This book describes genetic studies of normal EEG findings, mainly twin studies and family studies. Among the family studies, EEG variants having a single mendelian mode of inheritance are emphasized, the available data are described critically and in detail. Morevover, psychological studies on carriers of these EEG variants are described and discussed critically. The significance of an EEG for psychological anomalies such as psychoses, psycho- and sociopathies, and alcohol addiction is considered. Features of a "normal" EEG that point to a higher susceptibility for epilepsy are mentioned. Genetic aspects of event-related (evoked) potentials are also described. There are many EEG curves as well as other graphics. This is the first monograph on this topic, and combines two fields of expertise - human genetics and clinical neurophysiology - that are normally strictly separated.

Preface This book describes problems and results of research in the gap between two fields: Human genetics, and clinical neurophysiology. Whenever I talked about my research on the genetics of the EEG, the answer of human geneticists was: "Very interesting, but I do not understand anything about the EEG. " On the other hand, EEG specialists usually remark: "Very interesting, but I do not understand anything about human genetics. " This is why I wrote this book. It tries to summarize results my own and from some others - and to point to problems. In the from researc- light of the recent progress especially in human molecular genetics, this field of research promises deep insights into biological mechanisms of brain function, as well as genetic variation involved in mental performance, and personality of humans. However, the logistic problems of such studies are not easy to overcome: It is necessary to study carefully ascertained population samples either of "normal" persons, or of persons selected for phenotypic characteristics that are not easy to diagnose. Moreover, EEG diagnosis and classification must be very specific, and is not trivial at all. All these problems require careful preparations at various levels, long-lasting efforts, and patience. Of this I am sure, however: The results would justify the efforts. I am too old to plan such a program myself; moreover, as an emeritus professor, I do not have the means for such studies.

The problem.-The human EEG: General aspects.-Genetic studies: Twin studies.-Family studies on the normal EEG.-Event-related (evoked) EEG potentials.-The normal human EEG as a research tool in human behaviour.-EEG variation in psychologicalls borderline conditions such as alcoholism, anxiety disorders, and certain neurotic states, psychiatry disorders.-The EEG in hereditary anomalies and diseases.-