Resting-State Theta/Beta Ratio Reveals Distinct Neural Signatures in High Sign-Tracking Individuals

IF 4.9 2区医学 Q1 NEUROSCIENCES

Biological Psychiatry-Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Pub Date : 2026-10-01 Epub Date: 2025-12-13 DOI:10.1016/j.bpsc.2025.12.001

Lorenzo Mattioni, Francesco di Gregorio, Marco Badioli, Claudio Danti, Luigi A.E. Degni, Gianluca Finotti, Francesca Starita, Giuseppe di Pellegrino, Sara Garofalo

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Abstract

Background

Individual differences in reward learning and motivational processes are reflected in sign-tracking behavior. This phenotype, characterized by heightened attraction to reward-associated cues, is linked to increased impulsivity, addiction vulnerability, and externalizing psychiatric disorders.

Methods

To identify underlying neural differences, we tested whether high sign-tracking individuals exhibited an elevated mid-frontal theta/beta ratio, a resting electroencephalography (EEG) biomarker indicating reduced cortical control over subcortical motivational circuits. Sixty volunteers completed a 5-minute resting-state EEG session followed by a Pavlovian learning task. Participants were classified into high or low sign-tracking groups based on objective eye-gaze metrics.

Results

High sign-tracking participants demonstrated a significantly higher mid-frontal theta/beta ratio compared with the low sign-tracking group.

Conclusions

These findings identify the mid-frontal theta/beta ratio as a neural marker capable of distinguishing individual differences in reward cue reactivity. This suggests a pathway for targeted interventions aimed at the underlying cortical-subcortical dysregulation associated with sign-tracking and related vulnerabilities.

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静息状态θ / β比值揭示了高信号跟踪个体明显的神经特征。

背景：个体在奖励学习和动机过程中的差异反映在符号跟踪行为中。这种表现型的特点是对奖励相关线索的吸引力增强，与冲动增加、成瘾脆弱性和外化精神障碍有关。方法：为了识别潜在的神经差异，我们测试了高信号跟踪个体是否表现出较高的额叶中θ / β比值，这是一种静息脑电图生物标志物，表明皮层对皮层下动机回路的控制减少。60名志愿者完成了5分钟的静息状态脑电图，随后进行了巴甫洛夫学习任务。根据客观的眼球注视指标，参与者被分为高或低手势跟踪组。结果：与低信号跟踪组相比，高信号跟踪组的参与者表现出显著更高的中额叶θ / β比值。结论：这些发现确定了中额叶θ / β比值是一个神经标记，能够区分奖励线索反应的个体差异。这提示了针对潜在的与信号跟踪和相关脆弱性相关的皮层-皮层下失调进行有针对性干预的途径。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Biological Psychiatry-Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging Neuroscience-Biological Psychiatry

CiteScore

10.40

自引率

1.70%

发文量

247

审稿时长

30 days

期刊介绍： Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging is an official journal of the Society for Biological Psychiatry, whose purpose is to promote excellence in scientific research and education in fields that investigate the nature, causes, mechanisms, and treatments of disorders of thought, emotion, or behavior. In accord with this mission, this peer-reviewed, rapid-publication, international journal focuses on studies using the tools and constructs of cognitive neuroscience, including the full range of non-invasive neuroimaging and human extra- and intracranial physiological recording methodologies. It publishes both basic and clinical studies, including those that incorporate genetic data, pharmacological challenges, and computational modeling approaches. The journal publishes novel results of original research which represent an important new lead or significant impact on the field. Reviews and commentaries that focus on topics of current research and interest are also encouraged.