The contingent negative variation (CNV) slow waves were elicited using a modified version of the standard paradigm matching the earlier work of Timsit-Berthier. Three parameters, the A3, A5 and post-imperative negative variation (PINV), are measured on four blocks of three to five trials and plotted into a cumulative curve. Five different types of cumulative curves are identified and used for further analysis of a clinical population. A literature review, applying the four-step approach for developing diagnostic tests in psychiatry by Boutros and colleagues is used to assess the current state of CNV as a clinical tool. Two clinical examples are used to illustrate that the cumulative curve reflects the current state of a mental disorder and that follow-up reflects the (un)favorable evolution. Clinical observations indicate that when taking into account the state of a mental disorder, the CNV has potential as a diagnostic aid and can play an active role in the therapeutic decision process.
Part of the book: Event-Related Potentials and Evoked Potentials