Bonalume, L., Corbelli, L., Ferro, M., Mazzoleni, A. L., & Roggero, M. P. (2023) Developing a prototype for relationship therapy psychoanalysis: an empirical study with the Psychotherapy Process Q-set 2023 – Research in Psychotherapy: Psychopathology, Process and Outcome, 2023 Apr; 26(1)
ABSTRACT
Psychotherapy Process Q-set (PQS) prototype characteristic of psychoanalytic relationship therapy does not yet exist. Experts in psychoanalysis of relationship therapy [from the Italian Society of Psychoanalysis of the Relationship (SIPRe)] used the 100-Item PQS questionnaire to rate an ideal SIPRe therapy. Agreement between rates was high (Cronbach’s alpha=0.84). The prototype for SIPRe therapy showed a significant correlation to the psychoanalytic prototype (r=0.68, p<0.000) and to the short expressive-supportive therapy (r=0.69, p<0.000) prototype. Correlations with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (r=0.28, p<0.005) and Interpersonal Therapy (r=0.22, p<0.031), prototypes were significant, but weaker. The correlation between the two SIPRe samples (junior and expert therapists) was highly significant (Spearman’s rho=0.936; p<000).
https://doi.org/10.4081/ripppo.2023.674
Piccinni, A.,Cargioli,C.,Oppo, A.,Vanelli, F., Mauri, M., Formica,V., Arone,A., Stallone,T., Palermo,S., Marazziti, D., (2023) IS FOOD ADDICTION A SPECIFIC FEATURE OF INDIVIDUALS SEEKING DIETARY TREATMENT FROM NUTRITIONISTS? 2023 -Clinical Neuropsychiatry
ABSTRACT
Objective: Food addiction (FA) is a condition characterized by excessive and dysregulated consumption of high-energy food, and impulsivity. The diagnostic and nosological framework of FA is still controversial. Therefore, this study aimed at exploring the prevalence of FA in patients seeking help from nutritionists for weight loss, along with its relationship with eating habits, in a pool of 842 participants of both sexes.
Method: Eating habits and FA were assessed by, respectively, a self-administered questionnaire and the Yale Food Addiction Scale (YFAS). Statistical analysis included Chi-square for categorical variables, independent t tests to investigate continuous variables and an univariate logistic regression analysis to determine potential risk factors for FA. The relationship between FA diagnosis and potential risk factors was assessed through a stepwise logistic regression model, controlling for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) classes.
Results: Our results indicate that a prevalence of FA in our sample was 15.3%, with no difference between women and men. A higher prevalence was recorded in overweight subjects or obese. According to the YFAS criteria, women were more likely to report a persistent desire and withdrawal than men. Patients with FA compared with those without it, reported a greater number of attempts to lose weight, to self-dieting, a different mealtime repertoire, and to nibble continuously throughout the day. Moreover, the amount of carbohydrates ingested in the same meal seems to represent an eating habit significantly associated with FA.
Conclusions: Taken together, our findings show how patients seeking help from nutritionists may display some peculiar features of FA. In spite of its diagnostic controversies, it is evident that FA may play a role in obesity and may also be a feature of some psychopathological conditions. Therefore, it should be more deeply investigated and possibly specifically targeted with tailored therapeutic interventions.
10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230603
Corti, S., Cavagnola, R., Carnevali, D., Leoni, M., Fioriti, F., G., Galli, L., Alzani, Michelini, G., Miselli, G., Chiodelli, G. (2023) Il Progetto di Vita orientato alla Qualità di Vita della persona con autismo Volume 8, Numero 1 – Aprile. Giornale Italiano dei Disturbi del Neurosviluppo: 10-27, Vannni Editrice Brescia.
No DOI. Rivista cartacea.
Pisciarino, S., Simeone, P., Carnevali, D., Michelini, G., Cavagnola, R., Chiodelli, G., Fioriti, F., Galli, L., Leoni, M., Miselli, G., Corti, S (2023) Comunicare i bisogni: Functional Communication Training (FCT) per proteggere i diritti degli adulti con autismo e disabilità intellettiva severa. Studio di un caso. Volume 8, Numero 2 Agosto. Giornale Italiano dei Disturbi del Neurosviluppo: 10-27, Vannni Editrice Brescia.
No DOI. Rivista cartacea.
Corti, S., Cavagnola, R., Carnevali, D., Leoni, M., Fioriti, F., Galli, L., Alzani, L., Michelini, G., Miselli, G., Chiodelli, G. (2023) The life project of people with autism and intellectual disability: investigating personal preferences and values to enhance self-determination 2023 – Psychiatria Danubina, Vol. 35, Suppl. 3, pp 9-93
Puccio, G., Gazzi, G., Bertoni, S., Franceschini, S., Mancarella, M., Gori, S., Ronconi, L. & Facoetti, A. (2023) Action Video Games Training in Children with Developmental Dyslexia: A Meta-Analysis 2023 – International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction – 30 ottobre 2023
ABSTRACT
Longitudinal studies and meta-analyses have shown a causal link between attentional dysfunctions and developmental dyslexia (DD). We carried out a meta-analysis to test the effectiveness of action video games (AVGs) training on visual attention in children with DD. PubMed, Cochrane, Science Report, EBSCO Database, Scopus, ProQuest Dissertation and Theses, and IEEE Explore were consulted. Only quantitative studies with measures of pre- and post-treatment reading skills, written in English, and with an active control group were considered. The risk of bias was evaluated according to RoB2 and ROBINS-I assessment tools. Out of 2073 records, nine experiments using AVGs in 238 children (aged 5–15) with DD were selected. The Hedge’s g results indicate that AVGs training affects visual attention as well as reading-related functions. Studies with a larger sample including follow-up assessments and neurobiological studies are needed to verify AVGs long-lasting effects on DD.
https://doi.org/10.1080/10447318.2023.2267297
Vecchiotti, R., Mansueto, G., Marziali, R.A., Marconi, M., Valchera, A., Cosci, F. (2023) The mediating role of alexithymia in the relationship between affective temperament and craving: Cross-sectional study conducted in a sample of bipolar and alcohol use disorder patients 2023 – Journal of Affective Disorders – Volume 325, 15 March 2023, Pages 110-118
ABSTRACT
BackgroundBipolar disorder (BD) and alcohol use disorder (AUD) commonly co-occur and their interplay is influenced by several factors. Alexithymia is connected to BD and AUD; affective temperaments serve as risk factors for both; craving contributes to the development and maintenance of AUD. The present study tested whether alexithymia play a mediating role in the relationship between affective temperaments and craving in alcoholic bipolar patients.
Methods
151 alcoholic bipolar patients (38 % females, mean age: 45.69 ± 9.04 years) were enrolled. The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Temperament Evaluation of the Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego scale (TEMPS-A), and the Typology Craving Questionnaire (CTQ) were administered. Correlations among TAS-20, TEMPS-A, CTQ were conducted. Regression analyses were applied to verify the mediating hypothesis.
Results
Difficulty in identifying feelings mediated the association between anxious temperament and craving (Indirect effect: 0.42, BCaCI: 0.22–0.69), cyclothymic temperament and craving (Indirect effect: 0.55, BCaCI: 0.30–0.87), irritable temperament and craving (Indirect effect: 0.45, BCaCI: 0.19–0.80). TAS-20 difficulty in communicating feelings to others mediated the association between anxious temperament and craving (Indirect effect: 0.20, BCaCI: 0.06–0.41).
Limitations
The sample size did not allow subgroup analyses. Data were collected cross-sectionally and in a single center. We did not investigate whether BD or AUD occurred first, although it might influence the mediation role of alexithymia.
Conclusion
Among alcoholic bipolar patients, assessing and targeting alexithymia may be useful to modulate craving and, in turn improve, the general mental status of patients.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2023.01.021
Mansueto, G., Tosato, S., Brondino, N., Bonetto, C., Tomassi, S., Politi, P., Lasalvia, A., Fioravanti, G., Casale, S., De Santi, K., Bertani, M., Bellani, M., Bambilla, P., Ruggieri, M., GET UP GROUP, Faravelli, C. (2023) Childhood adversity, symptoms, and cortisol in first episode psychosis: a cross-sectional, secondary, observational analysis of a subsample of FEP patients 2023 – Nordic Journal of Psychiatry 77(5), 432-439
ABSTRACT
BackgroundAlthough it has been proposed that childhood adversities (CAs) may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity and psychotic symptoms severity, these associations have not been fully confirmed in first-episode psychosis (FEP). This study explored the association between CA, cortisol and psychotic symptoms in FEP patients.
Methods
81 FEP patients were enrolled. CAs were evaluated by the Childhood Experience of Care and Abuse Questionnaire and a semi-structured interview. Psychotic symptoms were evaluated by the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale. Cortisol level was collected using saliva samples. ANCOVA and partial correlation analyses were run.
Results
FEP patients with childhood abuse reported severe positive symptoms than those without CA. FEP patients with at least one CA had higher levels of cortisol awaking, cortisol at 12 a.m., and cortisol at 8 p.m. Morning cortisol levels were negatively correlated with the severity of negative symptoms and positively correlated with the severity of general psychopathology. Evening cortisol levels were positively correlated with severity of general psychopathology.
Conclusion
FEP patients with CAs, compared with those without CA, might report more severe positive symptoms and higher cortisol, even though these findings as prone to bias due to the small sample size, and should be seen in the larger perspective of conflicting evidence in the field.
https://doi.org/10.1080/08039488.2022.2137846
Lamanna, J., Ferro, M., Spadini, S., Racchetti, G., Malgaroli, A. (2023) The Dysfunctional Mechanisms Throwing Tics: Structural and Functional Changes in Tourette Syndrome 2023 – Behavioral Sciences 2023, 13, 668 – agosto 2023
ABSTRACT
Tourette Syndrome (TS) is a high-incidence multifactorial neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics co-occurring with several diverse comorbidities, including obsessive-compulsive disorder and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. The origin of TS is multifactorial, with strong genetic, perinatal, and immunological influences. Although almost all neurotransmettitorial systems have been implicated in TS pathophysiology, a comprehensive neurophysiological model explaining the dynamics of expression and inhibition of tics is still lacking. The genesis and maintenance of motor and non-motor aspects of TS are thought to arise from functional and/or structural modifications of the basal ganglia and related circuitry. This complex wiring involves several cortical and subcortical structures whose concerted activity controls the selection of the most appropriate reflexive and habitual motor, cognitive and emotional actions. Importantly, striatal circuits exhibit bidirectional forms of synaptic plasticity that differ in many respects from hippocampal and neocortical plasticity, including sensitivity to metaplastic molecules such as dopamine. Here, we review the available evidence about structural and functional anomalies in neural circuits which have been found in TS patients. Finally, considering what is known in the field of striatal plasticity, we discuss the role of exuberant plasticity in TS, including the prospect of future pharmacological and neuromodulation avenues.
https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13080668
Lamanna, J., Ferro, M., Cocucci, E. (2023) Editorial: Recent advances in measuring and controlling synaptic communication 2023 – Front. Cell. Neurosci., 21 September 2023 – Volume 17 – 2023 – 1289874
ABSTRACT
Synapses represent a unique neuronal compartment specialized in communication. The morpho-functional investigation of the synapse has always been hindered by its tiny size and high density of molecular elements, but specific technological and methodological advances helped us to reduce these limitations. As the matter of fact, in recent years, we have witnessed the continuous development of new methods allowing measuring and controlling synaptic activation both in vitro and in vivo (Lamanna et al., 2022). These include new genetically encoded sensors of synaptic exo-endocytosis (Ferro et al., 2017; Liu et al., 2021) and neurotransmitter release (Helassa et al., 2018; Patriarchi et al., 2018), but also engineered synaptic proteins able to control synaptic transmission (Won et al., 2021). Furthermore, new promising tools allow changing the functional properties of synapses in a plasticity-like manner (Goto et al., 2021).
All these methodological advances are likely to generate unprecedented knowledge about the dynamics of synaptic transmission and plasticity at several levels of the nervous system. Nevertheless, in most cases, the implementation of these new methods remains technically demanding, likely due to the high complexity of their operating principle (Glasgow et al., 2019; Lamanna et al., 2022). Hence, it would be worth refining and potentiating these tools to extend the range of experimental settings for their application. In addition, more classical and established approaches, such as electrophysiology, computational modeling and ultrastructural imaging, can be further implemented, e.g., by using alternative tools (Zhang et al., 2023) or advanced analysis approaches (Soares et al., 2019), to gather deeper insights into the physiology of neurotransmission.
In this Research Topic, we collected studies that validate, refine, or apply in an effective way advanced tools and approaches with the aim to investigate synaptic communication.
https://doi.org/10.3389/fncel.2023.1289874
Boltri, M., Sapuppo, W., Kayser, N., Yeganyan, A., Duquesnoy, M., Dicembre, M., Leboyer, M., Hanachi, M. (2023) Assessment Of Autism Spectrum Symptoms In A Population Of Extremely Malnourished Patients With Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study 2023 – Clinical Nutrition ESPEN, Volume 54, 2023, Page 488
ABSTRACT
Rationale: Symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are overrepresented among individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN)*. We aimed to study the prevalence of ASD symptoms in extremely malnourished inpatients with AN and focus on potential cognitive and nutritional correlates.
Methods: We recruited prospectively all extremely malnourished patients with AN** admitted to the Nutritional Care Unit of Paul Brousse Hospital over four months. ASD traits and AN psychopathology were assessed by administering the Autism Quotient (AQ) and the Eating Disorder Inventory-2 (EDI-2). Neuropsychological and bio-nutritional data were also collected.
Results: Among 33 participants aged 25.5 ± 9.3 (91% females, BMI: 12.1 ± 1.4), 18% (N= 6) scored above screening cut-off for ASD on the AQ and 12% (N= 4) scored above clinical cut-off. Independently of age and BMI, EDI-2 scores were significantly correlated with AQ-total scores (r= 0.62; p< 0.01) and the AQ-communication subscale (r= 0.58; p< 0.05). Significant correlations were found between the eating psychopathology, higher levels of cognitive rigidity (r= 0.61; p< 0.001) and sensory sensitivity alterations (p < 0.01). Metacognitive beliefs about uncontrollability of danger, punishment and responsibility and cognitive confidence were associated with lower levels of Transthyretin (p <0.02).
Conclusion: ASD traits presented high prevalence in extremely malnourished patients with AN. Despite the impact that malnutrition can have on cognitive functioning, most of these traits appear to be independent of BMI but associated with the severity of eating psychopathology. Only Transthyretin was associated with dysfunctional metacognitions. These preliminary results suggest that ASD symptoms might co-occur in severe AN and require specific therapeutic interventions.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.09.095
Borlimi, R., Riboli, G., Nese, M., Brighetti, G., & Vescovelli, F. (2023) Altered pain perception, dietary restraint and drive for thinness in bulimia nervosa 2023 – Psychiatry Research Communications – Volume 3, Issue 2, June 2023, 100113
ABSTRACT
Several studies have investigated pain processing in patients with bulimia nervosa (BN). In particular, BN patients showed higher pain thresholds than community women (CW). However, few studies have considered the role of the “drive for thinness” in relation to pain perception and tolerance.
Fifty-five participants were interviewed individually with the Eating Disorder Examination and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5); Twenty-four women with BN according to DSM-5 criteria and age, and Body Mass Index (BMI), matched healthy CW. All participants were given these tests: Dietary restraint subscale of the Three Factor Eating Questionnaire, Drive for Thinness subscale of the Eating Disorder Inventory 3. Subsequently pain tolerance and sensitivity were assessed by the cold pressor test in a single session.
Women with BN and CW showed significant differences in pain sensitivity, pain tolerance, drive for thinness, dietary restraint, and desired BMI. Also, pain sensitivity and tolerance was significantly correlated with drive for thinness and dietary restraint in BN women, while no such correlation was found in CW.
The main finding of this study is that high levels of drive for thinness and dietary restraint are associated with a lower pain sensitivity and a higher pain tolerance in BN patients.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psycom.2023.100113
Borlimi, R., Buattini, M., Riboli, G., Nese, M., Brighetti, G., Giunti, D., & Vescovelli, F. ( (2023) Menstrual cycle symptomatology during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of interoceptive sensibility and psychological health 2023 – Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology – Volume 14, May 2023, 100182
ABSTRACT
The literature on the COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of investigating its impact on mental health during this sensitive period, also in relation to the female menstrual cycle. To this end, interceptive sensibility has emerged as a fundamental construct for studying the mind-body interaction among psychosomatic and pain symptoms, particularly through the distinction between two attentional styles (namely, a “mindful” and a “non-mindful” sensibility). The aim of the following study is to verify the role of mental health and interoceptive sensibility on menstrual symptoms in women of childbearing age, during the pandemic, as well as to identify the specific contribution of the existing dimensions of interoceptive sensibility in the prediction of symptoms’ severity. Data were collected through an online survey, for which 5294 women responded on demographic information, menstrual history, symptoms’ disturbance, and completed the Italian versions of the GHQ-12 and the MAIA. The analyses showed that symptoms were strongly correlated to either the GHQ-12 and the MAIA subscales Noticing, Emotional Awareness, Trusting and Not-Worrying. This result was further verified via a hierarchical regression, which revealed that the same interoceptive dimensions and mental health strongly predicted the intensity of menstrual symptoms (R2 = 0.177, ΔR2 = 0.143) compared to other considered dimensions (R2 = 0.180, ΔR2 = 0.002). Results are partially in line with the premises but suggest that mental health has a strong impact on the experience of the menstrual cycle and that only a few interoceptive dimensions may be relevant in explaining the severity of menstrual symptoms. It is here suggested that noticing internal bodily signals and being aware of emotional states might become dysfunctional if not reconciled with a good ability to self-regulate internal states, but may rather contribute to the perpetuation of the ‘vicious cycle’ of heightened affective and attentional reactions to interoceptive sensations.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpnec.2023.100182
Riboli, G., Gori, M., Nese, M., Daminato, L., Brighetti, G., & Borlimi, R. (2023) La salute mentale delle persone non-binary e genderqueer, transgender binary e cisgender: una revisione sistematica. 2023 – PSICOLOGIA DELLA SALUTE – Issue 2023/2 – P. 27-43
ABSTRACT
Sempre più persone, soprattutto giovani, si identificano come non-binary/genderqueer (NBGQ), identità di genere che va oltre la dicotomia binaria donna-uomo. Tuttavia, le ricerche presenti in letteratura mostrano risultati contrastanti tra loro per quanto riguarda gli esiti di sa-lute mentale. La presente revisione della letteratura vuole essere un aggiornamento della prece-dente revisione di Scandurra et al. (2019) e pone due obiettivi: (1) individuare le differenze di salute mentale tra la popolazione NBGQ e transgender binaria (TB), e (2) identificare le diffe-renze tra la popolazione NBGQ e cisgender. Seguendo le linee guida PRISMA, la ricerca della letteratura è stata condotta nei database PubMed e PsycInfo tenendo in considerazione gli arti-coli pubblicati tra il 2019 e il 2021. N=25 articoli hanno soddisfatto i criteri d’inclusione e so-no stati inclusi nella revisione sistematica. Tutti gli studi inclusi sono cross-sectional. I risultati rispetto agli esiti di salute mentale tra la popolazione TB e NBGQ sono contrastanti in quanto alcuni studi evidenziano esiti migliori per la popolazione NBGQ, mentre altri evidenziano ri-sultati opposti. Rispetto alla popolazione cisgender, i risultati sono più coerenti, evidenziando peggiori livelli di salute mentale nella popolazione NBGQ. La presente revisione della lettera-tura ha, quindi, nuovamente evidenziato la necessità di approfondire la ricerca sulla salute della popolazione NBGQ, spesso marginalizzata e invisibile, con il fine ultimo di garantire interventi adeguati per questa specifica popolazione.
DOI 10.3280/PDS2023-002003
Fontana, M., Fattori, F., Trezzi, S., Conte M., Bernardini L., Marando L., Michelini G., Trapani A & Costantino, M.A. (2023) Unaccompanied foreign minors and mental health: Implementation and evaluation of the RHS-15 screening procedure for unaccompanied foreign minors. 2023 – Journal of Migration and Health Volume 7, 100177
ABSTRACT
Background and objective
The recent notable increase in refugees’ flows, with refugee children and adolescents relocating worldwide, posed severe challenges to the different national healthcare systems. Social groups such as refugees fleeing from their countries because of persecution, wars and violence are considered at high risk of developing mental health-related problems. Despite international and national policies legally regulating the reception process and protecting health-related rights, including the mental well-being of refugee migrants, there is a theoretical and applied need for evidence-based instruments and procedures to support mental health within this population. Recent evidence refers to the Refugee Health Screener-15 (RHS-15) as a reliable and valid instrument for the early detection of trauma-related mental health problems. In this scenario, this study aimed to test the RHS screening process within a multidisciplinary first intervention reception context for unaccompanied refugee minors.
Design
The RHS-15 was administered with the support of cultural-linguistic mediators to 81 unaccompanied minor residents in a first intervention facility in Milan, Italy. This study aimed to assess psychometric characteristics, such as reliability, sensitivity and specificity feasibility and its implementation within a first intervention reception process.
Results
The analysis resulted in the validation of the RHS in its 13-item format. The results highlighted and confirmed an efficient delivery, excellent reliability and a positive predictive and convergent validity of the 13-item version. Further analysis showed an excellent ability to avoid false negatives, although there was a clear tendency to identify false positives.
ConclusionsThe early identification of vulnerabilities among refugee minors is recommended to promote their long-term overall well-being. Integrating the screening results with additional observational elements and more specific diagnostic tools is recommended to gain a comprehensive perspective of the minors’ well-being.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmh.2023.100177
Fioriti, F., Visioli, G., Ziliani, C., Severgnini, J., Corti, S., Chiodelli, G., Cavagnola, R., Leoni, M., Miselli, G., Carnevali, D., Michelini, G., Galli, M.L., Alzani, L. (2023) L’Analisi Funzionale Sperimentale per comprendere il significato di comportamenti aggressivi influenzati da variabili idiosincratiche: un caso clinico. 2023 – Giornale Italiano dei Disturbi del Neurosviluppo, 8 (2), 47-53.
Battaglia, M., Groenewald, C. B., Campbell, F., Scaini, S., De Koninck, Y., Stinson, J., & Quinn, P. D. (2023) We need to talk: The urgent conversation on chronic pain, mental health, prescribing patterns and the opioid crisis. 2023 – Journal of Psychopharmacology, Volume 37, Issue 5, pp. 437-448.
ABSTRACT
The opioid crisis’ pathways from first exposure onwards to eventual illnesses and fatalities are multiple, intertwined and difficult to dissect. Here, we offer a multidisciplinary appraisal of the relationships among mental health, chronic pain, prescribing patterns worldwide and the opioid crisis. Because the opioid crisis’ toll is especially harsh on young people, emphasis is given on data regarding the younger strata of the population. Because analgesic opioid prescription constitute a recognised entry point towards misuse, opioid use disorder, and ultimately overdose, prescribing patterns across different countries are examined as a modifiable hazard factor along these pathways of risk. Psychiatrists are called to play a more compelling role in this urgent conversation, as they are uniquely placed to provide synthesis and lead action among the different fields of knowledge and care that lie at the crossroads of the opioid crisis. Psychiatrists are also ideally positioned to gauge and disseminate the foundations for diagnosis and clinical management of mental conditions associated with chronic pain, including the identification of hazardous and protective factors. It is our hope to spark more interdisciplinary exchanges and encourage psychiatrists worldwide to become leaders in an urgent conversation with interlocutors from the clinical and basic sciences, policy makers and stakeholders including clients and their families.
https://doi.org/10.1177/02698811221144635
Scaini, S., Medda, E., Battaglia, M., De Giuli, G., Stazi, M. A., D’Ippolito, C., & Fagnani, C. (2023) A Twin Study of the Relationships between Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome and Anxiety Phenotypes in Childhood and Adolescence. 2023 – Research on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology 51, 949–960 – February 2023
ABSTRACT
Data on the etiological factors underlying the co-occurrence of Cognitive Disengagement Syndrome (CDS) with anxiety symptoms are very limited. The present study investigated the nature of latent shared etiological elements in 400 Italian twin pairs aged 8–18, explaining the covariation between CDS and anxiety symptoms. Preliminary analysis demonstrated significant correlations between Child Behaviour Checklist/6–18 Sluggish Cognitive Tempo Scale and two (Somatic Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety) out of five Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders anxiety subscales. Results from causal analysis seem to exclude the hypothesis that co-occurrence between CDS and Anxiety Symptoms could be due to a direct phenotypic effect of one trait upon the other. Model fitting-analysis indicated that the aforementioned associations were partially explained by shared genetic and environmental factors influencing a common liability factor. A latent variable capturing the covariation between CDS and anxiety problems can be considered as a unifying (patho)physiological mechanism/system common to these constructs. Our results support the adoption of a broader view of the relationships between CDS and anxiety phenotypes in childhood and adolescence for both clinicians and educators.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10802-023-01029-0
Cavoli, M., Vistosi, I., Caltagirone, A., Scaini, S., & Forresi, B. (2023). Prosocialità degli osservatori e supporto degli amici nelle situazioni di bullismo: Uno studio cross-sectional. – Psicoterapia Cognitiva e Comportamentale . feb2023, Vol. 29 Issue 1, p71-90.
Ajmone, P. F., Giani, L., Allegri, B., Michelini, G., Dall’Ara, F., Rigamonti, C., Monti, F., Vizziello, P., G., Selicorni, A., Milani, D., Scaini, S. & Costantino, A. (2023) The developmental trajectories of the behavioral phenotype and neuropsychiatric functioning in Cornelia de Lange and Rubinstein Taybi syndromes: A longitudinal study 2023 – American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, Volume 191, Issue2, pag. 424-436 – February 2023
ABSTRACT
Several changes in the behavioral phenotype arise with the growth of children affected by Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) and Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome (RSTS). However, previous research relied on a cross-sectional study design turning into age-related comparisons of different syndromic cohorts to explore age-dependent changes. We aim to outline the variating pathways of the neuropsychiatric functioning across the lifespan in CdLS and RSTS, through the setting up of a longitudinal study design. The sample included 14 patients with CdLS and 15 with RSTS. The assessments were carried out in two different timepoints. Our findings highlight that the cognitive profile of CdLS is subjected to a worsening trend with decreasing Intellectual Quotient (IQ) scores from T0 to T1, whereas RSTS shows a stable IQ over time. Patients affected by RSTS show greater improvements compared to CdLS in communication, daily living skills, social abilities, and motor skills across the lifespan. Both syndromes report an upward trend in behavioral and emotional difficulties even if CdLS exhibit a significant and major deterioration compared to individuals with RSTS. Being aware of the early dysfunctional patterns which might pave the way for later neuropsychiatric impairments is the first step for planning preventive interventions.
https://doi.org/10.1002/ajmg.a.63039
Vergallito, A., Schiena, G., Maggioni, E., Sciortino, D., Casiraghi, L., Vedani, A., Melloni, C., Caselli, G., Ruggiero, G.M., Sassaroli, S., Brambilla, P. & Lauro, L. J. R. (2023) Combining Metacognitive Therapy and tDCS: preliminary results in patients with Major Depressive Disorder 2023 – Brain Stimulation: Basic, Translational, and Clinical Research in Neuromodulation, VOLUME 16, ISSUE 1, P291, JANUARY 2023
ABSTRACT
Background and aim: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and metacognitive therapy (MCT) can reduce depressive symptoms as monotherapies or associated with pharmacological treatment. Here, we investigated the effectiveness of combining these treatments in a group of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Methods: So far, fourteen participants (10 females, Mage 43 ± 12) out of N= 54 estimated sample size were recruited at the Department of Neuroscience and Mental Health – Fondazione IRRCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico of Milano. All participants were under pharmacological treatment. They were randomly assigned to three groups receiving (i) real tDCS + sham MCT (n= 7); (ii) sham tDCS + MCT (n = 6) (iii) real tDCS + MCT (n= 1). The treatment lasted eight weeks, in which participants had one weekly MCT (groups ii and iii) or clinical interview session (group i) following the tDCS. TDCS was combined with attentional training (20 minutes, 1.5 mA, anode over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex) and took place three times a week for the first three weeks and then once a week. Clinical standardized questionnaires measuring depressive symptoms, anxiety, worry, rumination, and meta-beliefs were administered before and after the treatment, two weeks, three, six, and twelve months after treatment’s end.
Results: Due to sampling distribution, mixed effects models were run, including time and only two groups as fixed factors (i and ii) and participants’ random intercept. Outcome measures revealed an effect of time, showing symptoms reduction after the treatment. Crucially, our results suggested a more robust reduction of worry and negative beliefs in the group receiving MCT compared to the one receiving only tDCS.
Conclusions: despite preliminary, our results suggest that MCT can effectively reduce core symptoms contributing to the development and maintenance of MDD. Completing data collection will allow disentangling whether tDCS can boost this effect.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brs.2023.01.516
Palmieri, S., Sassaroli, S., Ruggiero, G. M., Caselli, G., Spada, M. M., & Mansueto, G. (2023) Emotion Dysregulation in Patients with Eating Disorders: The Role of Metacognitions and Repetitive Negative Thinking 2023 – Cognitive Therapy and Research volume 47, pages655–668 (8 june 2023)
ABSTRACT
Background
Using the Self-Regulatory Executive Function model as a basis, this study explored whether, in patients with eating disorders (EDs), metacognitions and repetitive negative thinking are associated with higher levels of emotion dysregulation.
Methods
104 outpatients with eating disorders and 104 controls from the general population were recruited. Emotion dysregulation, metacognitions, rumination, worry, anxiety, and depression were assessed. T-tests, Mann–Whitney tests, correlation and hierarchal regression analyses were run.
Results
Patients with EDs, compared to controls, reported significantly higher levels of emotion dysregulation, positive beliefs worry, negative beliefs about thoughts concerning uncontrollability and danger, beliefs about the need to control thoughts, rumination, and worry. Beliefs about the need to control thoughts and worry significantly predicted emotion dysregulation.
Conclusions
Among patients with EDs emotion dysregulation appears to be associated with the endorsement of beliefs about the need to control thoughts and worry. Beliefs about the need to control thoughts and worry could be a suitable therapeutic target to reduce emotion dysregulation among patients with EDs.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-023-10398-1
Gao, L., Wang, X., Caselli, G., Li, W., Liu, Q., Chu, X., & Chen, H. (2023). Psychometric validation of the Chinese version of the desire thinking questionnaire in adolescent mobile phone users – Addictive Behaviors, 142, 10765 – Volume 142, July 2023
ABSTRACT
Background
Desire thinking is a conscious and voluntary cognitive process that is closely linked to levels of craving and addictive behaviors. The Desire Thinking Questionnaire (DTQ) can be used to measure desire thinking in all age groups as well as in addicts. This measurement has also been translated into several languages. This study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the DTQ (DTQ-C) among adolescent mobile phone users.
Methods
One thousand and ninety-seven adolescents who own a mobile phone and are younger than 18 years old completed the DTQ-C and a battery of questionnaires assessing the big five personality traits, negative affect, brooding, self-control, craving, and problematic mobile phone use (PMPU). The psychometric analyses of the DTQ-C were conducted, including exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), reliability, and validity analysis.
Results
The EFA revealed a 10-item two-factor structure (i.e., verbal perseveration and imaginal prefiguration) that was confirmed by the CFA. The results of CFA showed fit indexes of χ2/df = 4.83, CFI = 0.967, TLI = 0.954, RMSEA = 0.059, SRMR = 0.032. The total scale had internal consistency reliabilities of 0.93, which demonstrated that DTQ-C presented good reliability. The two dimensions were correlated with PMPU (rverbal perseveration = 0.54; rimaginal prefiguration = 0.45), neuroticism (rverbal perseveration = 0.18; rimaginal prefiguration = 0.14), conscientiousness (rverbal perseveration = −0.19; rimaginal prefiguration = −0.18), depression (rverbal perseveration = 0.22; rimaginal prefiguration = 0.16), anxiety (rverbal perseveration = 0.26; rimaginal prefiguration = 0.22), stress (rverbal perseveration = 0.15; rimaginal prefiguration = 0.10) and self-control (rverbal perseveration = −0.29; rimaginal prefiguration = −0.26), which demonstrated that DTQ-C presented good concurrent validity. The two factors of DTQ-C correlated weakly with brooding (ranging from 0.08 to 0.10). The principal component factor analysis of the two dimensions of desire thinking and craving showed that craving and desire thinking belonged to different dimensions. Both of which showed good divergent validity of desire thinking. Additionally, an examination of incremental validity revealed that two factors were both positively associated with PMPU beyond demographic characteristics, big five personality traits, negative affect, and self-control (Bverbal perseveration = 0.49 and Bimaginal prefiguration = 0.13).
Conclusions
It has been found that the 10-item DTQ-C is a reliable and valid measure of desire thinking in Chinese adolescent mobile phone users.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2023.107651
Bottesi, G., Caudek, C., Malerba, A., Caselli, G., Gallo, G., Melli, G., Marsigli, N., Offredi, A., & Sica, C. (2023). Agreement and discrepancies in patient–clinician reports of DSM-5-TR section III maladaptive personality traits: A study on a mixed outpatient sample. – Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment. Advanced online publication.
ABSTRACT
The assessment of personality pathology based on dimensional models may improve self–other agreement, but previous research mainly adopted a categorical approach and overlooked the role of the person of the therapist. Our study examined patient–clinician agreement in a mixed sample of Italian outpatients using the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 (PID-5) and the PID-5-Informant Form (PID-5-IRF). Moreover, the role of clinician personality traits on agreement was preliminary explored. Sixty-eight outpatients (51.4% male, M = 30.30, SD = 12.05 years) and their treating clinicians (N = 22; 77.3% female, M = 43.77 ± 8.45 years) entered the study. Patients completed the PID-5, whereas clinicians filled-in the PID-5-Brief Form (PID-5-BF) and the PID-5-IRF for each patient they involved. A multilevel Bayesian analysis showed that rank–order agreement was large for domains (mean r = .60) and moderate for facets (mean r = .44). As regards mean-level agreement, patient ratings on cognitive/perceptual dysregulation, distractibility, eccentricity, and emotional lability were higher than clinician ratings, whereas patients’ scores on depressivity were lower than clinicians’ ones. Scores on the PID-5-BF detachment positively predicted agreement on anhedonia, anxiousness, depressivity, distractibility, separation insecurity, and suspiciousness, while scores on the PID-5-BF negative affectivity, antagonism, and disinhibition negatively predicted agreement on few specific facets. Current findings suggest that clinician personality traits may contribute to agreement on maladaptive personality traits, but areas of discrepancies remain in case of low observable internal ones. Since patient–clinician agreement is crucially involved in therapeutic alliance, further research on this issue is highly encouraged. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved)
https://doi.org/10.1037/per0000639
Olivari, C., Di Cugno, M., & Caselli, G. (2023). Sexual dysfunctions and metacognitive beliefs: a PRISMA-compliant systematic review. – Sexual and Relationship Therapy. published online on 06 Sep 2023.
ABSTRACT
Sexual dysfunctions could lead individuals to experience severe impairments in health and everyday life; metacognition could play an important role in the development of sexual dysfunctions. This study aimed to synthesize evidence from studies investigating the associations between sexual dysfunctions and metacognitive beliefs. According to the PRISMA statement, literature analysis is conducted on PubMed, PsycInfo, PsycArticles, and Google Scholar. 837 participants from six studies were included; five articles were cross-sectional studies, and one was a randomized clinical trial. Individuals with sexual dysfunction adopt more metacognitive beliefs compared to the general population. The association between sexual dysfunctions and metacognitions did not show gender differences. Men with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation show high negative metacognitive beliefs, cognitive self-consciousness, and need to control thoughts. Women with sexual dysfunctions show higher scores in negative metacognitive beliefs, cognitive self-consciousness, and need to control thoughts than the general population; the results also point out that metacognitive beliefs could have a greater influence on sexual dysfunctions than other variables such as painful symptoms. The present study has succeeded in highlighting metacognitive beliefs’ role in sexual dysfunctions and the potential benefits of MCT in dealing with these conditions.
https://doi.org/10.1080/14681994.2023.2253742
Palmieri, S., Mansueto, G., Marchant, A. P., Sassaroli, S., Caselli, G., Ruggiero, G. M., & Spada, M. M. (2023). The Metacognitions about Binge Eating Questionnaire (MBEQ): investigation of the association between specific metacognitions and Binge Eating Disorder – Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2023 Jul-Aug;30(4):780-794.
ABSTRACT
Literature suggested that metacognitions are involved in eating problems and may be relevant to the understanding of Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The goal of the current studies was to develop the first self-report instrument on metacognitions about binge eating. In Study 1, a community sample completed the Metacognitions about Binge Eating Questionnaire (MBEQ); an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was performed. In study 2, a community sample completed the MBEQ and measures assessing severity of binge eating, irrational food beliefs, anxiety, depression, impulsiveness. A Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was performed. Concurrent and incremental validity were assessed. In study 3, a clinical sample of participants with a diagnosis of BED completed the MBEQ and other measures. Bivariate correlational analysis and hierarchical linear regression were performed. Participants from the general population and participants with a diagnosis of BED were compared. EFA and CFA supported a two-factor solution consisting of positive and negative metacognitions about binge eating. Concurrent and incremental validity were acceptable. The metacognitions factors correlated positively with anxiety, depression, irrational food beliefs, impulsiveness in the community sample, and anxiety, irrational food beliefs, impulsiveness in clinical sample. The metacognitions factors contributed to the prediction of BEDs symptoms, in community and clinical samples, over and above age, gender, impulsiveness, anxiety, depression, irrational food beliefs. The MBEQ possesses good psychometric properties and appears a reliable and valid measure of positive and negative metacognitions about binge eating. Metacognitions about binge eating could be a therapeutic target to reduce the severity of binge eating episodes.
https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2839
Alhakami, A., Salem, V., Alateeq, D., Nikčević, A. V., Marci, T., Palmieri, S., Spada, M. M., & Mansueto, G. (2023). The Arab COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS): COVID-19 anxiety syndrome and psychological symptoms in the Saudi Arabian population – Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy – Volume30, Issue5 – September/October 2023 – Pages 1083-1094
ABSTRACT
Introduction
The COVID-19 Anxiety Syndrome Scale (C-19ASS) is a reliable scale assessing dysfunctional coping strategies activated in response to COVID-19 fear and threat. The present study aimed to provide a validation of the Arabic version of the C-19ASS and to explore the association between the C-19ASS and psychological symptoms syndrome.
Method
In Study 1, a community sample of 404 participants completed the Arabic version of the C-19ASS and results were subjected to an exploratory factor analysis. In Study 2, a community sample of 903 participants completed the Arabic version of the C-19ASS and a series of measures assessing depressed mood and anhedonia, generalized anxiety and health anxiety. Internal consistency, construct validity and incremental validity were assessed. Associations between C-19ASS and psychological symptoms were assessed.
Results
Factor analysis identified a two-factor solution (i.e., C-19ASS-Perseveration and C-19ASS-Avoidance), and confirmatory factor analysis suggested a two-factor model best fits the data. The Arabic version of the C-19ASS showed good internal consistency, good construct and incremental validity. COVID-19 anxiety syndrome was associated with more severe anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms and health anxiety. Females had higher levels of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome than males. Participants diagnosed with COVID-19, and those who had experienced loss as a consequence of COVID-19, had higher levels of COVID-19 anxiety syndrome (Perseveration).
Conclusions
The Arabic version of the C-19ASS appears to be a reliable and valid measure of the COVID-19 anxiety syndrome. The COVID-19 anxiety syndrome could be a suitable therapeutic target to improve psychological recovery during the COVID-19 pandemic among Arabs.
https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2860
Marino, C., Melodia, F., Pivetta, E., Mansueto, G., Palmieri, S., Caselli, G., Canale, N., Vieno, A., Conti, F. & Spada, M. M. (2023). Desire thinking and craving as predictors of problematic Internet pornography use in women and men. – Addictive Behaviors, 136, 107469
ABSTRACT
Introduction: According to the recent adaptation of the I-PACE model, desire thinking and craving might be closely related to problematic Internet pornography use. The overall aim of the present study was to investigate the role of two components of desire thinking (imaginal prefiguration and verbal perseveration) and craving in problematic Internet pornography use. Furthermore, we examined gender differences in the underlying mechanism linking desire thinking to problematic Internet pornography use.
Method: A total of 414 Italian adults (mean age = 27.55 years, SD = 6.13; age range = 18-58; 53.6 % men) participated in this study. Participants completed an online survey to assess problematic Internet pornography use, pornography craving, desire thinking and problematic Internet use. Path analyses and a multi-group approach were used to test the relationships among variables and to explore gender differences.
Results: Imaginal prefiguration was associated to pornography craving which, in turn, was associated to verbal perseveration as proximal antecedent of problematic Internet pornography use, above and beyond the effect of age, relationship status, and problematic Internet use. Two paths significantly differed between men and women: the path between verbal perseveration and problematic Internet pornography, which for women was weaker and did not reach significance; and the path between problematic Internet use and problematic Internet pornography use that was not significant for women.
Conclusions: In line with the I-PACE model, the present study provided support for the potential role of desire thinking in problematic Internet pornography use as a specific Internet-use disorder and expanded the literature in the field by testing unexplored gender differences. Preventive and clinical implications are discussed.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36055058/
Guerra, G.C., Nardozza, O., Frigerio, A., Garito, M.C., Ponzetti, S., Passaquindici, I., Fasolo, M., Spinelli, M., Lionetti, F. (2023) Families Facing Pandemic Modifications of Everyday Life: A Mixed Study on Mothers’ and Children’s Emotional Reactions and Regulation Strategies – Children 2023, 10, 1627
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many enduring changes in the everyday life of families, with negative effects on parents’ and children’s wellbeing. However, there is a lack of studies in the literature exploring the emotional reactions and coping strategies of both mothers and children of different ages. Furthermore, most studies used only self-reports. This study aimed to identify the emotions and coping strategies of children, adolescents and their mothers and to verify the association between maternal and child wellbeing. A mixed-method design using interviews and questionnaires was applied to collect information on wellbeing (emotional reactions, behavioral/emotional problems) and coping strategies of both mothers (n = 65; M age = 42.17; SD = 4.40; M age = 41.63; SD = 4.48), and their children (n = 35, 8–10 year; n = 30, 11–13 year) during the second wave of the pandemic (December 2020). No differences between the groups emerged concerning the emotional reactions reported. In contrast, mothers and children of different ages reported different self-regulation and other-regulation strategies. Moreover, maternal strategies had different effects on children’s wellbeing. The integration of qualitative and quantitative results was informative to understand how families adapted to the radical changes of everyday life related to the pandemic. The implications for developing interventions in such similar stressful situations to promote family wellbeing are discussed.
https://doi.org/10.3390/children10101627
De Francesco, S., Scaini, S., Alessandri, G., Medda, E., Camoni, L., Stazi, M. A., & Fagnani, C. (2023). Age-Related Variations of Genetic and Environmental Contributions to the Covariation of Fear, Distress and Externalizing Symptoms: A Twin Study in Childhood and Adolescence. – Child Psychiatry & Human Development, 1-13.
ABSTRACT
The frequency with which Internalizing and Externalizing symptoms co-occur suggests that, behind both domains, there may be a common susceptibility represented by a general psychopathology factor. However, it’s still unclear whether this common susceptibility is affected by age-related variations. Internalizing (i.e., Fear and Distress) and Externalizing symptoms were evaluated in 803 twin pairs from the population-based Italian Twin Registry. Model-fitting analysis was performed separately in the 6–14 and 15–18 age groups to estimate genetic and environmental contributions to the covariance among symptoms. For the 6–14 group, a multivariate Cholesky model best fitted the data, while, for the 15–18 group, the best fit was provided by a Common Pathway model in which nearly 50% of total variance of each trait was mediated by common genetic factors. Our findings support a common susceptibility behind Internalizing and Externalizing symptoms, mainly genetic in origin, that becomes more evident at the beginning of puberty.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-023-01498-w
Rosi, E., Crippa, A., Pozzi, M., De Francesco, S., Fioravanti, M., Mauri, M., Molteni, M., Morello, L., Tosti, L., Metruccio, F., Clementi, E., & Nobile, M. (2023). Exposure to environmental pollutants and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: an overview of systematic reviews and meta-analyses – Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 1-17
ABSTRACT
Although heritability estimates suggest a role for genetic components, environmental risk factors have been described as relevant in the etiology of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Several studies have investigated the role of toxicological pollution, i.e., air pollution, heavy metals, POPs, and phthalates. Clear evidence for association of ADHD and environmental factors has not been provided yet. To answer this, we have assessed all available systematic reviews and meta-analyses that focused on the association between pollutant exposure and either ADHD diagnosis or symptoms. More than 1800 studies were screened of which 14 found eligible. We found evidence of a significant role for some pollutants, in particular heavy metals and phthalates, in the increased risk of developing ADHD symptoms. However, at the current stage, data from existing literature also do not allow to weight the role of the different environmental pollutants. We also offer a critical examination of the reviews/meta-analyses and provide indications for future studies in this field. PROSPERO registration: CRD42022341496
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11356-023-30173-9
De Francesco S., Morello, L., Fioravanti, M., Cassaro, C., Grazioli, S., Busti Ceccarelli, S., Nobile, M., Molteni, M., & Crippa, A. (2023). A multimodal approach can identify specific motor profiles in autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder – Autism Research – Volume 16, Issue 8
ABSTRACT
It is still unclear whether and to what extent the motor difficulties are specific to autism. This study aimed to determine whether a multimodal assessment of motor skills could accurately discriminate autistic children from attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and typically developing (TD) peers. Seventy-five children, aged 7–13, equally divided into three groups, were assessed with the developmental coordination disorder questionnaire (DCDQ), the movement assessment battery for children 2 (MABC2), the sensorimotor subtests of NEPSY-II, and the kinematic analysis of a reach-to-drop task. Principal component analysis (PCA) on DCDQ subscales revealed one factor—Caregiver Report—, whereas MABC2/NEPSY-II scores identified three factors—namely, Object Interception and Balance, Motor Imitation, and Fine-Motor Skills—. Lastly, PCA on kinematic variables identified four factors: PC1, loaded by the parameters of velocity and acceleration throughout the task, PC2 and PC3 involved the temporal parameters of the two submovements, and PC4 accounted for the wrist inclination at ball drop. When comparing autistic and TD children, Caregiver Report and Motor Imitation factors predicted membership with 87.2% of accuracy. In the model comparing ADHD and TD groups, Caregiver Report and Fine-Motor Skills predicted membership with an accuracy of 73.5%. In the last model, the Object Interception and Balance factor differentiated autistic children from ADHD with an accuracy of 73.5%. In line with our previous findings, kinematics did not differentiate school-aged autistic children from ADHD and TD peers. The present findings show that specific motor profiles in autism and ADHD can be isolated with a multimodal investigation of motor skills.
https://doi.org/10.1002/aur.2989
Morello L., Scaini S, Caputi M., Frisiello A., Forresi B. (2023). Motivations for using social media, adverse experiences, and adolescent emotional difficulties in the pandemic context. – Current Psychology – 1-12 – July 2023
Studies investigating the effects of an increasing use of social media during the pandemic on youths’ wellbeing mainly focused on screen time or Internet addiction, with mixed results. The present study aimed at investigating adolescents’ social networks use, addressing the relationship between specific motivations and psychological outcomes, also considering exposure to adversities. 1195 Italian adolescents (14–18 years) were administered the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire and the Internet Motives Questionnaire for Adolescents. Demographic information, exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and Covid-19-stressors, and social network use were also investigated. High levels of psychological difficulties were detected, with 49.2% of adolescents reporting abnormal emotional symptoms. Coping was the motivation to use social media that more strongly correlated with psychological problems. The hierarchical multiple linear regression model explained 28% of SDQ emotional symptoms: adverse childhood experiences and coping motivation represented the strongest predictors. According to the moderation model, high levels of ACEs score reduced the differential effect of coping motivation on emotional symptoms. In the pandemic context, using social media to handle difficult emotions represented a relevant risk factor for adolescents’ psychological health, especially for those with lower previous adverse events. Future research should further investigate these findings and their clinical implications.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-023-05008-y
Moro, A. S., Saccenti, D., Seccia, A., Ferro, M., Malgaroli, A., & Lamanna, J.(2023). Poke And Delayed Drink Intertemporal Choice Task (POKE-ADDICT): an open-source behavioral apparatus for intertemporal choice testing in rodents. – bioRxiv, 2023-09
ABSTRACT
Advancements in neuroscience research present opportunities and challenges, requiring substantial resources and funding. To address this, we describe here “Poke And Delayed Drink Intertemporal Choice Task (POKE-ADDICT)”, an open-source, versatile, and cost-effective apparatus for intertemporal choice testing in rodents. This allows quantification of delay discounting (DD), a cross-species phenomenon observed in decision making which provides valuable insights into higher-order cognitive functioning. In DD, the subjective value of a delayed reward is reduced as a function of the delay for its receipt. Using our apparatus, we implemented an effective intertemporal choice paradigm for the quantification of DD based on an adjusting delayed amount (ADA) algorithm using mango juice as a reward. Our paradigm requires limited training and can be directly translated to human subjects using monetary rewards. Our apparatus comprises a few 3D-printed parts and inexpensive electrical components, including a Raspberry Pi control unit. Furthermore, it is compatible with several in vivo procedures and the use of nose pokes instead of levers allows for faster task learning. Beside the main application described here, the apparatus can be further extended to implement other behavioral tests and protocols, including standard operant conditioning. In conclusion, we describe a versatile and cost-effective design based on Raspberry Pi that can support research in animal behavior, decision making and, more specifically, delay discounting.
https://doi.org/10.1101/2023.09.08.556794
Moro, A. S., Saccenti, D., Vergallito, A., Scaini, S., Malgaroli, A., Ferro, M., & Lamanna, J. (2023). Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the orbitofrontal cortex reduces delay discounting. – Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 17.
ABSTRACT
Delay discounting (DD) is a quantifiable psychological phenomenon that regulates decision-making. Nevertheless, the neural substrates of DD and its relationship with other cognitive domains are not well understood. The orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) is a potential candidate for supporting the expression of DD, but due to its wide involvement in several psychological functions and neural networks, its central role remains elusive. In this study, healthy subjects underwent transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) while performing an intertemporal choice task for the quantification of DD and a working memory task. To selectively engage the OFC, two electrode configurations have been tested, namely, anodal Fp1–cathodal Fp2 and cathodal Fp1–anodal Fp2. Our results show that stimulation of the OFC reduces DD, independently from electrode configuration. In addition, no relationship was found between DD measures and either working memory performance or baseline impulsivity assessed through established tests. Our work will direct future investigations aimed at unveiling the specific neural mechanisms underlying the involvement of the OFC in DD, and at testing the efficacy of OFC tDCS in reducing DD in psychological conditions where this phenomenon has been strongly implicated, such as addiction and eating disorders.
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1239463/full
Moro, A. S., Saccenti, D., Ferro, M., Scaini, S., Malgaroli, A., & Lamanna, J. (2023). Neural Correlates of Delay Discounting in the Light of Brain Imaging and Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: What We Know and What Is Missed. – Brain Sciences, 13(3), 403.
ABSTRACT
In decision making, the subjective value of a reward declines with the delay to its receipt, describing a hyperbolic function. Although this phenomenon, referred to as delay discounting (DD), has been extensively characterized and reported in many animal species, still, little is known about the neuronal processes that support it. Here, after drawing a comprehensive portrait, we consider the latest neuroimaging and lesion studies, the outcomes of which often appear contradictory among comparable experimental settings. In the second part of the manuscript, we focus on a more recent and effective route of investigation: non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS). We provide a comprehensive review of the available studies that applied transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to affect subjects’ performance in DD tasks. The aim of our survey is not only to highlight the superiority of NIBS in investigating DD, but also to suggest targets for future experimental studies, since the regions considered in these studies represent only a fraction of the possible ones. In particular, we argue that, based on the available neurophysiological evidence from lesion and brain imaging studies, a very promising and underrepresented region for future neuromodulation studies investigating DD is the orbitofrontal cortex.
Forresi, B., Giani, L., Scaini, S., Nicolais, G., & Caputi, M. (2023). The Mediation of Care and Overprotection between Parent-Adolescent Conflicts and Adolescents’ Psychological Difficulties during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Which Role for Fathers? – International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3), 1957
ABSTRACT
Background: There is evidence of a significant raise in youths’ emotional and behavioral difficulties during the pandemic. Only a few studies have addressed parent-adolescent conflict, and none investigated the possible mediating effect of parenting in the association between conflicts with parents and adolescents’ symptoms. This study aimed at investigating youths’ psychological symptoms during the pandemic, focusing on the predicting effect of parent-adolescent conflict. The mediating role of care and overprotection was also explored, considering whether adolescent gender moderated this mediation. Methods: 195 adolescents aged 14–18 years participated in an online longitudinal study. Perceived conflict with parents and parenting dimensions (Parental Bonding Instrument; PBI) were assessed at baseline (2021). Self-reported psychological difficulties (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire; SDQ) were collected at baseline and after one year (2022). Results: A significantly severer symptomatology was found in adolescents having a conflictual relationship with one or both parents. Major conflicts with parents correlated with lower care and greater overprotection in mothers and fathers. However, parental overprotection and maternal care were not mediators of the relationship between conflict and youths’ difficulties. The only exception was represented by paternal care that fully mediated this relationship in both adolescent males and females. Conclusions: Although further investigations are needed to overcome limitations due to the small sample, findings extend our insight into the impact of parent-adolescent conflict, highlighting the role of fathers’ care and the need to maximize their involvement in clinical interventions.
Scaini, S., Caputi, M., & Giani, L. (2023). Parent and child predictors of internalizing and externalizing symptomatology during Covid-19. Children, 10(10), 1625 – September 2023
ABSTRACT
The COVID-19 emergency has fostered an increasing risk of experiencing distress and negative emotions in parents that turned into heightened stress for children. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of parental stress, children’s resilience, and previous adversities on the development of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children. A series of questionnaires were completed by 158 Italian parents (148 mothers, 10 fathers, mean age = 41 years) concerning them and their school-aged children (N = 158, 76 boys, mean age = 7.4 years) at two critical time points (June 2020 and December 2020). Regression analyses showed that internalizing problems were predicted only by concurrent children’s resilience, whereas externalizing problems were predicted by concurrent parental flooding, children’s resilience, and early parental satisfaction. Therefore, internalizing and externalizing symptoms trajectories follow different routes and are predicted by both common and distinct factors. Supporting positive parenting attitudes and behavior should be recommended to prevent the worsening of children’s externalizing behaviors. At the same time, nurturing resilience in pediatric systems might be useful in preventing or reducing children’s internalizing symptoms.
https://doi.org/10.3390/children10101625
Caputi, M., Bazzoli, E., Forresi, B., Grazioli, S., Rapee, R. M., & Scaini, S. (2023). The Italian version of the Preschool Anxiety Scale-Revised (PAS-R): factor structure and psychometric properties. – European Journal of Developmental Psychology, 1-14
ABSTRACT
This study assessed the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Preschool Anxiety Scale-Revised (PAS-R), a parent-reported measure of their preschool child’s anxiety symptoms. The participants were mothers of 279 Italian preschoolers (age 2–7 years, M = 4.5 years). According to information criteria derived from a confirmatory factor analysis, the four originally identified factors (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, specific fears) provided the best fit to the data. Reliability was excellent for the total score and acceptable for the subscales. PAS-R total score showed moderate correlation with internalizing subscales of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and of the Child Behavior Checklist and weak correlation with the externalizing subscale of the SDQ, demonstrating convergent and concurrent validity, respectively. Test–retest reliability of the PAS-R was good after 1 month. The results suggest good psychometric properties of the Italian PAS-R, although its factor structure needs further investigation with different samples.
https://doi.org/10.1080/17405629.2023.2250120
