Current Studies of EEG Markers of Stress

The review aims to critically analyze the results of current studies on electroencephalographic (EEG) stress indicators in relation to psychological, hormonal, and autonomic parameters of stress response, depending on the valence and duration of stressor exposure and the initial neurophysiological profile. The relevance of studying individual EEG markers of stress is associated with the need for neuroimaging data with high temporal resolution for real-time brain-computer interface neurotechnology. The review demonstrates the results of recent controlled trials studying the influence of acute and chronic exposure to stressors on psychological, physiological, and EEG parameters of stress response. The literature analysis identifies the key factors affecting the quality of stress diagnostics using EEG. These include: the identification of individually defined EEG frequency bands; co-registration of EEG and psychological, hormonal, and physiological stress parameters; identification of relationship between the studied parameters and psychological, electrophysiological, and neurohormonal states of each subject; consideration of electromyographic signals contaminating EEG; consideration of stressor duration. Increasing the accuracy of defining the EEG markers of stress response will allow incorporating the personalized preventive measures and rehabilitation of stress-induced conditions.