This project examines mechanisms linking sleep problems to suicide risk in high-risk adolescents recently discharged from acute psychiatric care. We will use ecological momentary assessment and wrist actigraphy to investigate how pre-sleep arousal affects sleep problems, and how sleep problems influence next-day emotion regulation and suicidal thoughts. By understanding these short-term, modifiable risk factors, this research aims to identify potential targets for effective interventions to reduce suicide risk in high-risk adolescents.

This dissertation examines the intergenerational transmission of ADHD, focusing on genetic and environmental (i.e., parenting) mechanisms. Using cutting-edge contemporary and classical twin designs, the study explores whether and how environmental, genetic, and genotype-environment correlational pathways interact and change across the transition from childhood to adolescence. By better understanding the role of these mechanisms in ADHD symptom development and severity, the study aims to identify translational intervention targets to improve outcomes for families affected by ADHD.