2024
Disentangling negative and positive symptoms in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
Corbera S, Wexler B, Bell M, Pittman B, Pelphrey K, Pearlson G, Assaf M. Disentangling negative and positive symptoms in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Schizophrenia Research 2024, 271: 1-8. PMID: 39002525, PMCID: PMC11384336, DOI: 10.1016/j.schres.2024.07.002.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAutism spectrum disorderPositive and Negative Syndrome ScaleAutism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-GenericExperiential negative symptomsPositive symptomsNegative symptomsExploratory factor analysisSpectrum disorderNegative Syndrome ScaleTarget negative symptomsSyndrome ScaleDiscriminant function analysisSZ relativesAssociated with quality of lifeSchizophreniaSocial skillsSocial functioningDiagnostic classificationAutismFactor analysisAssociated with qualityPredictor of diagnosisSymptomsDisordersQuality of life
2023
Cognitive training for children with ADHD: composite cognitive score outcome in a randomized controlled trial
Bikic A, Dalsgaard S, Pittman B, Leckman J, Wexler B. Cognitive training for children with ADHD: composite cognitive score outcome in a randomized controlled trial. Nordic Journal Of Psychiatry 2023, 78: 87-91. PMID: 37905332, DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2023.2270954.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderCognitive trainingDeficit/hyperactivity disorderComposite cognition scoreSessions of trainingCognitive functioningHyperactivity disorderCognitive improvementCognition scoresTraining sessionsMixed resultsFrequency of trainingTrainingChildrenSessionsIntervention groupCognitionInterventionFunctioningPost Hoc AnalysisScore outcomesControl groupPrevious studiesDisordersOutcomesUsing micro-cognition biomarkers of neurosystem dysfunction to redefine ADHD subtypes: A scalable digital path to diagnosis based on brain function
Wexler B, Kish R. Using micro-cognition biomarkers of neurosystem dysfunction to redefine ADHD subtypes: A scalable digital path to diagnosis based on brain function. Psychiatry Research 2023, 326: 115348. PMID: 37494880, PMCID: PMC10517859, DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2023.115348.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsPoor response inhibitionResponse inhibitionSymptom-based diagnosisGO/NOGO testMarked performance decrementsNew treatment developmentTD childrenADHD childrenADHD subtypesPerformance decrementsInconsistent attentionAbstract categoriesTreatment developmentNatural categoriesBrain functionADHDDifferent neuropathologiesChildren 6Individual patientsTreatment selectionAberrant hippocampus and amygdala morphology associated with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia
Peterson B, Kaur T, Sawardekar S, Colibazzi T, Hao X, Wexler B, Bansal R. Aberrant hippocampus and amygdala morphology associated with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia. Frontiers In Cellular Neuroscience 2023, 17: 1126577. PMID: 36909281, PMCID: PMC9996667, DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1126577.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchClinical symptomsHealthy controlsAnatomical abnormalitiesMemory deficitsPathogenesis of schizophreniaSeverity of symptomsEffects of schizophreniaHippocampal bodyAmygdala morphologyLimbic regionsPatientsHippocampusInward deformationCognitive deficitsBrain structuresHC participantsSchizophreniaAmygdalaSymptomsMemory performanceContinuum of severityAnatomical MRIPrimary disturbanceMemory scoresAbnormalities
2022
Returning to basic principles to develop more effective treatments for central nervous system disorders
Wexler BE. Returning to basic principles to develop more effective treatments for central nervous system disorders. Experimental Biology And Medicine 2022, 247: 856-867. PMID: 35172621, PMCID: PMC9158240, DOI: 10.1177/15353702221078291.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsCentral nervous systemPositron emission tomographyNeuroplastic processesMagnetic stimulationCentral nervous system disordersFunctional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) imagingNervous system disordersMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imagingSystem-based initiativesCNS diseasesClinical trialsEffective treatmentSystem disordersSide effectsNervous systemNew treatmentsClinical disordersCandidate drugsEmission tomographyBrain functionPreclinical research
2021
The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training on EEG spectral power in adolescent boys with ADHD: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial
Westwood SJ, Bozhilova N, Criaud M, Lam SL, Lukito S, Wallace-Hanlon S, Kowalczyk OS, Kostara A, Mathew J, Wexler BE, Kadosh RC, Asherson P, Rubia K. The effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training on EEG spectral power in adolescent boys with ADHD: A double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial. IBRO Neuroscience Reports 2021, 12: 55-64. PMID: 35746969, PMCID: PMC9210460, DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.12.005.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderTranscranial direct current stimulationRight inferior frontal cortexCognitive trainingDirect current stimulationChildren/adolescentsTask performanceCurrent stimulationAnodal transcranial direct current stimulationInferior frontal cortexCognitive measuresCognitive effectsHyperactivity disorderEEG spectral powerNeural effectsSham-controlled studyAdolescent boysGroup differencesSpectral powerQEEG measuresFrontal cortexAdolescentsComprehensive measureParticipantsTrainingAtypical Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity State Engagement during Social–Emotional Processing in Schizophrenia and Autism
Hyatt CJ, Wexler BE, Pittman B, Nicholson A, Pearlson GD, Corbera S, Bell MD, Pelphrey K, Calhoun VD, Assaf M. Atypical Dynamic Functional Network Connectivity State Engagement during Social–Emotional Processing in Schizophrenia and Autism. Cerebral Cortex 2021, 32: 3406-3422. PMID: 34875687, PMCID: PMC9376868, DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab423.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAutism spectrum disorderSocial-emotional processingDFNC statesDifferent neural processingFunction of emotionFunctional connectivity patternsHappy videosSad videosNeutral contentNeural processingTask scoresSpectrum disorderDifferential engagementDFNC measuresMore timeYoung adultsConnectivity patternsState engagementEmotionsSchizophreniaIndependent component analysisEngagementProcessingSignificant relationshipAlexithymiaPredictors of social functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder
Corbera S, Wexler BE, Bell MD, Pearlson G, Mayer S, Pittman B, Belamkar V, Assaf M. Predictors of social functioning and quality of life in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatry Research 2021, 303: 114087. PMID: 34246005, PMCID: PMC8373814, DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2021.114087.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsSocial functioningCognitive empathyNegative symptomsAutism spectrum disorderWorse social functioningGreater negative symptomsHigher social functioningAffective empathySocial cognitionPersonal distressCommunication deficitsSpectrum disorderFunctioning impairmentQuality of lifeEmpathy scoresASDHigher QOLIQHealthy controlsEmpathySymptom severityDeficitsSchizophreniaWorse QOLFunctioningOpinion Mental Health: Digital Neuroscience can help alleviate the mental health crisis.
Wexler B. Opinion Mental Health: Digital Neuroscience can help alleviate the mental health crisis. Financial Times April 23, 2021.Commentaries, Editorials and Letters
2020
Risk‐Taking Patterns of Children, Associated Cognitive Weaknesses, and Prevention of Negative Outcomes
Imal AE, O’Leary S, Wexler BE. Risk‐Taking Patterns of Children, Associated Cognitive Weaknesses, and Prevention of Negative Outcomes. Psychiatric Research And Clinical Practice 2020, 2: 34-40. PMID: 36101890, PMCID: PMC9175884, DOI: 10.1176/appi.prcp.2020.20190020.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchRisk-taking groupFlanker testWorking Memory TestMemory test scoresEighth-grade childrenTests of inhibitionHealth-compromising behaviorsClusters of childrenCognitive weaknessesMemory testMemory scoresGo/Focused attentionRisk-taking patternsCognitive functionTest measuresNegative outcomesPrimary prevention interventionsTest scoresFull learningReaction timeEarly interventionAvoidantChildrenPrevention interventionsAn integrated program of computer-presented and physical cognitive training exercises for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Wexler BE, Vitulano LA, Moore C, Katsovich L, Smith SD, Rush C, Grantz H, Dong J, Leckman JF. An integrated program of computer-presented and physical cognitive training exercises for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychological Medicine 2020, 51: 1524-1535. PMID: 32090720, DOI: 10.1017/s0033291720000288.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAttention deficit hyperactivity disorderExperimental medicine approachTAU groupMedicine approachHyperactivity disorderWeeks of treatmentCombined subtypeDiagnosis of ADHDClinical trial designHyperactive-impulsive subtypeAttention-deficit/hyperactivity disorderCross-over designDeficit hyperactivity disorderClinical improvementClinical symptomsRandomized crossCognitive dysfunctionCT groupPathophysiological heterogeneityCONSORT recommendationsTrial designResponse rateChange scoresSubtypesTargeted pathologyExecutive function deficits mediate poverty’s effects on academic achievement: Target for intervention in at-risk children
Wexler BE, Imal AE, Pittman B, Bell MB. Executive function deficits mediate poverty’s effects on academic achievement: Target for intervention in at-risk children. Creative Education 2020 11: 1-14.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchIdentification of maladaptive risk-taking patterns and associated cognitive weaknesses in children: An opportunity for primary-prevention of negative health outcomes from high-risk behaviors in adolescence?
Imal AE, O’Leary S, Wexler BE. Identification of maladaptive risk-taking patterns and associated cognitive weaknesses in children: An opportunity for primary-prevention of negative health outcomes from high-risk behaviors in adolescence? Psychiatric Research and Clinical Practice 2020 doi:10.1176/appi.prcp.2020.20190020.Peer-Reviewed Original Research
2019
Measurement of executive functioning with the National Institute of Health Toolbox and the association to anxiety/depressive symptomatology in childhood/adolescence
Kavanaugh BC, Cancilliere MK, Fryc A, Tirrell E, Oliveira J, Oberman LM, Wexler BE, Carpenter LL, Spirito A. Measurement of executive functioning with the National Institute of Health Toolbox and the association to anxiety/depressive symptomatology in childhood/adolescence. Child Neuropsychology 2019, 26: 754-769. PMID: 31876232, PMCID: PMC10629577, DOI: 10.1080/09297049.2019.1708295.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsAnxiety/depressive symptomatologyGlobal deficit scoreDepressive symptomatologyDetection of impairmentHealth ToolboxDepressive symptom varianceNational InstituteChildhood/adolescenceSelf-reported depressionComparable psychometric propertiesSymptom varianceEF symptomsDeficit scoresDepression diagnosisDepressive symptomsClinical diagnosisChild-reported anxietyClinical neuropsychological measuresImpairmentMeasures of EFSymptomatologyDepressionNeuropsychological measuresSymptomsParent reportThe development of adaptive risk taking and the role of executive functions in a large sample of school-age boys and girls
Bell MD, Imal AE, Pittman B, Jin G, Wexler BE. The development of adaptive risk taking and the role of executive functions in a large sample of school-age boys and girls. Trends In Neuroscience And Education 2019, 17: 100120. PMID: 31685124, DOI: 10.1016/j.tine.2019.100120.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBalloon Analogue Risk TaskSchool-aged boysExecutive functionRisk TaskPartial mediatorAcademic achievementRisk takingBetter mathChild's schoolSchool characteristicsMiddle schoolLarge sampleTotal scoreSchoolsRecklessnessChildrenBoysBetter decisionsEmotionsGradeMeasuresFunctioningTaskProficiencyTakingDynamic functional connectivity in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: Convergence, divergence and classification
Rabany L, Brocke S, Calhoun VD, Pittman B, Corbera S, Wexler BE, Bell MD, Pelphrey K, Pearlson GD, Assaf M. Dynamic functional connectivity in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder: Convergence, divergence and classification. NeuroImage Clinical 2019, 24: 101966. PMID: 31401405, PMCID: PMC6700449, DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101966.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchEffects of Integrated Brain, Body, and Social (IBBS) intervention on ERP measures of attentional control in children with ADHD
Smith SD, Crowley MJ, Ferrey A, Ramsey K, Wexler BE, Leckman JF, Sukhodolsky DG. Effects of Integrated Brain, Body, and Social (IBBS) intervention on ERP measures of attentional control in children with ADHD. Psychiatry Research 2019, 278: 248-257. PMID: 31233935, PMCID: PMC6637759, DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.06.021.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchConceptsBehavioral measuresAttentional controlIntegrated brainGo/No-Go taskGo-P3 latencySlower reaction timesSocial interventionsRobust treatment effectAttentional systemADHD groupERP measuresDifference waveP3 latencyBrain activityADHDTAU groupEEG proceduresHealthy controlsHC groupReaction timeReplication purposesERPTreatment effectsChildrenSecondary goal11.3 PREDICTORS OF RESPONSE TO COGNITIVE REMEDIATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA
Kurtz M, Seltzer J, Thime W, Wexler B. 11.3 PREDICTORS OF RESPONSE TO COGNITIVE REMEDIATION IN SCHIZOPHRENIA. Schizophrenia Bulletin 2019, 45: s105-s105. PMCID: PMC6455234, DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbz022.041.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchHarnessing Plasticity in the Atypical Developing Brain using Neurostimulation
Kadosh R, Ruiz J, Looi C, Dakwar-Kawar O, Westwood S, Nahum M, Asherson P, Wexler B, Berger I, Rubia K. Harnessing Plasticity in the Atypical Developing Brain using Neurostimulation. Brain Stimulation 2019, 12: 491. DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.606.Peer-Reviewed Original ResearchA novel neurotherapy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training in ADHD children
Westwood S, Asherson P, Kadosh R, Wexler B, Rubia K. A novel neurotherapy of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with cognitive training in ADHD children. Brain Stimulation 2019, 12: 521. DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2018.12.714.Peer-Reviewed Original Research