Stuart J. Johnstone

Top Publications

Year	Title
2017	Game-based combined cognitive and neurofeedback training using Focus Pocus reduces symptom severity in children with diagnosed AD/HD and subclinical AD/HD Published in International Journal of Psychophysiology
2017	Atypical interference control in children with AD/HD with elevated theta/beta ratio Published in Biological Psychology
2013	Ten years on: A follow-up review of ERP research in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Published in Clinical Neurophysiology
2013	Computer gaming and ADHD: Potential positive influences on behavior Published in IEEE Technology and Society Magazine
2012	Neurocognitive training for children with and without AD/HD
2010	A pilot study of combined working memory and inhibition training for children with AD/HD

Research Areas

1701 - PSYCHOLOGY

Research Overview

OVERVIEW

Professor Johnstone is a researcher and teacher at the University of Wollongong. After undergraduate studies and PhD at the University of Wollongong, and a post-doctoral role in the Department of Psychological Medicine at University of Sydney, he took up an academic appointment in the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong in 1999.

IMPACT

Professor Johnstone has published over 95 research articles, and this work has been cited over 6680 times (Google Scholar), with a current h-index (@ 20/02/19) of:
- Google Scholar: 45
- Scopus: 35
RESEARCH INTERESTS

(1) Using brain electrical activity measures (EEG and event-related potentials) to understand processes and disorders

Pre-school
- EEG correlates of executive functions (with A/Prof Steven Howard, UOW, and Prof Ted Melhuish, Oxford)
Children
- Normative development of inhibition and attention
- Measuring typical inhibition and attention via performance and EEG/ERPs
- Executive functioning and ERPs in children with AD/HD
Adults
- EEG predictors of recovery from stroke (lead by Dr Jeff Rogers, USyd)
- Inhibitory control in OCD (lead by Dr Sue Thomas, UOW)
- EEG predictors of recovery from stroke TBI in children (lead by Dr Jeff Rogers, USyd)
(2) Cognitive and neurocognitive training to improve functioning.

Pre-school
- Storybook exercises for improving executive functioning (lead by Dr Steven Howard, UOW, Prof Ted Melhuish, Oxford)
Children
- Neurocognitive training for improving behaviour in AD/HD
- Clincian-assisted neurocognitive training for improving behaviour in AD/HD
Adults
- Cognitive and neurocognitive training for improving function
- Neurocognitive training for adults with TBI (with Melinda Hickey)
- Brain electrical and performance markers of inhibitory control training
- Inhibitory training to reduce risky drinking (lead by Dr Janette Smith, UNSW)
(3) Assessment of neurocognitive and other key factors in children.
- Developing typical and clinical norms for brain electrical activity (EEG), executive functions, sleep patterns, psychological needs satisfaction (child and parent perspectives), quality of life, self-regulation, behaviour at home and at school in children aged 5-12 years.
AWARDS
- UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Global Strategy (2018)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2017)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2015)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2014)
- UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Commercialisation (2013)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2009)
- UOW Postgraduate Award Scholarship (1996)
MEDIA

Neurocognitive training for children with AD/HD
Brain training for healthier food choices
Mindfulness for childhood trauma - an EEG perspective
- Illawarra Mercury (05/05/2017)
Brain activity and cognition in Coeliac Disease
- Illawarra Mercury (04/07/2017)
Commentaries
- New Daily: Fidget spinners (04/05/2017)

Geographic Focus

Wollongong Geographic Region

Available as Research Supervisor

Available for Collaborative Projects

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2019	Time Effects on Resting EEG in Children With/Without AD/HD Published In Brain Topography: journal of functional neurophysiology Volume 32 Pages 286 - 294 ISSN 0896-0267 Altmetric
2018	Acute EEG Patterns Associated With Transient Ischemic Attack Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience ISSN 1550-0594 Altmetric
2018	The role of resting-state EEG localized activation and central nervous system arousal in executive function performance in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 129 Pages 1192 - 1200 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2017	Acute single channel EEG predictors of cognitive function after stroke Published In PLoS One Volume 12 Pages 1 - 15 ISSN 1932-6203 Altmetric
2017	Atypical interference control in children with AD/HD with elevated theta/beta ratio Published In Biological Psychology Volume 128 Pages 82 - 88 Altmetric
2017	Current forms of inhibitory training produce no greater reduction in drinking than simple assessment: A preliminary study Published In Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 173 Pages 47 - 58 ISSN 0376-8716 Altmetric
2017	Electroencephalogram Theta/Beta Ratio and Spectral Power Correlates of Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents With AD/HD Published In Journal of Attention Disorders Volume Online first Pages 1 - 12 ISSN 1087-0547 Altmetric
2017	Enhancing preschoolers’ executive functions through embedding cognitive activities in shared book reading Published In Educational Psychology Review Volume 29 Pages 153 - 174 ISSN 1040-726X Altmetric
2017	Game-based combined cognitive and neurofeedback training using Focus Pocus reduces symptom severity in children with diagnosed AD/HD and subclinical AD/HD Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 116 Pages 32 - 44 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2017	Increased Beta Activity Links to Impaired Emotional Control in ADHD Adults With High IQ Published In Journal of Attention Disorders Volume Online First Pages 1 - 11 ISSN 1087-0547 Altmetric
2016	Aiding the diagnosis of AD/HD in childhood: Using actigraphy and a continuous performance test to objectively quantify symptoms Published In Research in Developmental Disabilities Volume 59 Pages 35 - 42 ISSN 1873-3379 Altmetric
2016	Electrophysiology of facilitation priming in obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 127 Pages 464 - 478 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2016	Mismatch negativity and P50 sensory gating in abstinent former cannabis users Published In Neural Plasticity Volume 2016 Pages 6526437-1 - 6526437-11 Altmetric
2016	Test-retest reliability of a single-channel, wireless EEG system Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 106 Pages 87 - 96 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2016	The relevance of attention in schizophrenia P50 paired stimulus studies Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 127 Pages 2448 - 2454 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2015	A preliminary multiple case report of neurocognitive training for children with AD/HD in China Published In Sage Open Volume 5 Pages 1 - 13 ISSN 2158-2440 Altmetric
2015	Clarifying the functional process represented by P50 suppression Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 96 Pages 149 - 154 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2014	Chronic effects of cannabis use on the auditory mismatch negativity Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 75 Pages 449 - 458 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2014	How specific are inhibitory deficits to obsessive-compulsive disorder? A neurophysiological comparison with panic disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 125 Pages 463 - 475 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2014	Skin conductance measures of emotional reactivity to threatening stimuli in obsessive-compulsive disorder versus panic disorder Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 94 Pages 209 - 209 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2014	Structural equation modelling to assess relationships between event-related potential components, heart rate and skin conductance in the context of emotional stimuli Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 94 Pages 245 - 246 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2014	Training-induced improvements in inhibitor control Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 94 Pages 176 - 176 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Chronic effects of cannabis on sensory gating Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 381 - 389 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Computer gaming and ADHD: Potential positive influences on behavior Published In IEEE Technology and Society Magazine Volume 32 Pages 20 - 22 ISSN 0278-0097 Altmetric
2013	Event-rate effects in the flanker task: ERPs and task performance in children with and without AD/HD Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 87 Pages 340 - 348 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Excess beta activity in the EEG of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A disorder of arousal? Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 314 - 319 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Neural time course of threat-related attentional bias and interference in panic and obsessive–compulsive disorders Published In Biological Psychology Volume 94 Pages 116 - 129 ISSN 0301-0511 Altmetric
2013	Psychophysiology in Australasia. Selected papers from the 22nd Annual meeting of the Australasian society for Psychophysiology, ASP2012, held at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 28-30 November 2012 Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 285 - 287 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Short-term training in the Go/Nogo task: Behavioural and neural changes depend on task demands Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 87 Pages 301 - 312 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Ten years on: A follow-up review of ERP research in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 124 Pages 644 - 657 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2013	The effects of inhibitory control training on alcohol consumption, implicit alcohol-related cognitions and brain electrical activity Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 342 - 348 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Varying task difficulty in the Go/Nogo task: The effects of inhibitory control, arousal, and perceived effort on ERP components Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 87 Pages 262 - 272 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2012	Does training on inhibitory tasks influence alcohol consumption and attitudes? Published In Drug and Alcohol Review Volume 31 Pages 32 - 32 ISSN 0959-5236
2012	EEG from a single-channel dry-sensor recording device Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 43 Pages 112 - 120 ISSN 1550-0594 Altmetric
2012	Neurocognitive training for children with and without AD/HD Volume 4 Pages 11 - 23 ISSN 1866-6116 Altmetric
2012	The effects of regular long-term cannabis use on auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 136 Pages S82 - S82 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2011	A meta-analysis of response inhibition and Stroop interference control deficits in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) Published In Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology Volume 33 Pages 471 - 485 ISSN 1380-3395 Altmetric
2011	An evaluation of P50 paired-click methodologies Published In Psychophysiology Volume 48 Pages 1692 - 1700 ISSN 0048-5772 Altmetric
2011	Behavioural differences between EEG-defined subgroups of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 122 Pages 1333 - 1341 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2011	Caffeine and opening the eyes have additive effects on resting arousal measures Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 122 Pages 2010 - 2015 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2010	A pilot study of combined working memory and inhibition training for children with AD/HD Volume 2 Pages 31 - 42 ISSN 1866-6116 Altmetric
2010	Auditory mismatch negativity and long-term cannabis use Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A58 - A58 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2010	Chronic cannabis use alters neurophysiological functioning during the Stroop color-naming task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 103 - 103 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Chronic cannabis users show altered neurophysiological functioning on Stroop task conflict resolution Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 212 Pages 613 - 624 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Chronic use of cannabis and poor neural efficiency in verbal memory ability Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 209 Pages 319 - 340 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Computerised inhibition and working memory training for children with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An active-task EEG analysis Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 111 - 111 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Neuroelectric evidence of early attentional bias towards threat in obsessive-compulsive disorder Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 117 - 117 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Preliminary validation of portable single-channel EEG recording device Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 109 - 109 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Varying required effort during interference control in children with AD/HD: task performance and ERPs Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 76 Pages 174 - 185 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2010	Varying task difficulty in the Go/Nogo task: a preliminary analysis Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 103 - 103 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	An evaluation of P50 suppression methodologies Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 1 - 1 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	Are response inhibition and interference control affected in children with AD/HD? Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 40 Page p. 226 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	Arousal-state modulation in Children with AD/HD Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 120 Pages 30 - 40 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2009	Caffeine effects on resting-state arousal in children Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 73 Pages 355 - 361 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2009	Dysfunctional response preparation and inhibition during a visual go/nogo task in children with two subtypes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Published In Psychiatry Research Volume 166 Pages 223 - 237 ISSN 1872-7123 Altmetric
2009	EEG differences in children between eyes-closed and eyes-open resting conditions Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 120 Pages 1806 - 1811 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2009	Electroencephalogram ¿/ß ratio and arousal in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence of independent processes Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 66 Pages 398 - 401 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2009	Facilitation and inhibition in the go/nogo task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 40 Pages 229 - 229 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	Response inhibition and interference control in children with AD/HD: A visual ERP investigation Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 72 Pages 145 - 153 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2009	Sequence effects in the Go/NoGo task: inhibition and facilitation Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 74 Pages 209 - 219 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2009	The influence of stimulus degradation on interference control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: an ERP investigation Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 40 Pages 229 - 229 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Cognitive training for children with AD/HD: A pilot investigation of behaviour, task performance and ERPS Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69, Pages 196 - 196 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	ERPs and task performance during response inhibition and interference control in children with AD/HD Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Page p. 195 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Effects of Imipramine Hydrochloride on the EEG of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder who are non-responsive to stimulants Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 68 Pages 186 - 192 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2008	Effects of varying stop-signal probability on ERPs in the stop-signal task: Do they reflect variations in inhibitory processing or simply novelty effects? Published In Biological Psychology Volume 77 Pages 324 - 336 ISSN 0301-0511 Altmetric
2008	Event-rate and AD/HD: A topographic and preparation potential analysis of response inhibition Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Page p. 157 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Examining the effect of CNV resolution on N2 and P3 in a cued Go/NoGo task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Pages 156 - 168 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Inhibition and facilitation in obsessive-compulsive disorder Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Pages 166 - 166 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Movement-related potentials in the Go/NoGo task: The P3 reflects both cognitive and motor inhibition Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 119 Pages 704 - 714 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2008	Response inhibition and impulsivity in adults with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Pages 218 - 218 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Separating arousal from activation: EEG correlates Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Pages 156 - 168 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Sequence effects in the Go/NoGo task suggest an inhibitory interpretation of P3 but not N2 Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Pages 195 - 196 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Subtraction of a virtual CNV factor leaves N2 AND P3 Go/NoGo effects intact Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Page p. 218 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Timing of caffeine's impact on autonomic and central nervous system measures: clarification of arousal effects Published In Biological Psychology Volume 77 Pages 304 - 316 ISSN 0301-0511 Altmetric
2007	A developmental investigation of stop-signal inhibition: Dissociating low- and higher-frequency activity in the event-related potential Published In Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 21 Pages 109 - 126 ISSN 0269-8803 Altmetric
2007	Arousal state modulation in AD/HD: An event-related potential investigation of inhibition Published In Australian Journal of Psychology Volume 59 (Supplement), Pages 237 - 237 ISSN 0004-9530
2007	Arousal-state modulation in AD/HD: an event-related potential investigation of inhibition Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 220 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Behavioural and ERP indices of response inhibition during a stop-signal task in children with two subtypes of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 66 Pages 37 - 47 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2007	Caffeine effects on ERPs and performance in an auditory Go/NoGo task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 232 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Caffeine effects on ERPs and performance in an auditory Go/NoGo task Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 2692 - 2699 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	Coherence in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and excess beta in their EEG Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 1472 - 1479 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	EEG differences between eyes-closed and eyes-open resting conditions Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 2765 - 2773 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	Effects of stimulant medications on the EEG of girls with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 232 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Effects of stimulant medications on the EEG of girls with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 2700 - 2708 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	Event-related potentials during an emotional stroop task Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 63 Pages 221 - 231 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2007	Interference control in children with AD/HD: an ERP and behavioural analysis Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Page p. 226 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Neural mechanisms underlying trait impulsivity in non-clinical adults: stop-signal performance and event-related potentials Published In Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry Volume 31 Pages 443 - 454 ISSN 0364-7722 Altmetric
2007	Response inhibition during a stop-signal task in two subtypes of AD/HD Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 232 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Response priming in the Go/Nogo task: the N2 reflects neither inhibition nor conflict Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 343 - 355 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	The development of stop-signal and Go/NoGo response inhibition in children aged 7-12 years: performance and event-related potential indices Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 63 Pages 25 - 38 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2007	The emotional stroop effect in panic disorder: an electrophysiological study Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Page p. 231 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	The functional significance of P3 in a response conflict paradigm Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Page p. 221 ISSN 1550-0594

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2013	An ERP investigation of specific inhibition in experienced table tennis players Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 67 - 67 Altmetric
2013	An examination of impulsivity in adolescence: Frontal alpha EEG markers and relations with emotion regulation Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 36 - 36 Altmetric
2013	An investigation of mismatch negativity in current and ex-cannabis users using a feature controlled method Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 65 - 65 Altmetric
2013	Combined cognitive and state-control training for children with and without AD/HD: Effects on behaviour, working memory and resting EEG Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 18 - 18 Altmetric
2013	Familial analysis of MMN in cannabis users: A case study Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 64 - 64 Altmetric
2013	Set-switching in obsessive-compulsive disorder: an ERP comparison with panic disorder Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 59 - 59 Altmetric
2008	Cognitive training for children with AD/HD: A pilot investigation of behaviour, task performance and ERPS Published In Conference of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Pages 160 - 160 Volume 39

Assignee For Patent

Investigator On

Year	Title
2017 - 2021	Prevention Research Support Program - Early Start Awarded by: NSW Health Funding Scheme: Prevention Research Support Program - PRSP
2011	A longitudinal study into the development of personal vulnerabilities and well-being in adolescence Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects

Other Research Activities

Australian Government, Australian Award, Endeavour Executive Fellowship Professional Development at Institute of Mental Health Peking University 2018
Physical activity to enhance executive functions in pre-school children. University of Wollongong, Faculty of Social Sciences Seed Grant Chief Investigator C 2017
Does combining personal best goal setting with neurocognitive training improve the outcomes for children with AD/HD? University of Wollongong, Faculty of Social Sciences Seed Grant Chief Investigator 2016 - 2017
Developing large-scale electrophysiological and neurocognitive training research projects in China. University of Wollongong, University Internationalisation Committee, International Links Grant. Lead Investigator 2015 - 2016
Combined cognitive and state control training for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or similar symptoms. University of Wollongong, University Research Committee, Research Partnerships Grant Chief Investigator 2013 - 2014

Impact Story

Making a non-drug treatment available to children with ADHD around the world
Summary
We have developed a non-drug treatment for children with ADHD (Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and made it available around the world. Our treatment is in the form of computer software which provides a fun "wizard in training" themed environment to help children train to improve important abilities such as memory, impulse control, and attention control. The training software was available commercially from 2013 to 2016 and has been available free-of-charge since January 2017. To date, many thousands of children have used the treatment and experienced benefits such as better control of their behaviour, better concentration in the classroom, and more effective completion of schoolwork. Parents and teachers have reported significant reductions in the typical symptoms of ADHD such as inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviours. Crucially, we have provided a non-drug treatment alternative to parents, and we have a substantial amount of research evidence that supports the benefits of the treatment.

Detail View

Detail View Summary View
Detail of Impact
Stimulant-based medication (such as Ritalin) is commonly used to treat the symptoms of ADHD, but this approach has many worrying side-effects and parents are concerned about long-term treatment using medication. We decided to develop a non-drug treatment alternative, starting in early 2006, in response to parent concerns and a NSW state government report confirming the lack of evidence-based alternatives to medication. Over the next 6 years we conducted research studies and simultaneously developed the world’s first evidence-based training system for the improvement of behavioural control in children with ADHD. The system is highly innovative as it brings together working memory and impulse-control training, and also incorporates attention training using objective attention levels obtained via a wireless brain electrical activity (EEG) recording device. Further, the training is presented in a game format, to promote engagement and compliance. A series of research studies conducted in Australia and China have reported the substantial behavioural and cognitive benefits of the treatment. Driven by a desire to make this treatment alternative available to as many children and families as possible, in 2012 an industry partner was secured to develop commercial-grade software, and research continued into the efficacy of the approach. In early 2013 the treatment was embodied as a commercially available software product with the licensee establishing distribution contracts in Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, UK, and China. On a societal level, this program of research has resulted in demonstrable global benefit by bringing to market an affordable, research-supported, non-drug treatment program for children with ADHD. For example, over 5200 user accounts have been created on the software server. The software allows parents to provide scores on ADHD symptoms before and after completion of the program. Data from the server indicates that many end users of the product are reporting positive outcomes. Starting January 2017, the training system has been available free-of-charge to people from around the world while further licensing agreements are negotiated. The system has been provided to parents and children from various European countries, USA, Australia, China, Korea, Russia, and many other countries. On an individual level, completion of the training program has a substantial impact for the child via normalisation of behaviour, improved peer relationships, reduction of exposure to medication-based treatments, and improved academic performance. Importantly, the training outcomes also impact their family (via less disruptive behaviour; improved family harmony), their classroom teachers and peers (via less disruptive behaviour), and their school more broadly (via improved academic performance of the child). Research studies currently underway are set to <ul><li>More closely assess the impact of the training in the classroom (in collaboration with Dr Jiang at Hangzhou College of Early Childhood Teachers’ Education at Zhejiang Normal University in China)</li><li>To look at the contribution of each of the training targets (i.e. memory, impulse control, attention control) to benefits with a view to customising training based on each particular child's needs (in collaboration with Prof Li at the Institute of Mental Health at Peking University in China)</li><li>Compare training outcomes to medication treatment-as-usual (in collaboration with Dr Qin at the Centre for Cognition and Sleeping (CCS), People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Nanning in China). </li></ul>
Field of Research
Countries / Regions
Beneficiaries

Beneficiary Quantification Description
External Partners
Evidence of Impact

Evidence Description
UOW Centres / Programs
UOW Researchers / Collaborators

Available as Research Supervisor

Teaching Activities

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)	Early Cognitive Control in the Context of Atypical Development	Varcoe, Stephanie
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)	Neurocognitive training for adults with traumatic brain injury.	Hickey, Melinda

Outreach Overview

Community:
- My research has often been publicized in local and national media (see overview).
- Developed and lead commercialization of training product for non-drug symptom reduction for children with AD/HD. Many thousands of users world-wide.
Professional:
- President of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology (ASP) from 2007 to 2010. ASP is the primary professional organisation for researchers in psychophysiology in the Australasian region.
- Oz Reader for Australian Research Council since 2006, providing assessment of submitted Discovery and Linkage grants. This role reflects strongly on my research reputation, as Oz Readers are chosen based on research performance, evidence of good assessor performance, relevant disciplinary expertise/standing, and evidence of an ability to support the research of others.
- Regularly review research articles for leading international journals in my area: e.g. Clinical Neurophysiology, International Journal of Psychophysiology, Brain and Cognition, Psychophysiology, Brain Research, Biological Psychology, Neuropsychologia, Acta Neuropsychiatrica, Biological Psychiatry.
- Invited Participant and Invited Chair of symposia at international conferences, and have been on the Organising Committee and Scientific Committee for several national and internatonal conferences.

Organizer Of Event

ASP2013 - 23rd Annual meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, University of Wollongong, 20-22 November 2013. 2013

Education And Training

Ph.D. in Psychophysiology, University of Wollongong, Psychology 1995 - 1999
B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Wollongong, School of Psychology, (Hons, Class 1) 1991 - 1994

Credentials

Registered Psychologist, 2001 - 2018

Awards And Honors

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Global Strategy, conferred by University of Wollongong, 2018
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence (Outstanding Achievement in Research Commercialisation), conferred by University of Wollongong, Australia, 2013
Visiting Professor, conferred by Hangzhou College of Early Childhood Teachers’ Education, Zhejiang Normal University, China, 2018 -

Teaching Overview

I have been teaching (lecturer and tutor) in the areas of Biological Psychology and Psychophysiology since July 1999.

Keywords

Electroencephalogram, EEG, event-related potentials, ERPs, ADHD, neurofeedback, cognitive training

Full Name

Stuart J Johnstone

Mailing Address

School of Psychology

University of Wollongong

Wollongong

NSW

2522

Australia

Geographic Location

Wollongong, Australia

Located In Facility

41.G50

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5380-9952 (confirmed)

Scopus Id

7006427797

Top Publications

Year	Title
2017	Game-based combined cognitive and neurofeedback training using Focus Pocus reduces symptom severity in children with diagnosed AD/HD and subclinical AD/HD Published in International Journal of Psychophysiology
2017	Atypical interference control in children with AD/HD with elevated theta/beta ratio Published in Biological Psychology
2013	Ten years on: A follow-up review of ERP research in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Published in Clinical Neurophysiology
2013	Computer gaming and ADHD: Potential positive influences on behavior Published in IEEE Technology and Society Magazine
2012	Neurocognitive training for children with and without AD/HD
2010	A pilot study of combined working memory and inhibition training for children with AD/HD

Research Areas

1701 - PSYCHOLOGY

Research Overview

OVERVIEW

Professor Johnstone is a researcher and teacher at the University of Wollongong. After undergraduate studies and PhD at the University of Wollongong, and a post-doctoral role in the Department of Psychological Medicine at University of Sydney, he took up an academic appointment in the School of Psychology at the University of Wollongong in 1999.

IMPACT

Professor Johnstone has published over 95 research articles, and this work has been cited over 6680 times (Google Scholar), with a current h-index (@ 20/02/19) of:
- Google Scholar: 45
- Scopus: 35
RESEARCH INTERESTS

(1) Using brain electrical activity measures (EEG and event-related potentials) to understand processes and disorders

Pre-school
- EEG correlates of executive functions (with A/Prof Steven Howard, UOW, and Prof Ted Melhuish, Oxford)
Children
- Normative development of inhibition and attention
- Measuring typical inhibition and attention via performance and EEG/ERPs
- Executive functioning and ERPs in children with AD/HD
Adults
- EEG predictors of recovery from stroke (lead by Dr Jeff Rogers, USyd)
- Inhibitory control in OCD (lead by Dr Sue Thomas, UOW)
- EEG predictors of recovery from stroke TBI in children (lead by Dr Jeff Rogers, USyd)
(2) Cognitive and neurocognitive training to improve functioning.

Pre-school
- Storybook exercises for improving executive functioning (lead by Dr Steven Howard, UOW, Prof Ted Melhuish, Oxford)
Children
- Neurocognitive training for improving behaviour in AD/HD
- Clincian-assisted neurocognitive training for improving behaviour in AD/HD
Adults
- Cognitive and neurocognitive training for improving function
- Neurocognitive training for adults with TBI (with Melinda Hickey)
- Brain electrical and performance markers of inhibitory control training
- Inhibitory training to reduce risky drinking (lead by Dr Janette Smith, UNSW)
(3) Assessment of neurocognitive and other key factors in children.
- Developing typical and clinical norms for brain electrical activity (EEG), executive functions, sleep patterns, psychological needs satisfaction (child and parent perspectives), quality of life, self-regulation, behaviour at home and at school in children aged 5-12 years.
AWARDS
- UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Global Strategy (2018)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2017)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2015)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2014)
- UOW Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in Research Commercialisation (2013)
- School of Psychology, Best Lecturer (Autumn 2009)
- UOW Postgraduate Award Scholarship (1996)
MEDIA

Neurocognitive training for children with AD/HD
Brain training for healthier food choices
Mindfulness for childhood trauma - an EEG perspective
- Illawarra Mercury (05/05/2017)
Brain activity and cognition in Coeliac Disease
- Illawarra Mercury (04/07/2017)
Commentaries
- New Daily: Fidget spinners (04/05/2017)

Geographic Focus

Wollongong Geographic Region

Head Of

Bachelor of Psychological Science @ Singapore Institute of Management Academic Program Director 2013 -

Member Of

Faculty of Social Sciences Research Committee (Early Career Research, Engagement and Development sub-Committee) School of Psychology Representative 2015 -
Faculty of Social Sciences International Committee School of Psychology Representative 2014 -

Has Collaborator

edward_melhuish Prof.
Barry, Robert J. Professor
Broyd, Samantha J. Dr.
Clarke, Adam R. A/PR
Croft, Rodney J. Available as Research Supervisor
Howard, Steven J. Dr
Roodenrys, Steven Available as Research Supervisor
Solowij, Nadia Professor

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Year	Title
2019	Time Effects on Resting EEG in Children With/Without AD/HD Published In Brain Topography: journal of functional neurophysiology Volume 32 Pages 286 - 294 ISSN 0896-0267 Altmetric
2018	Acute EEG Patterns Associated With Transient Ischemic Attack Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience ISSN 1550-0594 Altmetric
2018	The role of resting-state EEG localized activation and central nervous system arousal in executive function performance in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 129 Pages 1192 - 1200 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2017	Acute single channel EEG predictors of cognitive function after stroke Published In PLoS One Volume 12 Pages 1 - 15 ISSN 1932-6203 Altmetric
2017	Atypical interference control in children with AD/HD with elevated theta/beta ratio Published In Biological Psychology Volume 128 Pages 82 - 88 Altmetric
2017	Current forms of inhibitory training produce no greater reduction in drinking than simple assessment: A preliminary study Published In Drug and Alcohol Dependence Volume 173 Pages 47 - 58 ISSN 0376-8716 Altmetric
2017	Electroencephalogram Theta/Beta Ratio and Spectral Power Correlates of Executive Functions in Children and Adolescents With AD/HD Published In Journal of Attention Disorders Volume Online first Pages 1 - 12 ISSN 1087-0547 Altmetric
2017	Enhancing preschoolers’ executive functions through embedding cognitive activities in shared book reading Published In Educational Psychology Review Volume 29 Pages 153 - 174 ISSN 1040-726X Altmetric
2017	Game-based combined cognitive and neurofeedback training using Focus Pocus reduces symptom severity in children with diagnosed AD/HD and subclinical AD/HD Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 116 Pages 32 - 44 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2017	Increased Beta Activity Links to Impaired Emotional Control in ADHD Adults With High IQ Published In Journal of Attention Disorders Volume Online First Pages 1 - 11 ISSN 1087-0547 Altmetric
2016	Aiding the diagnosis of AD/HD in childhood: Using actigraphy and a continuous performance test to objectively quantify symptoms Published In Research in Developmental Disabilities Volume 59 Pages 35 - 42 ISSN 1873-3379 Altmetric
2016	Electrophysiology of facilitation priming in obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 127 Pages 464 - 478 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2016	Mismatch negativity and P50 sensory gating in abstinent former cannabis users Published In Neural Plasticity Volume 2016 Pages 6526437-1 - 6526437-11 Altmetric
2016	Test-retest reliability of a single-channel, wireless EEG system Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 106 Pages 87 - 96 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2016	The relevance of attention in schizophrenia P50 paired stimulus studies Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 127 Pages 2448 - 2454 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2015	A preliminary multiple case report of neurocognitive training for children with AD/HD in China Published In Sage Open Volume 5 Pages 1 - 13 ISSN 2158-2440 Altmetric
2015	Clarifying the functional process represented by P50 suppression Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 96 Pages 149 - 154 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2014	Chronic effects of cannabis use on the auditory mismatch negativity Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 75 Pages 449 - 458 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2014	How specific are inhibitory deficits to obsessive-compulsive disorder? A neurophysiological comparison with panic disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 125 Pages 463 - 475 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2014	Skin conductance measures of emotional reactivity to threatening stimuli in obsessive-compulsive disorder versus panic disorder Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 94 Pages 209 - 209 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2014	Structural equation modelling to assess relationships between event-related potential components, heart rate and skin conductance in the context of emotional stimuli Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 94 Pages 245 - 246 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2014	Training-induced improvements in inhibitor control Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 94 Pages 176 - 176 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Chronic effects of cannabis on sensory gating Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 381 - 389 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Computer gaming and ADHD: Potential positive influences on behavior Published In IEEE Technology and Society Magazine Volume 32 Pages 20 - 22 ISSN 0278-0097 Altmetric
2013	Event-rate effects in the flanker task: ERPs and task performance in children with and without AD/HD Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 87 Pages 340 - 348 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Excess beta activity in the EEG of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A disorder of arousal? Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 314 - 319 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Neural time course of threat-related attentional bias and interference in panic and obsessive–compulsive disorders Published In Biological Psychology Volume 94 Pages 116 - 129 ISSN 0301-0511 Altmetric
2013	Psychophysiology in Australasia. Selected papers from the 22nd Annual meeting of the Australasian society for Psychophysiology, ASP2012, held at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, 28-30 November 2012 Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 285 - 287 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Short-term training in the Go/Nogo task: Behavioural and neural changes depend on task demands Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 87 Pages 301 - 312 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Ten years on: A follow-up review of ERP research in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 124 Pages 644 - 657 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2013	The effects of inhibitory control training on alcohol consumption, implicit alcohol-related cognitions and brain electrical activity Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 89 Pages 342 - 348 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2013	Varying task difficulty in the Go/Nogo task: The effects of inhibitory control, arousal, and perceived effort on ERP components Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 87 Pages 262 - 272 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2012	Does training on inhibitory tasks influence alcohol consumption and attitudes? Published In Drug and Alcohol Review Volume 31 Pages 32 - 32 ISSN 0959-5236
2012	EEG from a single-channel dry-sensor recording device Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 43 Pages 112 - 120 ISSN 1550-0594 Altmetric
2012	Neurocognitive training for children with and without AD/HD Volume 4 Pages 11 - 23 ISSN 1866-6116 Altmetric
2012	The effects of regular long-term cannabis use on auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) Published In Schizophrenia Research Volume 136 Pages S82 - S82 ISSN 0920-9964 Altmetric
2011	A meta-analysis of response inhibition and Stroop interference control deficits in adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) Published In Journal of Clinical and Experimental Neuropsychology Volume 33 Pages 471 - 485 ISSN 1380-3395 Altmetric
2011	An evaluation of P50 paired-click methodologies Published In Psychophysiology Volume 48 Pages 1692 - 1700 ISSN 0048-5772 Altmetric
2011	Behavioural differences between EEG-defined subgroups of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 122 Pages 1333 - 1341 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2011	Caffeine and opening the eyes have additive effects on resting arousal measures Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 122 Pages 2010 - 2015 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2010	A pilot study of combined working memory and inhibition training for children with AD/HD Volume 2 Pages 31 - 42 ISSN 1866-6116 Altmetric
2010	Auditory mismatch negativity and long-term cannabis use Published In Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry Volume 44 Pages A58 - A58 ISSN 0004-8674 Altmetric
2010	Chronic cannabis use alters neurophysiological functioning during the Stroop color-naming task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 103 - 103 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Chronic cannabis users show altered neurophysiological functioning on Stroop task conflict resolution Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 212 Pages 613 - 624 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Chronic use of cannabis and poor neural efficiency in verbal memory ability Published In Psychopharmacology Volume 209 Pages 319 - 340 ISSN 0033-3158 Altmetric
2010	Computerised inhibition and working memory training for children with and without Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An active-task EEG analysis Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 111 - 111 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Neuroelectric evidence of early attentional bias towards threat in obsessive-compulsive disorder Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 117 - 117 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Preliminary validation of portable single-channel EEG recording device Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 109 - 109 ISSN 1550-0594
2010	Varying required effort during interference control in children with AD/HD: task performance and ERPs Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 76 Pages 174 - 185 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2010	Varying task difficulty in the Go/Nogo task: a preliminary analysis Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 103 - 103 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	An evaluation of P50 suppression methodologies Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 41 Pages 1 - 1 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	Are response inhibition and interference control affected in children with AD/HD? Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 40 Page p. 226 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	Arousal-state modulation in Children with AD/HD Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 120 Pages 30 - 40 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2009	Caffeine effects on resting-state arousal in children Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 73 Pages 355 - 361 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2009	Dysfunctional response preparation and inhibition during a visual go/nogo task in children with two subtypes of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder Published In Psychiatry Research Volume 166 Pages 223 - 237 ISSN 1872-7123 Altmetric
2009	EEG differences in children between eyes-closed and eyes-open resting conditions Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 120 Pages 1806 - 1811 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2009	Electroencephalogram ¿/ß ratio and arousal in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: evidence of independent processes Published In Biological Psychiatry Volume 66 Pages 398 - 401 ISSN 0006-3223 Altmetric
2009	Facilitation and inhibition in the go/nogo task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 40 Pages 229 - 229 ISSN 1550-0594
2009	Response inhibition and interference control in children with AD/HD: A visual ERP investigation Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 72 Pages 145 - 153 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2009	Sequence effects in the Go/NoGo task: inhibition and facilitation Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 74 Pages 209 - 219 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2009	The influence of stimulus degradation on interference control in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: an ERP investigation Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 40 Pages 229 - 229 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Cognitive training for children with AD/HD: A pilot investigation of behaviour, task performance and ERPS Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69, Pages 196 - 196 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	ERPs and task performance during response inhibition and interference control in children with AD/HD Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Page p. 195 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Effects of Imipramine Hydrochloride on the EEG of children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder who are non-responsive to stimulants Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 68 Pages 186 - 192 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2008	Effects of varying stop-signal probability on ERPs in the stop-signal task: Do they reflect variations in inhibitory processing or simply novelty effects? Published In Biological Psychology Volume 77 Pages 324 - 336 ISSN 0301-0511 Altmetric
2008	Event-rate and AD/HD: A topographic and preparation potential analysis of response inhibition Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Page p. 157 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Examining the effect of CNV resolution on N2 and P3 in a cued Go/NoGo task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Pages 156 - 168 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Inhibition and facilitation in obsessive-compulsive disorder Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Pages 166 - 166 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Movement-related potentials in the Go/NoGo task: The P3 reflects both cognitive and motor inhibition Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 119 Pages 704 - 714 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2008	Response inhibition and impulsivity in adults with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Pages 218 - 218 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Separating arousal from activation: EEG correlates Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 39 Pages 156 - 168 ISSN 1550-0594
2008	Sequence effects in the Go/NoGo task suggest an inhibitory interpretation of P3 but not N2 Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Pages 195 - 196 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Subtraction of a virtual CNV factor leaves N2 AND P3 Go/NoGo effects intact Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 69 Page p. 218 ISSN 0167-8760
2008	Timing of caffeine's impact on autonomic and central nervous system measures: clarification of arousal effects Published In Biological Psychology Volume 77 Pages 304 - 316 ISSN 0301-0511 Altmetric
2007	A developmental investigation of stop-signal inhibition: Dissociating low- and higher-frequency activity in the event-related potential Published In Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 21 Pages 109 - 126 ISSN 0269-8803 Altmetric
2007	Arousal state modulation in AD/HD: An event-related potential investigation of inhibition Published In Australian Journal of Psychology Volume 59 (Supplement), Pages 237 - 237 ISSN 0004-9530
2007	Arousal-state modulation in AD/HD: an event-related potential investigation of inhibition Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 220 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Behavioural and ERP indices of response inhibition during a stop-signal task in children with two subtypes of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 66 Pages 37 - 47 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2007	Caffeine effects on ERPs and performance in an auditory Go/NoGo task Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 232 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Caffeine effects on ERPs and performance in an auditory Go/NoGo task Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 2692 - 2699 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	Coherence in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and excess beta in their EEG Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 1472 - 1479 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	EEG differences between eyes-closed and eyes-open resting conditions Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 2765 - 2773 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	Effects of stimulant medications on the EEG of girls with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 232 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Effects of stimulant medications on the EEG of girls with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 2700 - 2708 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	Event-related potentials during an emotional stroop task Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 63 Pages 221 - 231 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2007	Interference control in children with AD/HD: an ERP and behavioural analysis Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Page p. 226 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Neural mechanisms underlying trait impulsivity in non-clinical adults: stop-signal performance and event-related potentials Published In Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry Volume 31 Pages 443 - 454 ISSN 0364-7722 Altmetric
2007	Response inhibition during a stop-signal task in two subtypes of AD/HD Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Pages 219 - 232 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	Response priming in the Go/Nogo task: the N2 reflects neither inhibition nor conflict Published In Clinical Neurophysiology Volume 118 Pages 343 - 355 ISSN 1388-2457 Altmetric
2007	The development of stop-signal and Go/NoGo response inhibition in children aged 7-12 years: performance and event-related potential indices Published In International Journal of Psychophysiology Volume 63 Pages 25 - 38 ISSN 0167-8760 Altmetric
2007	The emotional stroop effect in panic disorder: an electrophysiological study Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Page p. 231 ISSN 1550-0594
2007	The functional significance of P3 in a response conflict paradigm Published In Clinical EEG and Neuroscience Volume 38 Page p. 221 ISSN 1550-0594

Conference Paper

Year	Title
2013	An ERP investigation of specific inhibition in experienced table tennis players Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 67 - 67 Altmetric
2013	An examination of impulsivity in adolescence: Frontal alpha EEG markers and relations with emotion regulation Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 36 - 36 Altmetric
2013	An investigation of mismatch negativity in current and ex-cannabis users using a feature controlled method Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 65 - 65 Altmetric
2013	Combined cognitive and state-control training for children with and without AD/HD: Effects on behaviour, working memory and resting EEG Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 18 - 18 Altmetric
2013	Familial analysis of MMN in cannabis users: A case study Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 64 - 64 Altmetric
2013	Set-switching in obsessive-compulsive disorder: an ERP comparison with panic disorder Published In 23rd Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Conference & Annual Meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology: Program, Abstracts and Information Pages 59 - 59 Altmetric
2008	Cognitive training for children with AD/HD: A pilot investigation of behaviour, task performance and ERPS Published In Conference of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology Pages 160 - 160 Volume 39

Assignee For Patent

Investigator On

Year	Title
2017 - 2021	Prevention Research Support Program - Early Start Awarded by: NSW Health Funding Scheme: Prevention Research Support Program - PRSP
2011	A longitudinal study into the development of personal vulnerabilities and well-being in adolescence Awarded by: Australian Research Council (ARC) Funding Scheme: Discovery Projects

Other Research Activities

Australian Government, Australian Award, Endeavour Executive Fellowship Professional Development at Institute of Mental Health Peking University 2018
Physical activity to enhance executive functions in pre-school children. University of Wollongong, Faculty of Social Sciences Seed Grant Chief Investigator C 2017
Does combining personal best goal setting with neurocognitive training improve the outcomes for children with AD/HD? University of Wollongong, Faculty of Social Sciences Seed Grant Chief Investigator 2016 - 2017
Developing large-scale electrophysiological and neurocognitive training research projects in China. University of Wollongong, University Internationalisation Committee, International Links Grant. Lead Investigator 2015 - 2016
Combined cognitive and state control training for children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or similar symptoms. University of Wollongong, University Research Committee, Research Partnerships Grant Chief Investigator 2013 - 2014

Impact Story

Making a non-drug treatment available to children with ADHD around the world
Summary
We have developed a non-drug treatment for children with ADHD (Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) and made it available around the world. Our treatment is in the form of computer software which provides a fun "wizard in training" themed environment to help children train to improve important abilities such as memory, impulse control, and attention control. The training software was available commercially from 2013 to 2016 and has been available free-of-charge since January 2017. To date, many thousands of children have used the treatment and experienced benefits such as better control of their behaviour, better concentration in the classroom, and more effective completion of schoolwork. Parents and teachers have reported significant reductions in the typical symptoms of ADHD such as inattentive, impulsive, and hyperactive behaviours. Crucially, we have provided a non-drug treatment alternative to parents, and we have a substantial amount of research evidence that supports the benefits of the treatment.

Detail View

Detail View Summary View
Detail of Impact
Stimulant-based medication (such as Ritalin) is commonly used to treat the symptoms of ADHD, but this approach has many worrying side-effects and parents are concerned about long-term treatment using medication. We decided to develop a non-drug treatment alternative, starting in early 2006, in response to parent concerns and a NSW state government report confirming the lack of evidence-based alternatives to medication. Over the next 6 years we conducted research studies and simultaneously developed the world’s first evidence-based training system for the improvement of behavioural control in children with ADHD. The system is highly innovative as it brings together working memory and impulse-control training, and also incorporates attention training using objective attention levels obtained via a wireless brain electrical activity (EEG) recording device. Further, the training is presented in a game format, to promote engagement and compliance. A series of research studies conducted in Australia and China have reported the substantial behavioural and cognitive benefits of the treatment. Driven by a desire to make this treatment alternative available to as many children and families as possible, in 2012 an industry partner was secured to develop commercial-grade software, and research continued into the efficacy of the approach. In early 2013 the treatment was embodied as a commercially available software product with the licensee establishing distribution contracts in Australia, Canada, USA, Germany, UK, and China. On a societal level, this program of research has resulted in demonstrable global benefit by bringing to market an affordable, research-supported, non-drug treatment program for children with ADHD. For example, over 5200 user accounts have been created on the software server. The software allows parents to provide scores on ADHD symptoms before and after completion of the program. Data from the server indicates that many end users of the product are reporting positive outcomes. Starting January 2017, the training system has been available free-of-charge to people from around the world while further licensing agreements are negotiated. The system has been provided to parents and children from various European countries, USA, Australia, China, Korea, Russia, and many other countries. On an individual level, completion of the training program has a substantial impact for the child via normalisation of behaviour, improved peer relationships, reduction of exposure to medication-based treatments, and improved academic performance. Importantly, the training outcomes also impact their family (via less disruptive behaviour; improved family harmony), their classroom teachers and peers (via less disruptive behaviour), and their school more broadly (via improved academic performance of the child). Research studies currently underway are set to <ul><li>More closely assess the impact of the training in the classroom (in collaboration with Dr Jiang at Hangzhou College of Early Childhood Teachers’ Education at Zhejiang Normal University in China)</li><li>To look at the contribution of each of the training targets (i.e. memory, impulse control, attention control) to benefits with a view to customising training based on each particular child's needs (in collaboration with Prof Li at the Institute of Mental Health at Peking University in China)</li><li>Compare training outcomes to medication treatment-as-usual (in collaboration with Dr Qin at the Centre for Cognition and Sleeping (CCS), People’s Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in Nanning in China). </li></ul>
Field of Research
Countries / Regions
Beneficiaries

Beneficiary Quantification Description
External Partners
Evidence of Impact

Evidence Description
UOW Centres / Programs
UOW Researchers / Collaborators

Teaching Activities

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Degree	Research Title	Advisee
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)	Early Cognitive Control in the Context of Atypical Development	Varcoe, Stephanie
Doctor of Philosophy (Clinical Psychology)	Neurocognitive training for adults with traumatic brain injury.	Hickey, Melinda

Outreach Overview

Community:
- My research has often been publicized in local and national media (see overview).
- Developed and lead commercialization of training product for non-drug symptom reduction for children with AD/HD. Many thousands of users world-wide.
Professional:
- President of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology (ASP) from 2007 to 2010. ASP is the primary professional organisation for researchers in psychophysiology in the Australasian region.
- Oz Reader for Australian Research Council since 2006, providing assessment of submitted Discovery and Linkage grants. This role reflects strongly on my research reputation, as Oz Readers are chosen based on research performance, evidence of good assessor performance, relevant disciplinary expertise/standing, and evidence of an ability to support the research of others.
- Regularly review research articles for leading international journals in my area: e.g. Clinical Neurophysiology, International Journal of Psychophysiology, Brain and Cognition, Psychophysiology, Brain Research, Biological Psychology, Neuropsychologia, Acta Neuropsychiatrica, Biological Psychiatry.
- Invited Participant and Invited Chair of symposia at international conferences, and have been on the Organising Committee and Scientific Committee for several national and internatonal conferences.

Organizer Of Event

ASP2013 - 23rd Annual meeting of the Australasian Society for Psychophysiology, University of Wollongong, 20-22 November 2013. 2013

Education And Training

Ph.D. in Psychophysiology, University of Wollongong, Psychology 1995 - 1999
B.Sc. in Psychology, University of Wollongong, School of Psychology, (Hons, Class 1) 1991 - 1994

Credentials

Registered Psychologist, 2001 - 2018

Awards And Honors

Vice-Chancellor’s Award for Global Strategy, conferred by University of Wollongong, 2018
Vice-Chancellor's Award for Research Excellence (Outstanding Achievement in Research Commercialisation), conferred by University of Wollongong, Australia, 2013
Visiting Professor, conferred by Hangzhou College of Early Childhood Teachers’ Education, Zhejiang Normal University, China, 2018 -

Teaching Overview

I have been teaching (lecturer and tutor) in the areas of Biological Psychology and Psychophysiology since July 1999.

Keywords

Electroencephalogram, EEG, event-related potentials, ERPs, ADHD, neurofeedback, cognitive training

Full Name

Stuart J Johnstone

Mailing Address

School of Psychology

University of Wollongong

Wollongong

NSW

2522

Australia

Geographic Location

Wollongong, Australia

Located In Facility

41.G50

Orcid Id

http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5380-9952 (confirmed)

Scopus Id

7006427797

Overview

Top Publications

Research Areas

Research Overview

Geographic Focus

Available as Research Supervisor

Affiliation

Available for Collaborative Projects

Head Of

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Conference Paper

Assignee For Patent

Funding

Investigator On

Other Research Activities

Impact

Impact Story

Making a non-drug treatment available to children with ADHD around the world

Supervision

Available as Research Supervisor

Teaching Activities

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Service

Outreach Overview

Organizer Of Event

Background

Education And Training

Credentials

Awards And Honors

Teaching Overview

Keywords

Contact

Full Name

Mailing Address

Geographic Location

Located In Facility

Identity

Orcid Id

Scopus Id

Overview

Top Publications

Research Areas

Research Overview

Geographic Focus

Affiliation

Head Of

Member Of

Has Collaborator

Publications

Selected Publications

Journal Article

Conference Paper

Assignee For Patent

Funding

Investigator On

Other Research Activities

Impact

Impact Story

Making a non-drug treatment available to children with ADHD around the world

Supervision

Teaching Activities

Advisees

Graduate Advising Relationship

Service

Outreach Overview

Organizer Of Event

Background

Education And Training

Credentials

Awards And Honors

Teaching Overview

Keywords

Contact

Full Name

Mailing Address