Russell Blackman

Neurocognitive training for children with and without AD/HD

There is accumulating evidence that computerised cognitive training of inhibitory control and/or working memory can lead to behavioural improvement in children with AD/HD. Using a randomised waitlist control design, the present study examined the effects of combined working memory and inhibitory control training, with and without passive attention monitoring via EEG, for children with and without AD/HD. One hundred and twenty-eight children (60 children with AD/HD, 68 without AD/HD) were randomly allocated to one of three training conditions (waitlist; working memory and inhibitory control with attention monitoring; working memory and inhibitory control without attention monitoring) and completed with pre- and post-training assessments of overt behaviour (from 2 sources), trained and untrained cognitive task performance, and resting EEG activity. The two active training conditions completed 25 sessions of training at home over a 4- 5-week period. Results showed significant improvements in overt behaviour for children with AD/HD in both training conditions compared to the waitlist condition as rated by a parent and other adult. Post-training improvements in the areas of spatial working memory, ignoring distracting stimuli, and sustained attention were reported for children with AD/HD. Children without AD/HD showed behavioural improvements after training. The improvements for both groups were maintained over the 6-week period following training. The passive attention monitoring via EEG had a minor effect on training outcomes. Overall, the results suggest that combined WM/IC training can result in improved behavioural control for children with and without AD/HD.

EEG From a Single-Channel Dry-Sensor Recording Device

While a laboratory setting and research-grade electroencephalogram (EEG) equipment allow control of variables and high-quality multiple-channel EEG recording, there are situations and populations for which this is not suitable. The present studies examined the validity of a new method of single-channel EEG measurement that is portable and uses dry-sensor technology. In study 1, EEG was recorded simultaneously from the portable device and 4 standard EEG electrodes from a research system, during eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) resting conditions, with 20 adult participants. Average correlations with the research system frequency spectra were highest at site F3 for portable device data processed onboard of the device (r = .90), and for device data processed in a standard manner (r = .89). Further, predictable variations in EO versus EC comparisons were observed. In study 2, twenty-three healthy children had EEGs recorded from the portable device during EO and EC resting conditions, and 3 EO active conditions (ie, relaxation, attention, and cognitive load). Absolute and relative EEG band power differed between conditions in predicted ways, including a reduction in relative theta power and an increase in relative alpha power in EC compared to EO resting conditions. Overall, the results suggest that, while limited in terms of scalp recording locations, the portable device has potential utility in certain EEG recording situations where ease of use is a priority.

An Exploration of Smoking Among People Attending Residential Substance Abuse Treatment: Prevalence and Outcomes at Three Months Post-Discharge

ABSTRACT Objectives: Smoking continues to be a major health concern for people with a history of alcohol or other substance use problems. The current research is aimed to (1) describe the prevalence of smoking in residential addictions treatment services and (2) compare characteristics of people who had or had not quit smoking. Methods: Participants were attending residential substance abuse treatment provided by the Australian Salvation Army. These programs are up to 10 months in length and offer a range of low-intensity smoking cessation supports. Measures of smoking, substance use, and clinical characteristics were collected from 2008 to 2015 at baseline and three months post-discharge from treatment (N = 702). Results: At baseline, 86% of people were smokers (n = 606). At follow-up, only 48 participants who were smokers at baseline (7%) had quit smoking. Participants who had quit smoking at follow-up also reported higher rates of abstinence from alcohol or other substances at follow-up (72%) than people who had not quit smoking (46%; OR = 2.95, 95% CI [1.52, 5.74]). Conclusions: There is potential for smoking cessation to be better addressed as part of routine care in substance abuse treatment settings. Future research should evaluate the provision of more systematic smoking cessation interventions within these settings.

Preliminary Exploration of Psychologists’ Knowledge and Perceptions of Electronic Security and Implications for Use of Technology-Assisted Supervision

Objective Technology is increasingly used in the provision of psychology services, and technology‐assisted supervision may offer improved access, convenience, and cost efficiencies in supervision settings, as well as augmenting and extending traditional supervision tools. The successful implementation and uptake of technology in supervision and training may be impacted by psychologists’ understanding of digital security mechanisms and their perception of risk associated with new technologies. Method Twenty‐five psychologists completed a survey exploring knowledge of e‐security, perceptions of risk associated with different behaviours in both digital and more traditional working contexts, and the extent to which they engaged in these behaviours. Comfort and willingness to utilise new supervision technologies was also assessed. Results Results reveal a perceived lack of understanding of electronic security mechanisms. Comparisons of perceived risk between physical and equivalent digitally managed information were rated as similar. Psychologists tend to engage in higher perceived risk behaviours less often, although there are some clear discrepancies. Greater knowledge of e‐security was associated with less comfort in using new supervision technologies. Conclusions User perceptions of risk may impact the uptake of potentially useful technologies that support supervision. Education in the implementation of appropriate digital security mechanisms is recommended, coupled with further research to understand barriers associated with greater knowledge of security risks.