Profile image of Natalia Albein-Urios

Dr Natalia Albein-Urios

STAFF PROFILE

Position

Visitor

Faculty

Faculty of Health

Department

School of Psychology

Campus

Melbourne Burwood Campus

Qualifications

Doctor of Philosophy, , 2012

Contact

Biography summary

My research currently focuses on unravelling the neurobehavioural underpinnings of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) using advanced neuroscience technologies, such as Non-invasive Brain Stimulation (NIBS) and EEG techniques at Deakin University. I have expertise in cognitive and clinical phenotyping of ASD and Substance Use Disorders, and experience conducting developmental studies and large-scale assessment studies in this population. 

Career highlights

EMPLOYMENT & EDUCATION

2014 – present Research Fellow of Psychology (Cognitive Neuroscience), Deakin University

2013 – 2014  Research Assistant, Department of Paediatrics, Melbourne Children’s Hospital, University of Melbourne

2009 – 2012 PhD Neuropsychology, University of Granada
Thesis: Neuroimaging and genetics of the comorbidity between addiction and personality disorders
Classification: Summa Cum Laude; Best thesis in Health Sciences 

2009 Diploma of Education, University of Granada

2008-2009 Psychologist Therapist, Main Centre of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Granada
I was involved in assessment and application of behavioural guidelines to children with ASD and their parents

2007-2009 Psychologist, Child Psychology Unit, General Hospital of Alicante (Spain)

2007-2009 International Master in Clinical Psychology, Spanish Association of Behavioural Psychology
Master thesis: Cognitive impairments in very low birth children

2007 Master in Health Psychology, University Miguel Hernandez

2002-2007  BAppSc (Hons), Psychology, University of Miguel Hernandez

Research interests

Cognitive neuroscience, emotional regulation, executive functions, non-invasive brain stimulation, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), substance use disorder (SUD).

Knowledge areas

Cognitive neuroscience, emotional regulation,executive functions, transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), fMRI, EEG, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), substance use disorder (SUD). 

Awards

FUNDING, AWARDS AND PRIZES

  • Best Thesis Prize in Health Sciences, University of Granada (2016) - $500
  • Health Research Postdoctoral Fellowship, Deakin University  (2015-2017) - $187,458
  • Research Development Grant, Deakin University (2014) - $18,000
  • First Prize for Best Poster, European College of Neuropsychopharmacology Conference (2018) -$800
  • First Prize for Best Oral Presentation, “Histrionic Personality Disorder, Cocaine Dependence and ADHD”, International Congress on Dual Disorders: Addictive Behaviors and other Mental Disorders (2011) - $900

Projects

Current projects

As primary investigator:

- A clinical trial to evaluate the safety and efficacy of High-definition transcranial direct current stimulation (HD-tDCS) to improve emotional regulation and cognitive flexibility in young people with autism spectrum disorder

- Neural correlates of emotion regulation: A HD-tDCS study

- Inner speech and autism spectrum disorder traits

 

As an associate investigator:

- Theta burst stimulation (TBS) to improve social relating in autism spectrum disorder

- An investigation of the Role of the Frontoparietal Action Observation Network in Empathy

- The role of context and motor preparatory neural markers in motor resonance

Publications

Filter by

2024

Computational modelling of reinforcement learning and functional neuroimaging of probabilistic reversal for dissociating compulsive behaviours in gambling and cocaine use disorders

K Zühlsdorff, J Verdejo-Román, L Clark, N Albein-Urios, C Soriano-Mas, R Cardinal, T Robbins, J Dalley, A Verdejo-García, J Kanen

(2024), Vol. 10, pp. 1-11, BJPsych Open, Cambridge, Eng., C1

journal article
2023

A systematic review of the neurobiological effects of theta-burst stimulation (TBS) as measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)

M Kirkovski, P Donaldson, M Do, B Speranza, N Albein-Urios, L Oberman, P Enticott

(2023), Vol. 228, pp. 717-749, Brain Structure and Function, C1

journal article

An Investigation of Age-related Neuropathophysiology in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Fixel-based Analysis of Corpus Callosum White Matter Micro- and Macrostructure

M Kirkovski, M Singh, T Dhollander, I Fuelscher, C Hyde, N Albein-Urios, P Donaldson, P Enticott

(2023), Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, C1

journal article

Exploring the role of autistic traits and eating disorder psychopathology on mentalising ability in the general population

K Fithall, I Gray, J Linardon, A Phillipou, P Donaldson, N Albein-Urios, P Enticott, M Fuller-Tyszkiewicz, M Kirkovski

(2023), Vol. 11, pp. 1-12, BMC Psychology, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2022

Brain networks alterations in cocaine use and gambling disorders during emotion regulation

M Picó-Pérez, V Costumero, J Verdejo-Román, N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, C Soriano-Mas, A Barrós-Loscertales, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2022), Vol. 11, pp. 373-385, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, Hungary, C1

journal article
2021

Is the Putative Mirror Neuron System Associated with Empathy? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

S Bekkali, G Youssef, P Donaldson, N Albein-Urios, C Hyde, P Enticott

(2021), Vol. 31, pp. 14-57, Neuropsychology Review, United States, C1

journal article

Inner Speech Moderates the Relationship Between Autism Spectrum Traits and Emotion Regulation

N Albein-Urios, G Youssef, A Klas, P Enticott

(2021), Vol. 51, pp. 3322-3330, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, United States, C1

journal article

Special issue on vulnerabilities to substance abuse impulsivity traits and neurocognitive mechanisms conferring vulnerability to substance use disorders

A Verdejo-Garcia, N Albein-Urios

(2021), Vol. 183, Neuropharmacology, England, C1

journal article

Meta-Analysis Reveals Gait Anomalies in Autism

J Lum, K Shandley, N Albein-Urios, M Kirkovski, N Papadopoulos, R Wilson, P Enticott, N Rinehart

(2021), Vol. 14, pp. 733-747, Autism Research, United States, C1

journal article

Do comorbid personality disorders in cocaine dependence exacerbate neuroanatomical alterations? A structural neuroimaging study

C Roberts, V Lorenzetti, N Albein-Urios, M Kowalczyk, J Martinez-Gonzalez, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2021), Vol. 110, Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry, England, C1

journal article

Large-scale analysis of interindividual variability in single and paired-pulse TMS data

D Corp, H Bereznicki, G Clark, G Youssef, P Fried, A Jannati, C Davies, J Gomes-Osman, M Kirkovski, N Albein-Urios, P Fitzgerald, G Koch, V Di Lazzaro, A Pascual-Leone, P Enticott

(2021), Vol. 132, pp. 2639-2653, Clinical Neurophysiology, Netherlands, C1

journal article

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in autism spectrum disorder: Protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled clinical trial

P Enticott, K Barlow, A Guastella, M Licari, N Rogasch, C Middeldorp, S Clark, A Vallence, K Boulton, I Hickie, A Whitehouse, C Galletly, G Alvares, H Fujiyama, H Heussler, J Craig, M Kirkovski, N Mills, N Rinehart, P Donaldson, T Ford, K Caeyenberghs, N Albein-Urios, S Bekkali, P Fitzgerald

(2021), Vol. 11, BMJ Open, England, C1

journal article
2020

The neural interface between negative emotion regulation and motivation for change in cocaine dependent individuals under treatment

O Contreras-Rodríguez, N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, J Menchón, C Soriano-Mas, A Verdejo-García

(2020), Vol. 208, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Ireland, C1

journal article

The Effect of Visual Articulatory Information on the Neural Correlates of Non-native Speech Sound Discrimination

J Plumridge, M Barham, D Foley, A Ware, G Clark, N Albein-Urios, M Hayden, J Lum

(2020), Vol. 14, Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, Switzerland, C1

journal article

Unpacking common and distinct neuroanatomical alterations in cocaine dependent versus pathological gambling

P Irizar, N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, A Verdejo-Garcia, V Lorenzetti

(2020), Vol. 33, pp. 81-88, European Neuropsychopharmacology, Netherlands, C1

journal article
2019

Self-awareness deficits associated with lower treatment motivation in cocaine addiction

B Castine, N Albein-Urios, O Lozano-Rojas, J Martinez-Gonzalez, J Hohwy, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2019), Vol. 45, pp. 108-114, American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, England, C1

journal article

Neuropsychological Interventions for Decision-Making in Addiction: a Systematic Review

A Verdejo-García, M Alcázar-Córcoles, N Albein-Urios

(2019), Vol. 29, pp. 79-92, Neuropsychology Review, United States, C1

journal article

Increased perseverative errors following high-definition transcranial direct current stimulation over the ventrolateral cortex during probabilistic reversal learning

N Albein-Urios, H Chase, L Clark, M Kirkovski, C Davies, P Enticott

(2019), Vol. 12, pp. 959-966, Brain Stimulation, United States, C1

journal article

Dysfunctional personality beliefs linked to emotion recognition deficits in individuals with cocaine addiction and personality disorders

N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, O Lozano-Rojas, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2019), Vol. 10, Frontiers in Psychiatry, Switzerland, C1

journal article
2018

Autism spectrum traits linked with reduced performance on self-report behavioural measures of cognitive flexibility

N Albein-Urios, G Youssef, M Kirkovski, P Enticott

(2018), Vol. 48, pp. 2506-2515, Journal of autism and developmental disorders, New York, N.Y., C1

journal article
2017

Brain substrates of social decision-making in dual diagnosis: cocaine dependence and personality disorders

A Verdejo-Garcia, J Verdejo-Román, N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, C Soriano-Mas

(2017), Vol. 22, pp. 457-467, Addiction Biology, United States, C1

journal article

Cathodal transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) to the right cerebellar hemisphere affects motor adaptation during gait

L Fernandez, N Albein-Urios, M Kirkovski, J McGinley, A Murphy, C Hyde, M Stokes, N Rinehart, P Enticott

(2017), Vol. 16, pp. 168-177, Cerebellum, New York, N.Y., C1

journal article

Neural correlates of impaired self-awareness of apathy, disinhibition and dysexecutive deficits in cocaine-dependent individuals

L Moreno-López, N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, C Soriano-Mas, A Verdejo-García

(2017), Vol. 22, pp. 1438-1448, Addiction Biology, United States, C1

journal article

Trait and neurobiological underpinnings of negative emotion regulation in gambling disorder

J Navas, O Contreras-Rodríguez, J Verdejo-Román, A Perandrés-Gómez, N Albein-Urios, A Verdejo-García, J Perales

(2017), Vol. 112, pp. 1086-1094, Addiction, England, C1

journal article

Overall prognosis of preschool autism spectrum disorder diagnoses

A Brignell, N Albein-Urios, S Woolfenden, A Hayen, A Iorio, K Williams

(2017), Vol. 2017, Cochrane database of systematic reviews, Chichester, Eng., C1

journal article

Using non-invasive transcranial stimulation to improve motor and cognitive function in Parkinson's disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A Goodwill, J Lum, A Hendy, M Muthalib, L Johnson, N Albein-Urios, W Teo

(2017), Vol. 7, Scientific Reports, England, C1

journal article

Decisional balance and processes of change in community-recruited with moderate-high versus mild severity of cannabis dependence

F López-Torrecillas, E López-Quirantes, A Maldonado, N Albein-Urios, M Rueda, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2017), Vol. 12, PLoS ONE, United States, C1

journal article
2016

Diagnosing autism: Australian paediatric research network surveys

M Randall, N Albein-Urios, A Brignell, A Gulenc, S Hennel, C Coates, C Symeonides, H Hiscock, C Marraffa, N Silove, V Bayl, S Woolfenden, K Williams

(2016), Vol. 52, pp. 11-17, Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, Australia, C1

journal article

Increased corticolimbic connectivity in cocaine dependence versus pathological gambling is associated with drug severity and emotion-related impulsivity

O Contreras-Rodríguez, N Albein-Urios, R Vilar-López, J Perales, J Martínez-Gonzalez, M Fernández-Serrano, O Lozano-Rojas, L Clark, A Verdejo-García

(2016), Vol. 21, pp. 709-718, Addiction Biology, United States, C1

journal article
2015

Cocaine use severity and cerebellar gray matter are associated with reversal learning deficits in cocaine-dependent individuals

L Moreno-López, J Perales, D van Son, N Albein-Urios, C Soriano-Mas, J Martinez-Gonzalez, R Wiers, A Verdejo-García

(2015), Vol. 20, pp. 546-556, Addiction biology, Chichester, Eng., C1-1

journal article

Cocaine-specific neuroplasticity in the ventral striatum network is linked to delay discounting and drug relapse

O Contreras-Rodríguez, N Albein-Urios, J Perales, J Martínez-Gonzalez, R Vilar-López, M Fernández-Serrano, O Lozano-Rojas, A Verdejo-García

(2015), Vol. 110, pp. 1953-1962, Addiction, London, Eng., C1

journal article

Neural substrates of cognitive flexibility in cocaine and gambling addictions

A Verdejo-Garcia, L Clark, J Verdejo-Román, N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, B Gutierrez, C Soriano-Mas

(2015), Vol. 207, pp. 158-164, British journal of psychiatry, London, Eng., C1-1

journal article
2014

Re-appraisal of negative emotions in cocaine dependence: dysfunctional corticolimbic activation and connectivity

N Albein-Urios, J Verdejo-Román, S Asensio, C Soriano-Mas, J Martínez-González, A Verdejo-García

(2014), Vol. 19, pp. 415-426, Addiction biology, Oxford, England, C1-1

journal article

Decision-making impairment predicts 3-month hair-indexed cocaine relapse

A Verdejo-Garcia, N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, E Civit, R de la Torre, O Lozano

(2014), Vol. 231, pp. 4179-4187, Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg, Germany, C1-1

journal article

Executive functions in cocaine-dependent patients with cluster B and cluster C personality disorders

N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, O Lozano-Rojas, A Verdejo-García

(2014), Vol. 28, pp. 84-90, Neuropsychology, Philadelphia, PA, C1-1

journal article

The value of impulsivity to define subgroups of addicted individuals differing in personality dysfunction, craving, psychosocial adjustment, and wellbeing: A latent class analysis

N Albein-Urios, A Pilatti, O Lozano-Rojas, J Martínez-González, A Verdejo-García

(2014), Vol. 29, pp. 38-46, Archives of clinical neuropsychology, Oxford, England, C1-1

journal article

Monetary delay discounting in gambling and cocaine dependence with personality comorbidities

N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, Ó Lozano, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2014), Vol. 39, pp. 1658-1662, Addictive behaviors, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1

journal article

Prefrontal gray matter and motivation for treatment in cocaine dependent individuals with and without personality disorders

L Moreno-López, N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, C Soriano-Mas, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2014), Vol. 5, pp. 1-9, Frontiers in psychiatry, Lausanne, Switzerland, C1-1

journal article

Aspectos diferenciales del riesgo de abandono al inicio del tratamiento de la adicción a la cocaína en pacientes con trastornos de la personalidad

J Martínez-González, N Albein-Urios, O Lozano-Rojas, A Verdejo-García

(2014), Vol. 26, pp. 116-125, Adicciones, Palma de Mallorca, Spain, C1-1

journal article
2013

Cocaine users with comorbid Cluster B personality disorders show dysfunctional brain activation and connectivity in the emotional regulation networks during negative emotion maintenance and reappraisal

N Albein-Urios, J Verdejo-Román, C Soriano-Mas, S Asensio, J Martínez-González, A Verdejo-García

(2013), Vol. 23, pp. 1698-1707, European neuropsychopharmacology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1

journal article

A MAOA gene*cocaine severity interaction on impulsivity and neuropsychological measures of orbitofrontal dysfunction : preliminary results

A Verdejo-García, N Albein-Urios, E Molina, A Ching-López, J Martínez-González, B Gutiérrez

(2013), Vol. 133, pp. 287-290, Drug and alcohol dependence, Shannon, Ireland, C1-1

journal article

Negative urgency, disinhibition and reduced temporal pole gray matter characterize the comorbidity of cocaine dependence and personality disorders

N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, Ó Lozano, L Moreno-López, C Soriano-Mas, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2013), Vol. 132, pp. 231-237, Drug and alcohol dependence, Shannon, Ireland, C1-1

journal article

Frontal systems related symptoms in cocaine dependent patients with comorbid personality disorders

N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, Ó Lozano, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2013), Vol. 228, pp. 367-373, Psychopharmacology, Heidelberg, Germany, C1-1

journal article

Negative urgency, disinhibition and reduced temporal pole gray matter characterize the comorbidity of cocaine dependence and personality disorders

N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, O Lozano, L Moreno-Lopez, C Soriano-Mas, A Verdejo-García

(2013), Vol. 132, pp. 231-237, Drug and alcohol dependence, Shannon, Ireland, C1-1

journal article
2012

Comparison of impulsivity and working memory in cocaine addiction and pathological gambling : implications for cocaine-induced neurotoxicity

N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, Ó Lozano, L Clark, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2012), Vol. 126, pp. 1-6, Drug and alcohol dependence, Shannon, Ireland, C1-1

journal article

Effects of a multicomponent behavioral intervention on impulsivity and cognitive deficits in adolescents with excess weight

E Delgado-Rico, J Río-Valle, N Albein-Urios, A Caracuel, E González-Jiménez, M Piqueras, P Brandi, I Ruiz-López, I García-Rodríguez, M Martín-Matillas, M Delgado-Fernández, C Campoy, A Verdejo-García

(2012), Vol. 23, pp. 609-615, Behavioural pharmacology, Philadelphia, Pa., C1-1

journal article

Psychoeducation as a strategy to improve family support perceived from patient with alcohol dependence and personality disorder

J Martinez-Gonzalez, N Albein-Urios, P Munera, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2012), Vol. 5, pp. 18-24, International journal of psychological research, Medellin, Colombia, C1-1

journal article
2011

Preliminary study for the validation of the Spanish version of the personality belief questionnaire

N Albein-Urios, J Martinez-Gonzalez, O Lozano-Rojas, A Verdejo-Garcia

(2011), Vol. 13, pp. 144-150, Trastornos adictivos, Barcelona, Spain, C1-1

journal article

Bases neurobiológicas de la comorbilidad entre consumo de cocaína y trastornos de la personalidad

N Albein-Urios, J Martínez-González, B Gutiérrez, Ó Lozano-Rojas, A Verdejo-García

(2011), Vol. 13, pp. 15-19, Trastornos adictivos, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, C1-1

journal article

Funded Projects at Deakin

No Funded Projects at Deakin found

Supervisions

Co-supervisor
2021

Dinisha Parmar

Thesis entitled: Safety and Efficacy of High-Definition Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation for Inflexibility in Autism Spectrum Disorder

Doctor of Psychology (Clinical), School of Psychology

Associate Supervisor
2022

James Plumridge

Thesis entitled: Language knowledge and visual speech processing: An EEG investigation

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), School of Psychology

2020

Claire McNeel

Thesis entitled: Exploring vicarious cortical activity through context, prediction, and action-preparation

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), School of Psychology

Soukayna Bekkali

Thesis entitled: The Human Mirror Neuron System and Empathy: A Multimodal Investigation

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), School of Psychology

2017

Gillian Clark

Thesis entitled: The nature of procedural memory deficits in specific language impairment: An investigation using the serial reaction time task

Doctor of Philosophy (Psychology), School of Psychology