EEG biomarkers in depression

paving the way for stratified psychiatry

by Nikita van der Vinne

About this book

With the aim to improve treatment outcome in depressed patients, this book describes the first steps towards the implementation of an EEG biomarker informed protocol. We zoom in on detailed characteristics of biomarkers that proved to be promising. We attempt to utilize automated processes for fast, professionalized EEG assessments. We developed a protocol in which all knowledge on biomarker informed AD prescription was implemented, and performed a feasibility trial. We also compare protocol outcomes with the results of a control group.

About the author

Nikita van der Vinne

Nikita van der Vinne graduated as a clinical neuropsychologist from the University of Groningen in 2013.
During her bachelor and master studies she mainly focused on practicing neuropsychological knowledge in clinical practice, but she always enjoyed carrying out research as well. Her first extended research experience came from working as a research assistant in a social psychological study in Ethiopia, after that she got acquainted with the EEG as a research method on which she wrote her master thesis.
This knowledge came in handy during her work as a neuropsychologist at Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland in Zwolle (an epilepsy institute). There, her already strong interest in neurosciences grew even more, and after that she started working as junior researcher and PhD candidate at Synaeda Psycho Medisch Centrum in Leeuwarden.

Nikita carried out EEG research with a focus on personalized medicine under the guidance of Martijn Arns. The iSPOT-D study showed the possible value of certain QEEG biomarkers, which seem to predict treatment success with antidepressants. We hope to find these results again through a replication study and we will apply this in the treatment of depression.
Nikita obtained her PhD at Twente University in July 2020