Search

Introduction Patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SP) demonstrate heterogeneity in executive functions (EF) associated with the quality of outcome. However, neurobiological mechanisms of this heterogeneity are understudied. Objectives We aimed to identify features of resting-state functional connectivity (FC) within the frontoparietal network (FPN) that discriminate between SP and healthy individuals (HI) with better and worse EF. Methods Twenty-five SP (mean age 20.8±3.23, illness duration 1.3±2.1 years, all males) and twenty-six HI (mean age 25.17±3.46, all males) underwent EF assessment (4 verbal fluency tests and a modified Stroop task) as well as resting-state fMRI (3T). Results We used k-means clustering based on EF scores to divide all participants into groups with worse (15 SP, 6 HI) and better EF (10 SP, 20 HI). These groups differed in productivity of all verbal fluency tasks and performance time of the Stroop task. Differences between four subgroups (HI/SP with worse/better EF) were revealed in FC between the cingulate and lateral prefrontal cortex in the left hemisphere (ANCOVA, p-uncorrected

Introduction Our series of studies in the spectrum of psychosis (schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, schizoaffective disorder) is based on the concept of the RDoC system. Objectives In this study, we were interested in knowing whether cross-diagnostic disturbances in cognitive functions can be found in the spectrum and whether they predict clinical symptoms. Methods In the study, N = 66 schizophrenic (M = 38.2 ± 9.37 years, 26 women), N = 30 bipolar (M = 47.4 ± 9.35 years, 19 women), N = 33 schizoaffective (M = 39.8 years± 11.3 years, 21 women) and N = 28 healthy subjects (M = 36.5 ± 9.9 years, 14 women) participated. All subjects underwent the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Raven Test, Digit Span Test, Visual Patterns Test, Letter and Semantic Fluency tests, Metaphor and Irony Comprehension, Directed Forgetting, Stop Signal Test, and Lexical Decision Task. In addition, symptom rating scales were administered (PANSS, SANS, YMRS, MADRS). Results Based on our results, the performance of the WCST-deficient group lagged behind the WCST-non-deficient group and the healthy control group in most executive control tests. Importantly, this effect was independent of diagnosis, so it appeared in all three patient groups. Members of the deficit group had a higher rate of negative symptoms. Conclusions Disruption of executive functions is a transdiagnostic feature of the schizophrenia-bipolar spectrum, which could be associated with any diagnosis. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Previous reviews reported an association between Turner Syndrome (TS) and a profile of deficits in some neurocognitive domains (visual-spatial domains, mathematics, and executive functions: cognitive flexibility, working memory, cognitive inhibition, and problem solving), although pointing out individual variability. Objectives To describe the neuropsychological profile of a patient with diagnosis of TS and psychosocial difficulties attended at the Service of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and Mental Health at La Paz University Hospital (Madrid). Methods A descriptive study is conducted on a single case of a 11-year-old woman with diagnosis of TS attended by a clinical psychologist at a child-adolescent Mental health center for social, family and academic difficulties. Neuropsychological assessment was completed in October, 2021. The Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Five Edition (WISC-V) and Neuropsychological Assessment of Executive Functions in Children (ENFEN) batteries were administered. Results The full-scale intelligence quotient was observed in the normal range, with lower scores in non-verbal tasks. Deficits (range from z = -2.00 to -1.75) were observed in tests of working memory, processing speed and complex problem-solving tasks. The results showed great variability in other executive functioning tasks (selective attention tasks: from z = -1.75 to -0.75; and cognitive flexibility tasks: from z = -2.25 to 0.25). Conclusions The neurocognitive profile described in the literature was partially consistent with the results obtained in this study. The neuropsychological assessment can support the elucidation of clinical diagnostic and therapeutic factors in TS patients with relevant psychosocial or cognitive difficulties. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Previous studies have found long lasting cognitive delays among children with early childcare experience, especially institutionalised experience. However, little is known about institutions’ effect in late childhood. Objectives Our goal is to identify the characteristics of cognitive functions in connection to attachment related anxiety among adopted children and children living in institutional care. Methods The participants’ (N=68, Mage=14.20, 29 boys and 39 girls) cognitive functions were measured with the following tests: Rey15 Memory Task, Knock And Tap Task, Simon Says Test, Verbal Fluency Task, D-KEFS 20 Questions Test. Participants completed two questionnaires: the Family Affluence Scale and the Experiences In Close Relationships Revised Scale. The results from the adopted children (N=19) and children living in institutional care (N=18) were compared to the matched control group: children living with their biological parents (N=31). Results Children living in institutional care did not differ significantly from their (SES-based) matched controls. Children adopted after the age of 2 years (N=7, M =56,57month) and the low SES control group (N=14) differed from the high SES control group on tests of attention (Verbal Fluency Task, Mhigh.c.=212.50, Mad.aft.2=193.50, U=59.50, z=-2.62, p=0.009) and verbal memory (Rey15, Mhigh.c.=17.94, Mad.aft.2=9.18, U=35.00, z=-2.79, p=0.005). Children adopted before the age of 2 years differed from the high SES control as well, in inhibition (Simon Says Test, Mhigh.c.=12.26, Mad.bef.2=18.88, U=55.55, z =-2.23, p=0.026). Conclusions Our findings suggest that only in the early years is child protection experience associated with long-lasting cognitive delays and attachment related anxiety. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction The high cognitive abilities named executive functions (EF) are responsible for emotional regulation and for goal-oriented behavior. EF are frequently disrupted in anxiety disorders and negatively affect daily function and quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, EF evaluation is usually performed in the laboratory using neuro-psychological assessments that refer to specific components (such as working memory, inhibition), but lacks a comprehensive profile of EF and the expressions in real life context. Objectives To elaborate the knowledge about EF in daily life of children/youth with psychiatric disorders, by comparing their EF to those of healthy controls, using an ecological measure that imitates daily life scenarios; To examine the relationship between EF and QoL in the study group. Methods Participants were 49 children and youth aged 8-18 years: 25 subjects with psychiatric (mainly anxiety) disorders and 24 healthy controls. The children’s parents completed a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to profile emotional difficulties; The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) which examines EF components related to meta-cognition and behavioral regulation; and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QoL). Results The study group had more EF difficulties [reduced behavioral regulation (F=31.81; p

Introduction Nowadays new tools suitable for exploring executive functioning (EF) of behavioral addicted individuals are needed. Objectives This study tests a novel digital assessment battery that can be easily and remotely adopted by neuropsychologists working in the field of addiction. Methods Twenty-three participants were divided into two groups, balanced for age and education: an experimental (EXP) group of 13 patients with gambling behavior, and a control (CNT) group of 10 healthy subjects. A neuropsychological battery including 5 neuropsychological tests (measuring long- and short-term verbal memory, working memory, cognitive flexibility, verbal and non-verbal fluency, attention), and a behavioral task (modified Go/NoGo task with addiction-related stimuli) was digitally administered. Anxiety, depression, and impulsivity levels were collected before the evaluation. Results Significantly higher scores were found for repetition errors in the short-term verbal memory test, in the EXP subjects compared to controls. Higher reaction times were found in the Go/No-Go task for the EXP compared to CNT, with significant differences for neutral and addiction-related (cocaine, THC) stimuli. Furthermore, EXP showed higher impulsivity scores. Conclusions Although the study was only exploratory, the significant results could support the validity of this new digital tool. Besides, we could conclude that memory impairment and attentional bias in inhibitory control tasks could cover a significant role in new and old addiction and that impulsivity could represent a critical factor in explaining the relationship between EF impairment and addiction. Lastly, this study contributes not only to the understanding of EF impairment in addictions but also in the delivery of remote suitable digital neuropsychological testing. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Introduction Recently, clinical models based on neuroscientific evidence have highlighted the detrimental role of executive functions impairments in negatively contributing to the functional decline of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Yet, despite these potential implications, the screening tools that are typically used to assess such impairments are not specific for patients presenting addiction and are not able to properly sketch their dysfunctional executive control profile. Objectives This study aimed at testing the clinical potential of a novel screening battery for neurocognitive disorders in addiction. Methods The screening battery was tested on 151 patients with SUD and 55 control subjects. The battery consisted of five neuropsychological tests tapping on verbal and working memory, focused attention, and cognitive flexibility and two computerized neurocognitive tasks (Stroop and Go/No-go tasks adapted for the evaluation of interference inhibition, executive control, and attention bias towards drugs of abuse). Results Statistical analyzes showed worse cognitive performance in patients with SUD compared to controls, both at neuropsychological tests of cognitive flexibility, focused attention and verbal memory and at neurocognitive tasks, suggesting the presence of deficit of regulatory mechanisms involved in inhibition and orientation of attention/cognitive resources. These results were also confirmed by second-level analyses where the role of age and education as potential moderators was checked, suggesting the robustness of the tested measures. Conclusions The results further stress the link between specific executive impairments and SUD and suggest the potential of the battery as a quick yet valid neurocognitive screening tool.

Introduction Research has demonstrated that greater cognitive flexibility and perspective taking skills are associated with positive outcomes throughout the lifespan. Cognitive flexibility is a core component of executive function allowing us to control goal-directed behaviour and to face new and unexpected conditions in the environment. Perspective-taking or Theory of Mind (ToM) refers to the capacity to make inferences about and represent others’ point of view, mental states and intentions. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess age-related effects on executive functions and the role of cognitive flexibility in perspective-taking skills. Methods Two age groups (34-44 years and 45-55 years) were compared on a task-switching paradigm the MATeM neuropsychological software (Maria Grazia Inzaghi, 2019) and all participants completed the Edinburgh Handedness Inventory (Oldfield, 1971), the IRI Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980), the RMET Reading the Mind in the Eyes (Baron-Cohen, 2001) and the BIDR-6 Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (Paulhus, 1991). Results suggested that increased age was associated with decreased set-shifting, perspective-taking, mindreading abilities and increased tendency to give overly positive answers (socially desirable responding). Furthermore, participants with reduced cognitive flexibility (higher switch cost) were less able to attribute mental states to others and to appreciate another person’s point of view. Conclusions It can be argued that readiness to appropriately adjust one’s behaviour according to a changing environment is related to flexibly shift between conflicting psychological perspectives. Future research include training studies which would further our understanding of these relationships and allow more effective cognitive and social interventions.

Introduction Individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI) often find it hard to perform daily activities such as grocery shopping, which require intact executive functions. The use of performance-based evaluations is valuable, but lacks the subjects’ point of view during task performance. Objectives The aim of the current presentation is to bring together performance-based observation and cognitive science methods to provide insights regarding real-life behavior and problem solving in SMI populations. Methods In this quasi-experimental study, forty-three individuals performed the Test of Grocery Shopping Skills (TOGSS) while wearing an eye-tracking device. Eye-movement patterns served as a proxy of executive functions in people with and without SMI during a real-life ingredient selection task. We hypothesized that significant differences will be found between people with SMI and controls in TOGSS sub-outcomes as well as in eye-fixation durations. Results TOGSS sub-outcomes indicative of performance efficiency (time and redundancy) were significantly higher in the research group compared to matched controls (P

Introduction Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood. ADHD is a risk factor for the development of overweight and obesity. One neuropsychological factor that may play a prominent role in the relationship between ADHD and obesity is executive functioning. Objectives The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between comorbid obesity/overweight and cold executive functions, verbal short-term memory, and learning in children with ADHD. This is the first study to examine relationship between verbal short-term memory-learning and obesity in patients with ADHD. Methods This study was conducted with 70 patients with ADHD and 30 healthy controls. In this study, patients diagnosed with ADHD were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) as

Introduction Psychopathological symptoms and cognitive impairment are core features of patients with psychotic disorders. Executive dysfunctions are within the most commonly observed deficits and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is the test most extensively used for their assessment. Yet, the structure of executive deficits remains unclear, as there may be different underlying processes. Objectives The study’s aims were to explore and compare the network structure of the WCST measures in psychosis and their unaffected siblings. Methods Subjects were 298 patients with a DSM 5 diagnosis of psychotic disorder and 89 of their healthy siblings. The dimensionality and network structure of the 13 WCST measures were examined by means of the Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) and centrality parameters. Results The WCST network structure comprised 4 dimensions: Perseveration (PER), Inefficient sorting (IS), Failure to maintain set (FMS) and Learning (LNG). Patient and sibling groups showed a similar network structure and in both cases the network structure was reliably estimated. Conclusions Perseveration measures reflect the inability to switch sorting rules when necessary. Scores for the IS dimension can occur when the subject ineffectively tries to test different sorting hypotheses, changing at random the response. FMS reflects the subject’s strategy when he/she is able to find out the sorting rule, but is unable to keep applying that rule long enough. LNG comprised conceptual ability and learning items. The lack of significant difference between network structures is in keeping with results from exploratory and confirmatory studies demonstrating an invariant cognitive factor structure between schizophrenia patients and their unaffected siblings.

Introduction Negative thought disorders are found in various diagnoses in clinical practice. These symptoms may show a possible psychosis continuum and may be taken into account when assessing schizophrenic risk. Neurocognitive functioning of patients with negative thought disorders need to be clarified. Objectives Aim of the study is to identify and validate the differences of executive functions between patients with negative thought disorders and patients without thought disorders. Methods Used a standardized neuropsychological test battery. There were 15 patients with negative thought disorders (affective disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenic spectrum disorders) and 18 patients with depressive episode without thought disorders in the research. Patients aged 17-25 years. The Mann–Whitney U test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results Significant results were obtained from The Verbal Fluency Test, The Design Fluency Test, The Digit span, The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and Bidstrup’s drawings (All tests have p-values less than 0.05). In the methods listed above, the results in the group of patients with negative thought disorders are significantly lower than in the group of patients without thought disorders. Conclusions The data indicate a violation of Executive functions among patients with negative thought disorders: inhibitory control, planning and regulation, working memory, difficulty switching, which related to left frontal lobe dysfunction. A lack of simultaneity and understanding figurative language, which is associated with right hemisphere dysfunction. Disclosure The reported study was funded by RFBR, project number 20-013-00772

Background Patients with schizophrenia display significant working memory and executive deficits. In patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), several studies suggest that working memory dysfunction may be one of the causes of compulsive checking behaviors. Hence, this study aimed at assessing whether patients with schizophrenia were impaired on an image comparison task used to measure checking behaviors, and whether the origin and profile of impairment on this task was different between schizophrenia and OCD. Methods Eye movement recordings were used to assess the checking behavior of 24 patients with schizophrenia and 24 control participants who had to decide whether two images were different or identical. The verbal and visuo-spatial components of participants’ working memory were measured using the reading span and backward location span tests. Results Compared to controls, patients with schizophrenia had reduced working memory spans and showed excessive checking behavior when comparing the two images. However, the intensity of their checking behavior was not significantly related to their working memory deficits. Conclusions Several recent studies demonstrated that the excessive checking behaviors displayed by patients with OCD were related to working memory dysfunction. The absence of a relationship between the excessive checking behavior of patients with schizophrenia and their working memory deficits suggests that checking behaviors do not have the same origin in the two disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The study investigated working memory, executive functions (conceptualized as response inhibition, updating, and shifting), and intelligence in schizophrenia, using structural equation modelling to determine the relationship between working memory and intelligence, testing whether specific executive functions act as a mediator for the association. Method One hundred and twenty-five individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia and 64 healthy participants were included in the study, tested using measures of working memory, intelligence and executive functioning. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to estimate direct and indirect associations between main measures. Results The schizophrenia group had significantly lower working memory, executive function and intelligence than the healthy group. The relationship between working memory and intelligence was significantly mediated by inhibition, updating and shifting functions. Conclusion The study indicates a mediating role of executive functions in determining the association between working memory and intellectual function in schizophrenia. It is further proposed that in people with schizophrenia, cognitive remediation approaches targeting working memory through executive functioning may in turn improve intellectual function generally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Purpose: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) and Williams syndrome (WS) are common neurogenetic microdeletion syndromes. The aim of the present study was to compare the neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive phenotypes of 22q11.2DS and WS. Methods: Forty-five individuals with 22q11.2DS, 24 with WS, 22 with idiopathic developmental disability (DD) and 22 typically developing (TD) controls were compared for the rates of psychiatric disorders as well as cognitive executive and visuospatial functions. Results: We found that while anxiety, mood and disruptive disorders had an equally high prevalence among individuals with 22q11.2DS, WS and DDs, the 22q11.2DS group had the highest rates of psychotic disorders and the WS group had the highest rates of specific phobia. We also found that the WS group demonstrated more severe impairments in both executive and visuospatial functions than the other groups. WS and 22q11.2DS subjects had worse Performance-IQ than Verbal-IQ, a feature typical of non-verbal learning disorders. Conclusion: These findings offer a wide perspective on unique versus common phenotypes in 22q11.2DS and WS. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Aim: Theory of mind (ToM) is the ability to represent one''s own or another''s mental states and has been found to be impaired in many psychiatric disorders. Our objective was to compare ToM abilities of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with healthy controls and to investigate the relation between some illness features, other cognitive functions and ToM abilities of patients. Method: Thirty OCD patients and age, sex and education matched 30 healthy controls were compared according to their performances on ToM tasks (including first and second order false belief, hinting task and double-bluff task), verbal memory processes test, Weschler memory test (WMT) (logical memory, visual reproduction and digit span sub-tests), stroop test. Results: Patients’ performances were worse than healthy controls on all of the ToM tasks, but the results were significant for only for double-bluff task (t =−3.992, df =36.157, p <0.01). Performance on double-bluff task was significantly and positively correlated with visual reproduction-immediate recall (r =−0.411, p <0.05) and visual reproduction-delayed recall (r =0.478, p <0.05), hinting task was significantly and positively correlated with verbal memory (r =0.481, p <0.05). Conclusion: These results show “basic” ToM abilities of OCD patients are generally preserved, but they show significant reduction in their “advanced” ToM abilities, which seem to be related to their reduced memory capacities. The possible reasons for the relation between memory and ToM impairments, as well as the clinical significance of ToM deficits in OCD are discussed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Objectives: The present study aimed to (i) evaluate the association between insight and measures of executive functions and working memory in a sample of 132 patients with schizophrenia and (ii) to explore to what proportion neurocognitive dysfunction contributed to the variance in insight after controlling for symptomatology. Methods: Subjects were evaluated with a standardized neurocognitive test battery and a semi-structured interview, the Psychosis Evaluation tool for Common use by Caregivers (PECC). PECC, apart from evaluating symptoms and side-effects, measures insight on a 4-point scale by two of its dimensions: awareness of having a mental illness (AMI) and awareness of having symptoms attributed to a mental illness (ASAMI). Executive functioning was measured by the Wisconsin Card Sort Test (WCST) and the Trail Making B (TMB). Working memory was measured by the Letter Number Sequencing (LNS) test from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). Results: Only one significant association was found after correction for multiple testing, between WCST categories completed and AMI (r =−0.29, p =0.0006). WCST categories completed explained only 7.9% of the variance in AMI, while symptomatology explained 20% of variance in AMI and 16.5% of variance in ASAMI. Conclusions: The current results show a significant but subtle association with the WCST, which is in agreement with earlier literature. No other associations between cognitive functioning and insight were found. In general, these findings seem to suggest that factors other than cognition have a greater impact on insight in patients with schizophrenia. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Psychopathological symptoms and cognitive impairment are core features of patients with psychotic disorders. Executive dysfunctions are within the most commonly observed deficits and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST) is the test most extensively used for their assessment. Yet, the structure of executive deficits remains unclear, as there may be different underlying processes. Objectives: The study's aims were to explore and compare the network structure of the WCST measures in psychosis and their unaffected siblings. Methods: Subjects were 298 patients with a DSM 5 diagnosis of psychotic disorder and 89 of their healthy siblings. The dimensionality and network structure of the 13 WCST measures were examined by means of the Exploratory Graph Analysis (EGA) and centrality parameters. Results: The WCST network structure comprised 4 dimensions: Perseveration (PER), Inefficient sorting (IS), Failure to maintain set (FMS) and Learning (LNG). Patient and sibling groups showed a similar network structure and in both cases the network structure was reliably estimated. Conclusions: Perseveration measures reflect the inability to switch sorting rules when necessary. Scores for the IS dimension can occur when the subject ineffectively tries to test different sorting hypotheses, changing at random the response. FMS reflects the subject's strategy when he/she is able to find out the sorting rule, but is unable to keep applying that rule long enough. LNG comprised conceptual ability and learning items. The lack of significant difference between network structures is in keeping with results from exploratory and confirmatory studies demonstrating an invariant cognitive factor structure between schizophrenia patients and their unaffected siblings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Forty-three patients with schizophrenia were investigated with a short neurocognitive screening battery focussing on working memory and executive functions. As compared to healthy controls, patients showed impairments in the modified card sorting test, in verbal fluency and all span tasks with exception of digit span forward. Patients who were treated with atypicals showed better performance in the digit ordering test (manipulation task) when compared to a group of patients who received conventional antipsychotics; this difference was not due to disease severity, age or education. Manipulation tasks might be useful for neurocognitive follow-up and intervention studies. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Personality deviations and deficits in cognitive executive function are common among forensic populations. The present study on incarcerated offenders explored whether there are links between the two domains. Personality was assessed using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Neuropsychological performance, including visual working memory, attentional set-shifting and planning, were tested with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB). Subjects with personality disorders scored high on harm avoidance, and low on self-directedness and cooperativeness. Personality disordered offenders did not differ from the comparison groups (offenders without personality disorder, and non-criminal controls) with regard to CANTAB measures of visual working memory (delayed matching to sample, spatial working memory) and planning (Stockings of Cambridge), but they made a larger number of errors on the attentional set-shifting task. Dimensional analysis of the personality and neuropsychological variables revealed significant associations between self-directedness and cooperativeness on the one hand, and attentional set-shifting on the other. Intellectually disabled, non-criminal individuals (marginal mental retardation) who performed poorly on attentional set-shifting also scored low on self-directedness and cooperativeness. The results indicate that poor development of certain personality traits may be associated with deficits in neuropsychological functioning. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Introduction: Negative thought disorders are found in various diagnoses in clinical practice. These symptoms may show a possible psychosis continuum and may be taken into account when assessing schizophrenic risk. Neurocognitive functioning of patients with negative thought disorders need to be clarified. Objectives: Aim of the study is to identify and validate the differences of executive functions between patients with negative thought disorders and patients without thought disorders. Methods: Used a standardized neuropsychological test battery. There were 15 patients with negative thought disorders (affective disorders, personality disorders, schizophrenic spectrum disorders) and 18 patients with depressive episode without thought disorders in the research. Patients aged 17-25 years. The Mann-Whitney U test and ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results: Significant results were obtained from The Verbal Fluency Test, The Design Fluency Test, The Digit span, The Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure and Bidstrup's drawings (All tests have p-values less than 0.05). In the methods listed above, the results in the group of patients with negative thought disorders are significantly lower than in the group of patients without thought disorders. Conclusions: The data indicate a violation of Executive functions among patients with negative thought disorders: inhibitory control, planning and regulation, working memory, difficulty switching, which related to left frontal lobe dysfunction. A lack of simultaneity and understanding figurative language, which is associated with right hemisphere dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Nowadays new tools suitable for exploring executive functioning (EF) of behavioral addicted individuals are needed. Objectives: This study tests a novel digital assessment battery that can be easily and remotely adopted by neuropsychologists working in the field of addiction. Methods: Twenty-three participants were divided into two groups, balanced for age and education: an experimental (EXP) group of 13 patients with gambling behavior, and a control (CNT) group of 10 healthy subjects. A neuropsychological battery including 5 neuropsychological tests (measuring long- and short-term verbal memory, working memory, cognitive flexibility, verbal and non-verbal fluency, attention), and a behavioral task (modified Go/NoGo task with addiction-related stimuli) was digitally administered. Anxiety, depression, and impulsivity levels were collected before the evaluation. Results: Significantly higher scores were found for repetition errors in the short-term verbal memory test, in the EXP subjects compared to controls. Higher reaction times were found in the Go/No-Go task for the EXP compared to CNT, with significant differences for neutral and addiction-related (cocaine, THC) stimuli. Furthermore, EXP showed higher impulsivity scores. Conclusions: Although the study was only exploratory, the significant results could support the validity of this new digital tool. Besides, we could conclude that memory impairment and attentional bias in inhibitory control tasks could cover a significant role in new and old addiction and that impulsivity could represent a critical factor in explaining the relationship between EF impairment and addiction. Lastly, this study contributes not only to the understanding of EF impairment in addictions but also in the delivery of remote suitable digital neuropsychological testing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common neurodevelopmental disorder in childhood. ADHD is a risk factor for the development of overweight and obesity. One neuropsychological factor that may play a prominent role in the relationship between ADHD and obesity is executive functioning. Objectives: The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between comorbid obesity/overweight and cold executive functions, verbal short-term memory, and learning in children with ADHD. This is the first study to examine relationship between verbal short-term memory-learning and obesity in patients with ADHD. Methods: This study was conducted with 70 patients with ADHD and 30 healthy controls. In this study, patients diagnosed with ADHD were divided into two groups according to body mass index (BMI) as <85 percentile and =85 percentile. Cold executive functions were evaluated by Stroop Test (ST) and Cancellation Test (CT). Serial Digit Learning Test (SDLT) was administered to measure verbal short-term memory and learning capasity. In order to evaluate the severity of ADHD objectively, parents completed the Conners' Parents Rating Scale-Revised Short Version (CPRS-RS). Results: The ST, SDLT and CT scores were significantly lower in both groups with ADHD than the control group. The CPRS-RS subscale scores were significantly higher in both groups with ADHDthan the control group. There was no statistically significant difference in ST, SDLT, CT scores and CPRS-RS subscale scores between the two groups with ADHD. Conclusions: This study show that overweight/obesity comorbid with ADHD was not associated with cold executive functions, verbal short-term memory, learning, or ADHD symptom severity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Recently, clinical models based on neuroscientific evidence have highlighted the detrimental role of executive functions impairments in negatively contributing to the functional decline of patients with Substance Use Disorder (SUD). Yet, despite these potential implications, the screening tools that are typically used to assess such impairments are not specific for patients presenting addiction and are not able to properly sketch their dysfunctional executive control profile. Objectives: This study aimed at testing the clinical potential of a novel screening battery for neurocognitive disorders in addiction. Methods: The screening battery was tested on 151 patients with SUD and 55 control subjects. The battery consisted of five neuropsychological tests tapping on verbal and working memory, focused attention, and cognitive flexibility and two computerized neurocognitive tasks (Stroop and Go/No-go tasks adapted for the evaluation of interference inhibition, executive control, and attention bias towards drugs of abuse). Results: Statistical analyzes showed worse cognitive performance in patients with SUD compared to controls, both at neuropsychological tests of cognitive flexibility, focused attention and verbal memory and at neurocognitive tasks, suggesting the presence of deficit of regulatory mechanisms involved in inhibition and orientation of attention/cognitive resources. These results were also confirmed by second-level analyses where the role of age and education as potential moderators was checked, suggesting the robustness of the tested measures. Conclusions: The results further stress the link between specific executive impairments and SUD and suggest the potential of the battery as a quick yet valid neurocognitive screening tool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Research has demonstrated that greater cognitive flexibility and perspective taking skills are associated with positive outcomes throughout the lifespan. Cognitive flexibility is a core component of executive function allowing us to control goaldirected behaviour and to face new and unexpected conditions in the environment. Perspective-taking or Theory of Mind (ToM) refers to the capacity to make inferences about and represent others' point of view, mental states and intentions. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess age-related effects on executive functions and the role of cognitive flexibility in perspective-taking skills. Methods: Two age groups (34-44 years and 45-55 years) were compared on a task-switching paradigm the MATeM neuropsychological software (Maria Grazia Inzaghi, 2019) and all participants completed the EdinburghHandedness Inventory (Oldfield, 1971), the IRI Interpersonal Reactivity Index (Davis, 1980), the RMET Reading theMind in the Eyes (Baron-Cohen, 2001) and the BIDR-6 Balanced Inventory of Desirable Responding (Paulhus, 1991). Results: suggested that increased age was associated with decreased set-shifting, perspective-taking, mindreading abilities and increased tendency to give overly positive answers (socially desirable responding). Furthermore, participants with reduced cognitive flexibility (higher switch cost) were less able to attribute mental states to others and to appreciate another person's point of view. Conclusions: It can be argued that readiness to appropriately adjust one's behaviour according to a changing environment is related to flexibly shift between conflicting psychological perspectives. Future research include training studies which would further our understanding of these relationships and allow more effective cognitive and social interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The high cognitive abilities named executive functions (EF) are responsible for emotional regulation and for goal-oriented behavior. EF are frequently disrupted in anxiety disorders and negatively affect daily function and quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, EF evaluation is usually performed in the laboratory using neuropsychological assessments that refer to specific components (such as workingmemory, inhibition), but lacks a comprehensive profile of EF and the expressions in real life context. Objectives: To elaborate the knowledge about EF in daily life of children/youth with psychiatric disorders, by comparing their EF to those of healthy controls, using an ecological measure that imitates daily life scenarios; To examine the relationship between EF and QoL in the study group. Methods: Participants were 49 children and youth aged 8-18 years: 25 subjects with psychiatric (mainly anxiety) disorders and 24 healthy controls. The children's parents completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to profile emotional difficulties; The Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functions (BRIEF) which examines EF components related to meta-cognition and behavioral regulation; and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (Peds-QoL). Results: The study group had more EF difficulties [reduced behavioral regulation (F=31.81; p<.001) and metacognition (F=26.25; p<.001)], and lower QoL. In the study group, EF difficulties correlated with reduced physical, emotional, social, and school-related-QoL. Conclusions: EF should be evaluated in children/youth with psychiatric disorders, by ecological evaluation that reflect the difficulties in daily life. This may focus intervention on child's specific needs and improve the outcomes in terms of better function, development and QoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI) often find it hard to perform daily activities such as grocery shopping, which require intact executive functions. The use of performancebased evaluations is valuable, but lacks the subjects' point of view during task performance. Objectives: The aim of the current presentation is to bring together performance-based observation and cognitive science methods to provide insights regarding real-life behavior and problem solving in SMI populations. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, forty-three individuals performed the Test of Grocery Shopping Skills (TOGSS) while wearing an eye-tracking device. Eye-movement patterns served as a proxy of executive functions in peoplewith andwithout SMI during a real-life ingredient selection task. We hypothesized that significant differences will be found between people with SMI and controls in TOGSS sub-outcomes as well as in eye-fixation durations. Results: TOGSS sub-outcomes indicative of performance efficiency (time and redundancy) were significantly higher in the research group compared to matched controls (P<0.01). Average fixation duration was found to be significantly higher for the research group compared to matched controls (P<0.05) for two of the four item-selection tasks. Conclusions: These preliminary findings indicate that when confronted with a selection task, individuals with SMI spend more dwelling timewhile selecting ingredients. Further analyses on these datawill examine how this time is spent (e.g. focusing on irrelevant information). The outlined approach may prove beneficial in illuminating specific behavioral and physiological difficulties in individuals with SMI, particularly in the evolvingCovid-19 situation, which poses novel social and health-related challenges on real-life tasks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]