Sex differences in event-related potential (ERP) waveforms of primary psychotic disorders: A systematic review

Abstract

Research aimed at understanding primary psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, and schizoaffective disorder, with electrophysiological methods has flourished over recent years. However, a significant component that is often overlooked or underreported in electrophysiological research of psychosis is the factor of biological sex. Thus, the goal of this systematic review was to summarize the current understanding of EEG sex differences in primary psychotic disorders. Our study found a consistent sex difference relating to the P300 component (male amplitude < females), and that research examining sex differences of ERP waveforms, other than the P300, is very limited with ambiguous findings. This review also addressed the lack of consideration of sex as an influencing factor in electrophysiological research.

Keywords: Electroencephalogram; Event-related potentials; Psychotic disorders; Schizophrenia; Sex.