Hawaii Behavioral Health and Wellness Convention

Session Chair: Sean W. Scanlan, PhD, Director and Associate Professor, Hawai'i School of Professional Psychology at Chaminade University of Honolulu

Inouye, Ann
Exploring MDMA-assisted therapy
Depending on the dose, setting, and individual, MDMA’s short-term psychoactive effects assists in regulating mood, increases trust within a psychotherapeutic environment, and emotional awareness; reducing the amygdala’s fear response. The effect is decreased hypervigilance and anxiety and improved states of consciousness. Multiple receptors, neurotransmitters, and intermediary processes account for MDMA's neurobiological effects. In 2017, a series of six phase 2 clinical trials looking at MDMA-AT for treatment-resistant PTSD found that 54% of MDMA full-dose participants no longer met the diagnosis of PTSD. No studies have been found or published on adverse effects MDMA-AT. With the upcoming completion of Phase 3 trials of MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD, an FDA designated "breakthrough therapy", it is time to update the public understanding of MDMA and reassess its highly politicized history with a sagacity towards the evidence.

Nordstrom, Derek
Tai Chi Chuan Can Change Your Mind and Your Brain
Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient marital art that has been said to have positive physical and mental health benefits. Until recently, there weren’t any studies on the effects of Tai Chi Chuan practice upon the structures of the brain. In this poster, I present research which indicates that several parts of the brain are affected by the long-term practice of Tai Chi Chuan including the prefrontal cortex, motor cortex, occipital cortex, as well as brain white and gray matter. Moreover, I look at the important functions of the parts of the brain affected by Tai Chi Chuan practice, as well as enhanced functioning experienced by practitioners. I also look briefly at the positive affects Tai Chi Chuan has upon neurological disorders like Parkinson’s disease and how Tai Chi Chuan can help with cognitive processes involving executive functioning including memory, as well as mood disorders including depression.

Rhines, Nuri
The role of pediatric neuropsychology in treating neurocognitive deficits in children and adolescents affected by child maltreatment
Even though the effects of child maltreatment are prevalent in society, children with abuse history make up a small percentage of patients that are being assessed and treated by pediatric neuropsychologists. Growing research has shown the ways child abuse can affect and change a developing brain, but there are few studies that take a comprehensive approach to looking at all domains of neurocognitive functioning that may be affected by child maltreatment. This review looks at the current research on the neurocognitive domains affected by child maltreatment and proposes the role pediatric neuropsychology should play in assessing and treating this population. There is limited research that looks at all the domains of neurocognitive functioning affected by child maltreatment. There are also some inconsistencies in which neurocognitive functions are affected by child maltreatment. Understanding a child’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses sets the foundation to implement early intervention strategies. It is currently not a requirement for children to undergo a neuropsychological evaluation when placed into foster care. A neuropsychological assessment should be a requirement of every child when they enter into the system to examine which resources are needed, and to determine placement for school and therapy.

Tavares, Ana
Exploring the role of the insula in the brain-behavior relationship
It is commonly taught that our brain has four lobes (frontal, temporal, parietal, and occipital), each with their own specific function; However, the Insula is becoming increasingly referred to as the fifth lobe due to emerging research exposing its diverse functioning involving emotion, and the regulation of the body’s internal state. For my proposed poster, I will explore the importance of the Insula by examining its functional neuroanatomy, functioning, and the consequences of Insular dysfunction.