SummaryComputer based quantitative evolution of the electroencephalogram (QEEG) holds promise as an adjunct in the evaluation of psychiatric patients. One such method is neurometrics (N-QEEG) in which quantitative electrophysiological features are evaluated by statistical comparison with age appropriate normative data and compared with the profile of dysfunction seen in different psychiatric populations. This paper is based upon the experiences of the senior author in using this method in a series of 88 patients seen in a clinical setting. Neurometric testing provided a unique and significant contribution to the clinical diagnosis or management of 12% of these cases and gave some clinically useful information in another 44% of this population. In the remaining 44%, the method did not provide any additional contribution to the clinical diagnosis and/or to the management of the patient. Six case histories are provided to illustrate these 3 categories. It must be emphasized that N-QEEG is not a technique that can be substituted for any part of a systematic clinical evaluation, least of all for the process itself, which remains crucial. Once embedded in a solid clinical framework, N-QEEG has the capacity to enhance one’s diagnostic efforts and therapeutic strategies by providing objective quantitative data reflecting brain dysfunction. In such a context, the nominative and cost-effective nature of this technique can further adds to its practicality.
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