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Maroney MR, Levitt HM, Horne SG. Exploring the Efficacy of an Online Intervention in Processing Experiences of Heterosexism Among Autistic-LGBQ + Individuals. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:2946-2959. [PMID: 37344732 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06027-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
This experimental study explored the use of online expressive writing interventions to cope with distress from heterosexist events among a sample of autistic-LBGQ + individuals. This study included an open writing condition and an emotion focused therapy guided writing condition. Over 89% of the participants indicated that the writing exercises were helpful in processing the event, with significant decreases for measures of depressive and trauma/stressor symptoms. A thematic analysis identified specific aspects of each condition that were helpful for participants in coping with heterosexist distress, such as the development of insight through the emotion-focused exercises. This low-demand exercise is promising as a solo exercise or as a therapy homework assignment, especially given the accessibility of this online intervention for autistic-LGBQ + people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith R Maroney
- Counselling Psychology, Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
| | - Heidi M Levitt
- Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA
| | - Sharon G Horne
- Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Boston, USA
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Barone A, Billeci M, D'Amore S, De Prisco M, De Simone G, Ermini E, Freda V, Iannotta F, Luciani A, Pistone L, Rifici LM, Saia VM, Spennato G, Subosco F, Vellucci L, D'Urso G, Galletta D, Fornaro M, Iasevoli F, de Bartolomeis A. The effects of sustained COVID-19 emergency and restrictions on the mental health of subjects with serious mental illness: A prospective study. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:154-167. [PMID: 35615854 PMCID: PMC9347680 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Few longitudinal studies have so far investigated the impact of sustained COVID-19 among people with pre-existing psychiatric disorders. We conducted a prospective study involving people with serious mental illness (n = 114) and healthy controls (n = 41) to assess changes in the Perceived Stress Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, and Specific Psychotic Experiences Questionnaire scores 18 months after the COVID-19 pandemic outset. Subjects underwent interviews with a mental health professional in April 2020 and at the end of the local third wave (October 2021). A significant increase in perceived stress was found in healthy controls, especially females. Psychiatric patients showed a significant worsening of anxiety symptoms compared to baseline records (t = -2.3, p = 0.036). Patients who rejected vaccination had significantly higher paranoia scores compared to those willing to get vaccinated (U = 649.5, z = -2.02, p = 0.04). These findings indicate that COVID-19's sustained emergency may cause enduring consequences on mental health, soliciting further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annarita Barone
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Martina Billeci
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Sofia D'Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Michele De Prisco
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Giuseppe De Simone
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Eleonora Ermini
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Vittorio Freda
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Federica Iannotta
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Adalgisa Luciani
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Luca Pistone
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Lorenza M. Rifici
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Viviana M. Saia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Giancarlo Spennato
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Francesco Subosco
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Licia Vellucci
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Giordano D'Urso
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Diana Galletta
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Michele Fornaro
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Felice Iasevoli
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
| | - Andrea de Bartolomeis
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, School of MedicineUniversity of Naples “Federico II”NaplesItaly
- UNESCO Chair on Health Education & Sustainable Development at University of Naples “Federico II”School of MedicineNaplesItaly
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Ionescu S, Jourdan-Ionescu C. [Autism Spectrum Disorders: What the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Taught Us]. ANNALES MEDICO-PSYCHOLOGIQUES 2022; 181:S0003-4487(22)00270-0. [PMID: 36091091 PMCID: PMC9444502 DOI: 10.1016/j.amp.2022.08.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The article is devoted to the consequences of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 and more particularly, of the preventive measures adopted during this period on people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). These people are more at risk (especially in cases of comorbidity with intellectual disability) of being infected and hospitalized longer. This increased risk is explained by the presence of biological risk factors (increased cytokines, decreased melatonin) and by psychological factors related to the clinical picture of ASD. Hesitancy concerning COVID vaccinations is discussed in relation to the erroneously purported link between vaccination and the onset of autism. As expected, the pandemic has had negative effects on the clinical picture of children, adolescents, and adults with ASD: sleep disorders, increased behavioural disorders, more stereotypies, parental distress. Unexpectedly, researchers and clinicians have also highlighted the positive effects of the pandemic, described as the "paradoxical‿ effects (improved communication and relationships, decreased anxiety, being happier because of being more in control over their schedule). The explanation for these effects was related to non-attendance at school and, thus, no bullying, decreased sensory and social overload, increased time spent at home, and solidarity with the autistic community and with the entire community. Finally, the question of the transfer of certain conditions that contributed to the above-mentioned improvements to the post-pandemic period is addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serban Ionescu
- Laboratoire CHArt - EA4004 Université Paris 8 - Saint-Denis, 93200 Saint-Denis, France
| | - Colette Jourdan-Ionescu
- Laboratoire sur les facteurs de protection Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières Trois-Rivières (Québec) G8Z 4M3, Canada
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Lew-Koralewicz A. Psychosocial Functioning and the Educational Experiences of Students with ASD during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Poland. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159468. [PMID: 35954828 PMCID: PMC9368499 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Due to their individual developmental and learning needs, adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) benefit from a variety of educational, medical, and therapeutic services. During the COVID-19 pandemic, these services were discontinued or significantly reduced, which may have resulted in increased difficulties in coping with various areas of life. The purpose of this study was to explore how the pandemic affected the psychosocial and educational functioning of students with ASD. A qualitative, problem-focused interview method was used. The obtained material was subjected to interpretive phenomenological analysis. The study involved 10 secondary school students diagnosed with ASD. The assessment of the effects of the pandemic on the functioning of people with ASD is inconclusive. The respondents noted both negative and positive effects of lockdown. On the positive side, they were able to spend time with their family, isolate themselves from difficult social relationships and feel better. Among the negative effects, adolescents point to difficulties in emotional functioning—increased levels of stress and anxiety, as well as increased feelings of loneliness and difficulties with online education. The study showed the varied experiences of young people with autism during the pandemic, highlighting the significant need to support some of them in terms of their emotional, social and educational functioning.
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Nisticò V, Fior G, Faggioli R, Priori A, Gambini O, Demartini B. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 among a Sample of Italian Adults with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Follow-Up Study. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:782. [PMID: 35627919 PMCID: PMC9140581 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The strict lockdowns imposed to contain the COVID-19 pandemic brought an increase in levels of stress, anxiety, and depression in the general population. However, in a previous study, our group found that individuals with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders (HF-ASD) reported an increase in their psychological wellbeing and a decrease in their daily tiredness, in relation to the social distancing measures imposed during the first Italian lockdown (between March and May 2020). In this follow-up study, conducted during the "second wave" of COVID-19, we included the same group of individuals with HF-ASD and evaluated their levels of stress, anxiety, depression, PTSD-related symptoms, tiredness, and perceived wellbeing; moreover, we compared our results to the ones we obtained during the first lockdown on the same population. We found that individuals with HF-ASD experienced higher levels of the aforementioned psychiatric symptoms during the second lockdown, with respect to the first one. These levels positively correlated with their scores at the Autism Quotient subscale Attention Switching: hence, we speculated that these symptoms might be due not only to the prolonging of the social distancing measures, but also to the uncertainty that HF-ASD participants started experiencing at the end of the first lockdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Nisticò
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (V.N.); (A.P.); (O.G.)
- “Aldo Ravelli” Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy
- Dipartimento di Psicologia, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Giulia Fior
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Presidio San Paolo, 20142 Milano, Italy; (G.F.); (R.F.)
| | - Raffaella Faggioli
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Presidio San Paolo, 20142 Milano, Italy; (G.F.); (R.F.)
| | - Alberto Priori
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (V.N.); (A.P.); (O.G.)
- “Aldo Ravelli” Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy
- III Clinica Neurologica, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Presidio San Paolo, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Orsola Gambini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (V.N.); (A.P.); (O.G.)
- “Aldo Ravelli” Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Presidio San Paolo, 20142 Milano, Italy; (G.F.); (R.F.)
| | - Benedetta Demartini
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy; (V.N.); (A.P.); (O.G.)
- “Aldo Ravelli” Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy
- Unità di Psichiatria 52, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Presidio San Paolo, 20142 Milano, Italy; (G.F.); (R.F.)
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