Bilateral anterior beta activity is most likely to occur with which medication?

Bilateral anterior beta activity is notably associated with Diazepam, a benzodiazepine medication. Diazepam enhances the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA at the GABA-A receptor, which can lead to increased beta activity in the EEG. This kind of brain wave pattern is often seen in states of relaxation or sedation, which are common effects of benzodiazepines like Diazepam.

The presence of increased beta activity over the anterior regions of the scalp following administration of Diazepam can indicate its calming and muscle-relaxing properties. Beta activity is typically linked to alertness and active concentration, but in this context, the observation of bilateral anterior beta activity points to the specific influence of the drug on brain function, particularly relating to enhanced GABAergic activity.

In contrast, other medications listed have different effects on EEG patterns. For example, lithium is primarily associated with stabilizing mood and does not have as direct an impact on beta activity. Carbamazepine and topiramate, while also anticonvulsants, are more associated with promoting slowing of the background rhythms on an EEG rather than enhancing beta activity. Thus, Diazepam stands out as the medication most likely to induce the specific pattern of bilateral anterior beta activity.