Faculty Bibliography

INTRODUCTION/UNASSIGNED:Assessing sustained attention presents methodological challenges, particularly when spanning diverse populations whose baseline sensorimotor functioning may vary significantly. METHODS/UNASSIGNED:This study introduces the Continuous Performance Critical Stability Task (cpCST), a novel paradigm combining high-density sampling of behavior (30 Hz), individualized calibration, and fixed-difficulty assessment to measure attentional control. In a sample of 166 adults (ages 18-76), we evaluated the psychometric properties of the cpCST's instantaneous reaction time (iRT) metric derived through dynamic time warping. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:The cpCST demonstrated exceptional reliability (bootstrap split-half r = 0.999) and predictive validity for cognitive performance (flanker and Woodcock-Johnson) and cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2submax). The task achieved high temporal efficiency, with just 2 min of data correlating at r = 0.94 with full-task performance, outperforming a standard arrow-based flanker task. The cpCST's individualized calibration effectively isolated attentional control processes from baseline sensorimotor function, eliminating age-related slowing effects typically observed in reaction time tasks. DISCUSSION/UNASSIGNED:This approach offers methodological advantages for lifespan studies, clinical populations, integration with neurophysiological measures, and computational modeling approaches while addressing limitations of existing attention assessment paradigms.

BACKGROUND/UNASSIGNED:Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) are valuable tools for studying neuroanatomical and electrophysiological features of early brain development. Studies implementing neuroimaging tools in low- and middle-income countries are still rare, and there is limited data on the acceptability of such tools among rural communities. The present study explores the perceptions, feasibility, and acceptability of introducing MRI and EEG for child development research in the rural Amhara region of Ethiopia. METHODS/UNASSIGNED:= 16). A semi-structured interview included four themes: (1) Baseline imaging knowledge, (2) Perceptions of MRI and EEG, (3) Facilitators and barriers to acceptability of MRI and EEG, and (4) Recommendations to improve MRI and EEG uptake. Interviews were conducted in Amharic, the local language. All interviews were transcribed verbatim to Amharic, translated into English, and double-coded. We used thematic analysis to organize data according to predefined and emerging themes. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:Knowledge of MRI and EEG was limited, and none of the community members had previous experiences with either technology. Broadly, participants responded positively to our introductory videos showing MRI and EEG acquisition and expressed high levels of acceptability. However, participants reported concerns about possible harms related to radiation, electrical shock, and injury from MRI/EEG procedures. Those with lesser education were identified to be less accepting of MRI/EEG. In addition, several mothers expressed that consent from their husbands was necessary for their child's participation in neurodevelopmental research. Potential logistical barriers identified included transportation challenges to the neuroimaging study sites, especially for rural-dwelling families. Creating awareness, using explanatory videos, and engaging community members and clinicians were recommended to facilitate acceptance of EEG and MRI. CONCLUSION/UNASSIGNED:In this formative study, MRI and EEG were viewed as acceptable methods for assessing child neurodevelopment in rural areas of Ethiopia. Community members' and clinicians' views were impacted largely by social, religious, educational, and logistical aspects. Concerns related to MRI radiation, electrical shock, and injuries from EEG can be addressed through awareness creation and education. Engaging community leaders and healthcare providers is key to improving acceptability.

BACKGROUND/UNASSIGNED:Essential tremor (ET) is characterized by often disabling action tremors. No pharmacological agent has been developed specifically for symptomatic treatment. Anecdotal reports describe tremor improvement with cannabis, but no evidence exists to support these claims. We conducted a phase Ib/II double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover pilot trial in participants with ET to investigate tolerability, safety, and efficacy of Tilray TN-CT120 LM, an oral pharmaceutical-grade formulation containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) 5 mg and cannabidiol (CBD) 100 mg. Our objectives were to determine if short-term THC/CBD exposure improved tremor amplitude and was tolerated. METHODS/UNASSIGNED:Participants with ET were randomized (1:1) to receive either TN-CT120 LM or placebo. Dose titration, driven by tolerability, was attempted every 2-3 days to three capsules daily maximum. Participants remained on the highest tolerated dose for two weeks before returning to complete assessments. After completing the first arm, participants titrated off the agent, underwent a three-week washout, and then returned for the same procedures with the alternate compound. The primary endpoint was tremor amplitude change from baseline using digital spiral assessment. Secondary endpoints explored safety and tolerability. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:Among thirteen participants screened, seven were eligible and enrolled. Five completed all visits; one withdrew following a serious adverse event, and another did not tolerate the lowest dose. Intent-to-treat analyses performed for six participants did not reveal significant effects on primary or secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS/UNASSIGNED:This pilot trial did not detect any signals of efficacy of THC/CBD in ET. Although preliminary due to the small sample size, our data do not support anecdotal reports of cannabinoid effectiveness for ET. HIGHLIGHTS/UNASSIGNED:This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled efficacy and tolerability pilot trial did not detect any signals of efficacy of oral cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol in reducing essential tremor amplitude using either digital outcome measures or clinical rating scales. The oral cannabinoids were well-tolerated by most (five out of seven) participants.

Firesetting behaviors are extremely dangerous not only to the individual but to society as one fire has the potential to destroy property and lead to serious injury or death. Youth firesetting behaviors are often under-assessed in psychiatric care settings intakes due to their relatively low base-rate and only are a part of a practitioner’s conceptualization when these behaviors are part of their presentation to an emergency room. Acute psychiatric care settings are well-equipped to assess and treat many highly dangerous behaviors such as active suicidal and homicidal ideation, as well as non-suicidal self-injury. However, youth firesetting is without a formal and directed plan on how to assess the risk of these behaviors, conceptualize, and intervene effectively. A case study of a 16-year-old multiracial male named “Luis”, who was psychiatrically hospitalized on an adolescent inpatient unit following multiple firesetting behaviors in the community, is used is to show the importance of multiinterdisciplinary collaboration between mental health providers and local fire safety programs. In addition, we will offer several recommendations to providers in the assessment and treatment related to juvenile who fireset

Toddler visual attention development correlates with subsequent language, cognitive, and social developmental outcomes. This study investigates the association of maternal trauma on toddler looking behaviors in 39 mother-child dyads from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. At 15 months postpartum, maternal trauma was assessed using the Life Events Checklist and toddler multisensory attention skills were measured using the Multisensory Attention Assessment Protocol (MAAP) during eye-tracking. We used two-way mixed ANOVA to analyze the association of maternal trauma and MAAP condition with attention maintenance, intersensory matching, and attention shifting. This study provides support for the MAAP's reliability with a sample of 15-month-old toddlers from a low-income setting. We observed a significant interaction between MAAP condition and maternal trauma group on attention maintenance, but pairwise comparisons did not meet the threshold for statistical significance. In a stratified analysis, toddlers of mothers in the low trauma exposure group demonstrated significant differences in attention maintenance, intersensory matching, and attention shifting by condition. Unexpectedly, toddlers of mothers in the high trauma exposure group did not exhibit significant differences in these attentional skills, potentially indicating attentional adaptations. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between the intergenerational transmission of trauma on infant and toddler multisensory attention skills in low-income settings.

INTRODUCTION/UNASSIGNED:By 2050, the U.S. population is projected to become increasingly heterogeneous, requiring a culturally competent neuropsychology workforce equipped to serve this evolving demographic. International graduate trainees bring valuable cultural and linguistic assets to the field of clinical neuropsychology but face significant structural barriers involving restrictive immigration policies. METHODS/UNASSIGNED: = 28) levels, alongside personal narratives from four international trainees. RESULTS/UNASSIGNED:Results reveal low international trainee enrollment - particularly at the postdoctoral level - and widespread immigration-related challenges, such as limited visa sponsorship and duration, unawareness of visa-related training restrictions, and discomfort among directors in supporting visa issues. Despite the potential benefits of STEM designation for clinical and counseling psychology programs to ease visa barriers, few programs have attempted and succeeded in this process. Personal narratives also highlighted the burdensome STEM conversion process, and the role of trainee-led efforts in overcoming bureaucratic hurdles. CONCLUSIONS/UNASSIGNED:To urgently address these issues, we advocate for systemic reforms including national-level STEM reclassification of psychology programs, extended visa durations, enhanced national pipelines and institutional support for visa sponsorship, and improved education on immigration policies. These efforts align with the Multicultural Orientation (MCO) model and AACN's Relevance 2050 goals by fostering a culturally and linguistically responsive workforce equipped to meet evolving mental health needs and to ensure the continued relevance of clinical neuropsychology.

INTRODUCTION/BACKGROUND:During the COVID-19 pandemic, birthing parents were identified as a high-risk group with greater vulnerability to the harms associated with SARS-CoV-2. This led to necessary changes in perinatal health policies but also to experiences of maternal isolation and loneliness, both in hospital settings, due to infection mitigation procedures, and once home, due to social distancing. METHODS:In this study, we qualitatively explored birthing and postpartum experiences in New York City during the early days of the pandemic when lockdowns were in effect and policies and practices were rapidly changing. Using thematic analysis, our focus was on experiences of isolation, navigating these experiences, and the potential impacts of isolation and loneliness on maternal health for 55 birthing people. RESULTS:Participants described numerous stressors related to isolation during the birthing process, including reconciling their hopes for their birth with the realities of the unknown and separation from partners, family, and friends in the hospital. During the postpartum period, loneliness manifested as having limited or no contact with family and friends, which led to feelings of a need for strengthened social support systems. The impact of these negative experiences shaped mental health. Overall, we found that solitary experiences during birthing and postpartum isolation were major sources of stress for participants in this study. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS:To support impacted families and prepare for future crisis events, clinicians and researchers must prioritize the development of strong clinical and social support structures for perinatal people to ensure both maternal and child health.

The perinatal period represents a time of profound neurobiological, cognitive, and emotional change. While evidence points to the neuroplasticity of matrescence as adaptive in supporting the transition to motherhood, the perinatal period also entails subjective reports of cognitive difficulty known as "mommy brain" as well as a heightened vulnerability to mental health challenges. The role of cognition in the etiology of postpartum depression is a promising area of investigation into targets for maternal mental health intervention, considering evidence that important cognitive changes occur during the perinatal period, and given that cognitive alterations are key features of mood disorders. Here we review evidence for cognitive plasticity in matrescence, with a particular focus on executive function (EF) given its overlapping significance for adaptation to parenthood, central role in managing the mental load of motherhood, and implications in mood regulation and mood disorders. We also review evidence for EF changes in perinatal depression and major depressive disorder more broadly. Despite the strong association between EF impairments and major depressive disorder, research on EF changes in perinatal depression remains limited. Understanding normative EF changes during this period is essential for better understanding the relationship between EF, perinatal depression, and the mental load of motherhood. Consideration for these cognitive, neurobiological, and psychosocial factors of matrescence is critical for addressing maternal mental health and developing interventions that support parental well-being.