Walton T. Roth
Born(1939-02-23)February 23, 1939
Alma materHarvard University, New York University School of Medicine
Scientific career
FieldsPsychophysiology, Psychiatry
InstitutionsStanford University School of Medicine, Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System


Walton Thompson Roth, MD (born 1939 in Topeka, Kansas) is an American psychiatrist and psychophysiological researcher. He is Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Stanford University School of Medicine, and was Chief of the Psychiatric Consultation Service at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Healthcare System for over 40 years.[1]




Major Contributions

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A wave showing several event-related potential components, including P300 (P3)

Roth and colleagues pioneered the use of multiple psychophysiological methods for assessing psychological disorders[2] [3]. Using electroencephalography-based event-related potentials (ERPs), Roth determined that people with schizophrenia have a reduced amplitude P300 component of the ERP to unexpected changes in the pitch of tones[4]. This reduction of the P300 component is now considered a biomarker of schizophrenia[3].

Roth has also applied the use of skin conductance, electrocardiography, actigraphy, and monitoring of other physiological functions, such as respiration, to assess anxiety disorders[5].

In addition, Roth co-authored the Core Concepts in Health textbook series[6], as well as over 250 scholarly journal articles and book chapters [2][5].

Roth is currently semi-retired, but continues research work on the psychophysiology of hyperarousal and posttraumatic stress disorder, as well as ambulatory monitoring of sleep.[7].


Selected Books

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Professional Awards, Honors, and Service

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Education and Background

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Roth attended Harvard University, alongside classmates Frank Ochberg and Barney Frank[12], and New York University School of Medicine[13]. He completed his psychiatry residency at Stanford University School of Medicine[14].

Roth was born in Topeka, Kansas, but raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, the son of a Presbyterian minister and a high school teacher. Roth and his wife, Jean, have been married since 1963 and reside in Los Altos Hills, California[15]. They have two children and five grandchildren. Roth is also fluent in German and Norwegian.


References

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  1. ^ VA Palo Alto Healthcare System Epicenter.
  2. ^ a b WT Roth publications, Google scholar.
  3. ^ a b c Meuret, Alicia E.; Ford, Judith; Ritz, Thomas (2010). "Psychophysiology of psychological disorders - Introduction to the special issue in the honor of Walton T. Roth". International Journal of Psychophysiology. 78 (1): 1–2. doi:10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2010.06.030. PMID 20600368.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  4. ^ Roth, Walton T.; Cannon, E. H. (Oct 1972). "Some features of the auditory evoked response in schizophrenics". Archives of General Psychiatry. 27 (4): 466–471. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.1972.01750280034007. PMID 5072716.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)
  5. ^ a b Stanford faculty page.
  6. ^ Core Concepts in Health Brief.
  7. ^ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Hyperarousal Symptoms Treated With Physiological Stress Management .
  8. ^ Insel, Paul M. & Roth, Walton T. (2009). Core Concepts in Health (11th ed.). Boston: McGraw-Hill.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ^ Fahey, Thomas D., Insel, Paul M., & Roth, Walton T. (2006). Fit and Well: Core Conceps and Labs in Physical Fitness and Wellness (7th ed.). McGraw-Hill Companies.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ Roth, Walton T. (1997). Treating Anxiety Disorders. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.
  11. ^ Public Health Service National Archives.
  12. ^ Harvard alumni.
  13. ^ NYU School of Medicine alumni.
  14. ^ Stanford alumni.
  15. ^ California licenses and certificates.