Electroencephalography has been used as a medical investigation since 1926 and is still commonly used in neurology and other medical specialities. The electroencephalogram (EEG) can be a valuable investigation in psychiatry, especially when used to differentiate certain unexplained behaviours from seizure disorders and acute confused states. The EEG is used for monitoring seizures during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and is also an important investigation in sleep studies.
Psychiatrists and psychiatric trainees should have a reasonable understanding of electroencephalography as an investigation, including its limitations and clinical implications.
This module will provide trainees with a clear idea of the use of the EEG as an investigation in psychiatry. We do not aim to train psychiatric trainees up to the level of neurophysiologists, but we hope that trainees will become more confident with the use of the EEG in psychiatric practice.
