FY2014 Annual Report

Human Developmental Neurobiology Unit

Professor Gail Tripp

Abstract

The research of the Human Developmental Neurobiology Unit continues to focus on advancing understanding of the nature and causes of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and translating this knowledge into effective management programs. We are investigating the nature and etiology of altered reward sensitivity in children and adults with ADHD using behavioral, pharmacological and imaging approaches here in Japan and with our collaborators in Brazil. This work will inform both behavioral and pharmacological interventions. We are also studying the language and social problem solving skills of children with ADHD to increase understanding of the nature of their social difficulties to identify appropriate intervention targets. Our work developing culturally appropriate parenting interventions for Japanese parents has moved forward to a randomized control trial.

1. Staff

Dr. Gail Tripp, Professor
Dr. Emi Furukawa, Group Leader
Dr. Shizuka Shimabukuro, Researcher
Dr. Andrea Murray, Researcher
Shoko Nagatomo, Technical Staff
Kaoruko Lovern, Technical Staff
Emi Nakanishi, Technical Staff
Aska Pluskal, Technical Staff
Jasmine Harding, Technical Staff
Caise Castle, Visiting Researcher
Aya Puca, Research Administrator

2. Collaborations

Theme: Altered reward sensitivity and ADHD
- Type of collaboration: Joint research
  - Altered reward sensitivity and its relationship to ADHD, other psychiatric conditions, and adaptive social behavior.
  - Researchers:
    - Professor Jorge Moll, MD., Ph.D., D'Or Institute for Research and Education ("IDOR"), President
    - Professor Paulo Mattos, MD., Ph.D., D'Or Institue for Research and Education ("IDOR"), Director of IDOR Neuropsychology Center
    - Professor Jeff Wickens, OIST
    - Dr. Emi Furukawa, OIST
- Experimental study of altered reward sensitivity: Examining medication effects on behavioral and physiological responses.
  - Researchers:
    - Erasmo Barbante Casella, MD., Ph.D., Child Foundation, Children's Institute, Clinical Hospital for University of Sao Paulo
    - Dr. Emi Furukawa, OIST
- Altered reward sensitivity in children and adults with ADHD
  - Researchers:
    - Egas Caparelli-Daquer, MD., Ph.D., University of State of Rio de Janeiro
    - Dr. Emi Furukawa, OIST
- Investigating sensitivity to different reward structures in ADHD
  - Type of collaboration: Collaboration
  - Researchers:
    - Dr. Brent Alsop, University of Otago
    - Dr. Emi Furukawa, OIST
    - Dr. Shizuka Shimabukuro, OIST
Theme: Effective parenting for ADHD
- Type of collaboration: Collaboration
- Researchers:
  - Professor Margaret Thompson, University of South Hampton
  - Professor David Daley, University of Nottingham
  - Dr. Shizuka Shimabukuro

3. Activities and Findings

4. Publications

4.1 Journals

Nothing to report

4.2 Books and other one-time publications