Bipolar Disorder and Beta Frequency Band: Neurophysiological Impacts During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Batista Washington Adolfo, Cardoso Fabrício Bruno, Marques Juliana Bittencourt, Velasques Bruna Brandão
The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges to mental health, particularly for individuals with
bipolar disorder. This review study aimed to investigate the relationship between bipolar disorder and
electroencephalographic activity in the beta frequency band (13–30 Hz), analyzing its role in attentional
and sensorimotor integration processes. The literature indicates that beta activity is associated with
alertness and cognitive functions, serving as a potential biomarker for diagnosis and clinical monitoring.
During the pandemic, factors such as stress, social isolation, and circadian rhythm disruption intensified
the symptoms of the disorder, which were reflected in beta band activity alterations. Furthermore,
the methodological variability of the reviewed studies highlights the need for improved experimental
paradigms and analytical techniques. These findings emphasize the importance of future research
on neurophysiological activity in bipolar patients and therapeutic interventions targeting beta band
modulation.
