) are reflected in EEG coherence. METHODS: Our approach aims to allow comparisons of EEG coherence between psychological states (attention vs. rest), and also within subjectively-rated levels of a psychological state (attention) through a purpose-designed questionnaire. Thirty healthy adult participants performed a resting eyes-open (REO) and attention modulation task, while 28 channels of EEG were recorded. Levels within the psychological state were subjectively-attested by participants on a trial-by-trial basis. RESULTS: The main analyses examined the effect of subjectively-rated attention levels (SRALs) on EEG coherence, with results suggesting that high and low SRALs may be represented by: 1) different levels of alpha and theta coherence at anterior and posterior electrodes of the frontal lobe bilaterally, and 2) different levels of alpha coherence between central and parietal lobes, also bilaterally. DISCUSSION: These findings provide partial, preliminary evidence for EEG correlates of SRALs. These findings may have implications for understanding underlying mechanisms of NFT, which is an underdeveloped area.