מעבדת EEG

SEE FAR CBT is an integrated treatment protocol for PTSD and anxiety disorders, incorporating elements of CBT, somatic experience, and imagery-based methods, particularly fantastic reality (FR). FR is introduced through the use of associative therapeutic cards known as COPE cards. While some initial evidence exists regarding the integration of COPE cards in psychotherapy, further validation is required to determine their capacity to elicit distinct arousal-affective states in observers. In a series of studies, we aim to assess whether exposure to COPE cards induces varying emotional-psychophysiological states through objective physiological measures reflecting autonomic nervous system responses as well as electrophysiological neural activity, employing the Event-Related Potentials technique. This investigation seeks to enhance the validation of COPE cards as a potentially effective tool within the SEE FAR CBT therapeutic process. These studies encompass both normative and clinical populations, with a particular focus on individuals suffering from PTSD resulting from sexual assault.

 Symptomatic sickle cell disease (SCD) is the most frequent cause of hereditary hemolytic anemia. Hallmarks of this disease include hemolysis, vaso-occlusive episodes, and pain crises, all contributing significantly to the global socio-economic burden. Memantine, an NMDA receptor inhibitor, has been suggested as a novel pharmacological target for prophylactic treatment in this patient population. The primary objectives of this study are to assess the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of low doses of Memantine in adult and adolescent patients with symptomatic SCD, as well as to evaluate its long-term impact on clinical and laboratory parameters. Within this context, our laboratory is particularly focused on investigating the potential effects of Memantine treatment on cognitive function and patterns of brain activity among SCD patients.

Playing a musical instrument is considered one of the most intricate activities for the human brain, relying on various cognitive abilities such as attention, working memory, processing speed, and high-level executive functions. Individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may often experience challenges related to these cognitive skills. We aim to investigate whether active engagement in playing musical instruments such as the guitar and piano can potentially yield positive effects on the cognitive functions of individuals coping with ADHD. To achieve this objective, we employ various cognitive assessments to compare young adults with ADHD who have undergone extensive and prolonged musical training with a control group of individuals with ADHD who have never had any experience playing a musical instrument.

Raz, S., Koren, A., Levin, C. (2019). Attention, response inhibition and brain event-related potentials alterations in adults with beta-thalassemia major. British Journal of Haematology, 186, 580-591. 

Fiterman, O., Raz, S. (2019). Cognitive, neural and endocrine functioning during late pregnancy: An Event-Related Potentials study. Hormones and Behavior, 116.

Dan, O., Zreik, G., Raz, S. (2020). The relationship between individuals with fearful-avoidant adult attachment orientation and early neural responses to emotional content: An event-related potentials (ERPs) study. Neuropsychology, 34, 155–167. 

Raz, S., Koren, A., Levin, C. (2022). Associations between red blood cell indices and iron status and neurocognitive function in young adults: Evidence from memory and executive function tests and event-related potentials. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1517(1), 300–313. 

Raz, S., & Lahad, M. (2022). Physiological indicators of emotional arousal related to ANS activity in response to associative cards for psychotherapeutic PTSD treatment. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13.‏