Treatment Response in CP/ADHD Children with Callous/Unemotional Traits

The current study examines the role of callous/unemotional (CU) traits in response to treatment among children with conduct problems (CP) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Fifty-four children with CP/ADHD and 16 controls (age = 9.48, SD = 1.58) took part in a summer treatment and research program. Simple correlations showed that CU and CP were associated with a number of treatment outcome measures. When examined together in regression analyses, CU and CP were uniquely associated with three treatment outcomes each (CU—improvement in social skills and problem solving, negative behaviors in time-out; CP—time-outs per day, peer ratings, peer dislike). The implications for these findings with regard to treatment response in children with CP/ADHD with and without CU traits are explored.     

Dynamic visual noise reduces confidence in short-term memory for visual information

Previous research has shown effects of the visual interference technique, dynamic visual noise (DVN), on visual imagery, but not on visual short-term memory, unless retention of precise visual detail is required. This study tested the prediction that DVN does also affect retention of gross visual information, specifically by reducing confidence. Participants performed a matrix pattern memory task with three retention interval interference conditions (DVN, static visual noise and no interference control) that varied from trial to trial. At recall, participants indicated whether or not they were sure of their responses. As in previous research, DVN did not impair recall accuracy or latency on the task, but it did reduce recall confidence relative to static visual noise and no interference. We conclude that DVN does distort visual representations in short-term memory, but standard coarse-grained recall measures are insensitive to these distortions.     

Negative Intrusive Thoughts and dissociation as Risk Factors for Self‐Harm

Relationships between self‐harm and vulnerability factors were studied in a general population of 432 participants, of whom 30% reported some experience of self‐harm. This group scored higher on dissociation and childhood trauma, had lower self‐worth, and reported more negative intrusive thoughts. Among the non‐harming group, 10% scored similarly to the self‐harmers on the dissociation and self‐worth scales, and engaged in potentially maladaptive behaviors that are not defined as indicating clinical self‐harm, but experienced fewer negative intrusive thoughts. This group may be at risk of future self‐harm if they begin to experience negative intrusive thoughts. If negative intrusive thoughts are playing a causal role, then therapeutic approaches tackling them may help those who are currently self‐harming.