Lauren S Wakschlag

Dr. Wakschlag's research is focused on translational approaches to elucidating mechanisms and phenomenology of early emerging disruptive behavior. The Developmental Mechanisms Program emphasizes developmentally-based measurement science including novel observational methodologies for use at varying developmental periods. The centerpiece of this work is NIMH-funded measurement development of tools for characterizing the phenotype of disruptive behavior in preschoolers in a manner distinct from the normative misbehavior of early childhood. This includes a completed study to validate the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS), a standardized laboratory observation method for assessing clinically salient behavior in preschoolers; and the study designed to validate the Multidimensional Assessment of Preschool Disruptive Behavior (MAP-DB)- a paper-and pencil measure of four dimensions of disruptive behavior theorized to comprise its defining features: i.e., Temper Loss, Noncompliance, Aggression and Low Concern for Others. Dr. Wakschlag’s work on mechanisms of psychopathology has a central focus on prenatal origins of health and disease. This is exemplified by her NIDA-funded work on prenatal smoking as a putative mechanism in pathways to disruptive behavior. This program of research has focused on elucidating exposure-related phenotypes across developmental periods and identifying how exposure interacts with biologic and social risk in these pathways. She and her colleagues discovered an interaction of exposure and the MAOA genotype with varying patterns by sex, and modification of exposure effects by early responsive parenting.