Emotional dysregulation is considered key in ADHD. Yet, measuring emotion dysregulation using a one-time measurement in the lab is difficult. In addition, the link between emotion dysregulation and executive function, which is also compromised in ADHD, is still not understood. In the current study, we use ecological monitoring – using mobile apps and smart watches – to measure daily variations in emotion regulation and in executive function, and measure their co-variation over time.

Student (PhD): Maayan Cohen

Collaborators: Prof. Adina Maeir (School of OT); Prof. Itai Berger (Department of Social Work)

funding: National Institute of Psychobiology Israel (NIPI)

Research ended

Deficits in executive functions, the cognitive processes underlying goal-directed behaviors, are considered a core mechanism in ADHD. Since current treatment options have limited effectivity, there is a pressing need for novel, efficacious interventions that target executive functions directly. We will examine the feasibility and efficacy of a novel treatment approach, combining two treatments targeting executive functions directly: Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) over prefrontal cortex, and cognitive control training (CCT). ADHD symptoms, executive functions and neural signals will be measured before and after treatment.

According to the literature, the results of studies regarding EEG indices as neuronal markers for ADHD are controversial. As part of the study, we will examine whether there is a difference between the ADHD groups and a control group without ADHD in executive function indices as well as in neuronal indices - using EEG tests, where the focus is on Beta , Theta and the beta-beta ratio (TBR). We will also examine whether there is a correlation between the neuronal indices and the executive functions and whether the relationship in these indices differs between the two groups (ADHD versus the control group).

Funding: Ministry of Science and Technology: 1.  Golda Meir Academy-Business Scholarships for Women in Science and Technology. 2. Zvi Yanai Scholarship for Israel's citizen Arab, Druze and Circassians Doctoral students

Collaborators: Prof. Itai Berger (The Pediatric Neurology Unit, Assuta Ashdod Hospital), Prof. Roi Cohen-Kadosh (Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford), Prof. Eitan Kerem (Pediatric Division, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center), InnoSphere, Alpha program students.