BackgroundThe interplay between physical and psychological symptoms frequently affects the health... more BackgroundThe interplay between physical and psychological symptoms frequently affects the health-related quality of life of asthma patients.Participants and procedureThis research aimed at assessing the psychological status of 60 patients attending their first/second doctor visit at which they were diagnosed with allergic asthma. Information on psychological distress was collected through the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ), personality traits were described through Cattell’s 16-Personality Factor Questionnaire (16-PF), stress-related behavior was detected through the P Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the perceived quality of life was described with the Rhinasthma questionnaire.ResultsThe SQ revealed anxiety levels above the clinical cut-off in 71.7% of patients, levels of depression in 46.7%, anger-hostility in 53.3%, and somatic symptoms in 65%. No significant differences were observed after three months. The 16-PF scores were also suggestive of specific personality traits associated ...
The present document refers to the project GP/EFSA/NUTRI/2014/01. This document aims at describin... more The present document refers to the project GP/EFSA/NUTRI/2014/01. This document aims at describing the methods used to retrieve and to critically analyse the scientific data pertinent to this project, besides giving information about the scheduled meetings and reports. EFSA Scientific Opinions, guidance documents and comments received during public consultation were used to select the outcome variables and the methods of measurement that were evaluated by the Experts on the basis of an extensive research of the scientific literature. Purposely developed databases were used by the Experts to perform a critical analysis of the outcome variables and their methods of measurement. The project was performed in 3 blocks, each including 2 categories of claims: Block 1: 1a) Protection against oxidative damage and cardiovascular health and; 1b) Post-prandial blood glucose responses/blood glucose control, weight management; Block 2: 2a) Bone, joints, oral and skin health and; 2b) Neurological and psychological functions; Block 3: 3a) Gut and immune function and; 3b) Physical performance. Project GP/EFSA/NUTRI/2014/01 www.efsa.europa.eu/publications 2 EFSA Supporting publication 2018:EN-1272 An additional Block ("Miscellaneous") was added and refers to all the claimed effects, outcome variables and methods of measurement that did not fall in any of the other blocks.
Psychology and psychotherapy: research study, Feb 5, 2020
The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as a... more The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as an alimentary behaviour disease, but only as a somatic condition. The treatment of obesity is nowadays largely based on psychological approaches directed to produce modifications in lifestyle and not only in alimentary behaviour. Some strategies for prevention are discussed, considering that all the examined studies emphasize four factors as the determinants for the increase of overweight: excessive caloric supply, lack of physical activity, difficulty in recognizing consequences of ponder excess, difficulty in modifying consolidated behavioural habits. For this reason, a substantial change in the perception of the phenomenon, and of cultural and psycho educational politics are needed.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common feature in Parkinson's Disease (PD), even at the time... more Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common feature in Parkinson's Disease (PD), even at the time of diagnosis. Some levels of heterogeneity in nature and severity of cognitive impairment and risk of conversion to Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD) exist. This brief overview summarized the current understanding of MCI in PD, by considering the following major points: historical development of the clinical entity, evaluation, epidemiology, predictors and outcomes, neuroimaging findings, pathophysiology, treatment, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention. MCI in PD represents a concept in evolution and plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the disease mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of building effective strategies to prevent conversion into PDD. Challenges for future research are also discussed.
The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as a... more The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as an alimentary behaviour disease, but only as a somatic condition. The treatment of obesity is nowadays largely based on psychological approaches directed to produce modifications in lifestyle and not only in alimentary behaviour. Some strategies for prevention are discussed, considering that all the examined studies emphasize four factors as the determinants for the increase of overweight: excessive caloric supply, lack of physical activity, difficulty in recognizing consequences of ponder excess, difficulty in modifying consolidated behavioural habits. For this reason, a substantial change in the perception of the phenomenon, and of cultural and psycho educational politics are needed.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 2017
Background: Diagnostic standards do not acknowledge developmental specifics and differences in th... more Background: Diagnostic standards do not acknowledge developmental specifics and differences in the clinical presentation of adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD is associated with severe impairments in health related quality of life (HRQoL) and increased psychopathological distress. Previously no study addressed differences in HRQoL and psychopathology in adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD as well as adolescents at-risk for the development but no current BPD. Methods: Drawing on data from a consecutive sample of N = 264 adolescents (12-17 years) presenting with risk-taking and self-harming behavior at a specialized outpatient clinic, we investigated differences in HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-52) and psychopathological distress (SCL-90-R) comparing adolescents with no BPD (less than 3 criteria fulfilled), to those with subthreshold (3-4 BPD criteria) and full-syndrome BPD (5 or more BPD criteria). Group differences were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Sidak corrected contrasts or Chi-Square test for categorical variables. Results: Adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD presented one year later at our clinic and were more likely female. Adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD showed greater Axis-I and Axis-II comorbidity compared to adolescents with no BPD, and reported greater risk-taking behaviour, self-injury and suicidality. Compared to those without BPD, adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD reported significantly reduced HRQoL. Adolescents with sub-threshold BPD and those with full-syndrome BPD did not differ on any HRQoL dimension, with the exception of Self-Perception. Similar, groups with sub-threshold and full-syndrome BPD showed no significant differences on any dimension of self-reported psychopathological distress, with the exception of Hostility. Conclusions: Findings highlight that subthreshold BPD in adolescents is associated with impairments in HRQoL and psychopathological distress comparable to full-syndrome BPD. Findings raise awareness on the importance of early detection and question the diagnostic validity and clinical utility of existing cutoffs. Findings support a lower diagnostic cutoff for adolescent BPD, to identify those at-risk at an early stage.
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Oncology, Feb 17, 2020
Objective: Ovarian cancer survivors often develop severe psychological disorders and impairments ... more Objective: Ovarian cancer survivors often develop severe psychological disorders and impairments in social, familial, and sexual functioning. They experience a withdrawal from intimate relationship, fear and body shame, and a condition of unrelenting distress. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a physiological parameter that, when reduced, is index of higher distress. The quantitative observational study aimed at understanding the relationship between psychological adjustment, distress, and quality of life. Methods: 44 women, consecutively recruited at the Oncological service of the Gynecological Dept., filled questionnaires investigating social support, body image, coping strategies and quality of life and recorded short-term HRV. Results: significant correlations appeared between: quality of life functioning scales and body image, perceived social support and coping strategies; perceived support from the significant other and HRV (r=339 p <05), role functioning and HRV (r=479 p<001). Simple regressions on HRV showed the effect of the significant other’s support (F=4.27 p<05) and of role functioning (F=9.810 p<001), while body image showed its effect on quality of life (F=4.18 p<05). Multiple regression on HRV showed the effect of body image (β=453), support from friends (β=-435) and avoidance (β=-391) while fatalism showed an effect on quality of life (β=364, p<05). Conclusion: Higher concerns on body image seem linked to a worsened day-to-day life. Reporting these concerns contributes to raise HRV, while better emotive disclosure reduces emotional distress. Social support positively influences quality of life and HRV. Fatalism facilitates cancer acceptance process. Proper emotive disclosure may have a positive impact on life quality.
Official Journal of the Italian Society of Psychopathology, Mar 1, 2012
Objective According to literature, personality seems related to depressive symptomatology in chil... more Objective According to literature, personality seems related to depressive symptomatology in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyse the presence of a specific personality profile related to depressive state in a sample of healthy adolescents. Methods The tests Depressive State Survey (DSS 1) and 16PF-5 were administered to a sample of high school students in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, Italy. Sample was composed by 55 males (mean age = 17.93 ± 0.66) and 61 females (mean age = 17.67 ± 0.65). Spearman's rho correlation between the factorial scale of Depressive State Survey (DSS) and those of the 16PF-5 was calculated. Results A correlation between personality traits and depressive state was shown, in particular, the presence of a specific personality profile related to the presence of depressive symptomatology in apparently healthy adolescents. Conclusions During the clinical assessment in the adolescence, specific personality and symptomatological variables must be taken into account because these issues can complicate the clinical picture as lead to make incorrect categorial diagnosis with the only DSM IV-TR.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Background. Within the current literature concerning the gynecological surgery, there are only a ... more Background. Within the current literature concerning the gynecological surgery, there are only a few studies that focus on the psychological aspects that characterize the peri-operative period. In this research, the psychopathological symptoms and the illness behavior were assessed in order to confirm previous results about clinical variables such as the type and method of intervention, as well as psychological aspects regarding the positive anamnesis for mental disorders. Moreover, other factors including the desire for maternity and previous surgical interventions and pregnancies were also investigated. Methods. In this observational research, 58 women (age = 41.5±8.8), that undergone gynecological surgery (conservative and non-conservative) for benign pathologies, were consecutively recruited. Information on psychopathological symptoms was collected 15 days (T0) and one day before surgery(T1), and at the time of discharge (T2) through the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ). At T2, the Il...
BackgroundThe interplay between physical and psychological symptoms frequently affects the health... more BackgroundThe interplay between physical and psychological symptoms frequently affects the health-related quality of life of asthma patients.Participants and procedureThis research aimed at assessing the psychological status of 60 patients attending their first/second doctor visit at which they were diagnosed with allergic asthma. Information on psychological distress was collected through the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ), personality traits were described through Cattell’s 16-Personality Factor Questionnaire (16-PF), stress-related behavior was detected through the P Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the perceived quality of life was described with the Rhinasthma questionnaire.ResultsThe SQ revealed anxiety levels above the clinical cut-off in 71.7% of patients, levels of depression in 46.7%, anger-hostility in 53.3%, and somatic symptoms in 65%. No significant differences were observed after three months. The 16-PF scores were also suggestive of specific personality traits associated ...
The present document refers to the project GP/EFSA/NUTRI/2014/01. This document aims at describin... more The present document refers to the project GP/EFSA/NUTRI/2014/01. This document aims at describing the methods used to retrieve and to critically analyse the scientific data pertinent to this project, besides giving information about the scheduled meetings and reports. EFSA Scientific Opinions, guidance documents and comments received during public consultation were used to select the outcome variables and the methods of measurement that were evaluated by the Experts on the basis of an extensive research of the scientific literature. Purposely developed databases were used by the Experts to perform a critical analysis of the outcome variables and their methods of measurement. The project was performed in 3 blocks, each including 2 categories of claims: Block 1: 1a) Protection against oxidative damage and cardiovascular health and; 1b) Post-prandial blood glucose responses/blood glucose control, weight management; Block 2: 2a) Bone, joints, oral and skin health and; 2b) Neurological and psychological functions; Block 3: 3a) Gut and immune function and; 3b) Physical performance. Project GP/EFSA/NUTRI/2014/01 www.efsa.europa.eu/publications 2 EFSA Supporting publication 2018:EN-1272 An additional Block ("Miscellaneous") was added and refers to all the claimed effects, outcome variables and methods of measurement that did not fall in any of the other blocks.
Psychology and psychotherapy: research study, Feb 5, 2020
The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as a... more The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as an alimentary behaviour disease, but only as a somatic condition. The treatment of obesity is nowadays largely based on psychological approaches directed to produce modifications in lifestyle and not only in alimentary behaviour. Some strategies for prevention are discussed, considering that all the examined studies emphasize four factors as the determinants for the increase of overweight: excessive caloric supply, lack of physical activity, difficulty in recognizing consequences of ponder excess, difficulty in modifying consolidated behavioural habits. For this reason, a substantial change in the perception of the phenomenon, and of cultural and psycho educational politics are needed.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common feature in Parkinson's Disease (PD), even at the time... more Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a common feature in Parkinson's Disease (PD), even at the time of diagnosis. Some levels of heterogeneity in nature and severity of cognitive impairment and risk of conversion to Parkinson's Disease Dementia (PDD) exist. This brief overview summarized the current understanding of MCI in PD, by considering the following major points: historical development of the clinical entity, evaluation, epidemiology, predictors and outcomes, neuroimaging findings, pathophysiology, treatment, and pharmacological and non-pharmacological intervention. MCI in PD represents a concept in evolution and plays a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of the disease mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of building effective strategies to prevent conversion into PDD. Challenges for future research are also discussed.
The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as a... more The aim of this study is to examine the increasing phenomenon of obesity, not yet considered as an alimentary behaviour disease, but only as a somatic condition. The treatment of obesity is nowadays largely based on psychological approaches directed to produce modifications in lifestyle and not only in alimentary behaviour. Some strategies for prevention are discussed, considering that all the examined studies emphasize four factors as the determinants for the increase of overweight: excessive caloric supply, lack of physical activity, difficulty in recognizing consequences of ponder excess, difficulty in modifying consolidated behavioural habits. For this reason, a substantial change in the perception of the phenomenon, and of cultural and psycho educational politics are needed.
Borderline Personality Disorder and Emotion Dysregulation, 2017
Background: Diagnostic standards do not acknowledge developmental specifics and differences in th... more Background: Diagnostic standards do not acknowledge developmental specifics and differences in the clinical presentation of adolescents with borderline personality disorder (BPD). BPD is associated with severe impairments in health related quality of life (HRQoL) and increased psychopathological distress. Previously no study addressed differences in HRQoL and psychopathology in adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD as well as adolescents at-risk for the development but no current BPD. Methods: Drawing on data from a consecutive sample of N = 264 adolescents (12-17 years) presenting with risk-taking and self-harming behavior at a specialized outpatient clinic, we investigated differences in HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-52) and psychopathological distress (SCL-90-R) comparing adolescents with no BPD (less than 3 criteria fulfilled), to those with subthreshold (3-4 BPD criteria) and full-syndrome BPD (5 or more BPD criteria). Group differences were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with Sidak corrected contrasts or Chi-Square test for categorical variables. Results: Adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD presented one year later at our clinic and were more likely female. Adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD showed greater Axis-I and Axis-II comorbidity compared to adolescents with no BPD, and reported greater risk-taking behaviour, self-injury and suicidality. Compared to those without BPD, adolescents with subthreshold and full-syndrome BPD reported significantly reduced HRQoL. Adolescents with sub-threshold BPD and those with full-syndrome BPD did not differ on any HRQoL dimension, with the exception of Self-Perception. Similar, groups with sub-threshold and full-syndrome BPD showed no significant differences on any dimension of self-reported psychopathological distress, with the exception of Hostility. Conclusions: Findings highlight that subthreshold BPD in adolescents is associated with impairments in HRQoL and psychopathological distress comparable to full-syndrome BPD. Findings raise awareness on the importance of early detection and question the diagnostic validity and clinical utility of existing cutoffs. Findings support a lower diagnostic cutoff for adolescent BPD, to identify those at-risk at an early stage.
Journal of Clinical & Experimental Oncology, Feb 17, 2020
Objective: Ovarian cancer survivors often develop severe psychological disorders and impairments ... more Objective: Ovarian cancer survivors often develop severe psychological disorders and impairments in social, familial, and sexual functioning. They experience a withdrawal from intimate relationship, fear and body shame, and a condition of unrelenting distress. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a physiological parameter that, when reduced, is index of higher distress. The quantitative observational study aimed at understanding the relationship between psychological adjustment, distress, and quality of life. Methods: 44 women, consecutively recruited at the Oncological service of the Gynecological Dept., filled questionnaires investigating social support, body image, coping strategies and quality of life and recorded short-term HRV. Results: significant correlations appeared between: quality of life functioning scales and body image, perceived social support and coping strategies; perceived support from the significant other and HRV (r=339 p <05), role functioning and HRV (r=479 p<001). Simple regressions on HRV showed the effect of the significant other’s support (F=4.27 p<05) and of role functioning (F=9.810 p<001), while body image showed its effect on quality of life (F=4.18 p<05). Multiple regression on HRV showed the effect of body image (β=453), support from friends (β=-435) and avoidance (β=-391) while fatalism showed an effect on quality of life (β=364, p<05). Conclusion: Higher concerns on body image seem linked to a worsened day-to-day life. Reporting these concerns contributes to raise HRV, while better emotive disclosure reduces emotional distress. Social support positively influences quality of life and HRV. Fatalism facilitates cancer acceptance process. Proper emotive disclosure may have a positive impact on life quality.
Official Journal of the Italian Society of Psychopathology, Mar 1, 2012
Objective According to literature, personality seems related to depressive symptomatology in chil... more Objective According to literature, personality seems related to depressive symptomatology in children and adolescents. The aim of this study was to analyse the presence of a specific personality profile related to depressive state in a sample of healthy adolescents. Methods The tests Depressive State Survey (DSS 1) and 16PF-5 were administered to a sample of high school students in Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, Italy. Sample was composed by 55 males (mean age = 17.93 ± 0.66) and 61 females (mean age = 17.67 ± 0.65). Spearman's rho correlation between the factorial scale of Depressive State Survey (DSS) and those of the 16PF-5 was calculated. Results A correlation between personality traits and depressive state was shown, in particular, the presence of a specific personality profile related to the presence of depressive symptomatology in apparently healthy adolescents. Conclusions During the clinical assessment in the adolescence, specific personality and symptomatological variables must be taken into account because these issues can complicate the clinical picture as lead to make incorrect categorial diagnosis with the only DSM IV-TR.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Background. Within the current literature concerning the gynecological surgery, there are only a ... more Background. Within the current literature concerning the gynecological surgery, there are only a few studies that focus on the psychological aspects that characterize the peri-operative period. In this research, the psychopathological symptoms and the illness behavior were assessed in order to confirm previous results about clinical variables such as the type and method of intervention, as well as psychological aspects regarding the positive anamnesis for mental disorders. Moreover, other factors including the desire for maternity and previous surgical interventions and pregnancies were also investigated. Methods. In this observational research, 58 women (age = 41.5±8.8), that undergone gynecological surgery (conservative and non-conservative) for benign pathologies, were consecutively recruited. Information on psychopathological symptoms was collected 15 days (T0) and one day before surgery(T1), and at the time of discharge (T2) through the Symptom Questionnaire (SQ). At T2, the Il...
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