Relating Traits to Electrophysiology using Factor Models

Abstract

Targeted stimulation of the brain has the potential to treat mental illnesses. The objective of this work is to develop methodology that enables scientists to design stimulation methods based on the electrophysiological dynamics. We first develop several factor models that characterize aspects of the dynamics relevant to these illnesses. Using a novel approach, we can then find a single predictive factor of the trait of interest. To improve the quality of the associated loadings, we develop a method for removing concomitant variables that can dominate the observed dynamics. We also develop a novel inference technique that increases the relevance of the predictive loadings. Finally, we demonstrate the efficacy of our methodology by finding a single factor responsible for social behavior. This factor is stimulated in new subjects and modifies behavior in the new individuals. These results indicate that our methodology has high potential in developing future cures of mental illness.