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Cassioli E, Tarchi L, Rossi E, Faldi M, Dani C, Giuranno G, Siviglia S, Baroncelli A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Giraldi A, Ricca V, Castellini G. Early traumatic experiences are linked to hypersexual behavior and erectile dysfunction in men through the mediation of body uneasiness and general psychopathology. J Sex Med 2024; 21:635-647. [PMID: 38778740 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood traumatic experiences have been associated with hypersexuality and sexual dysfunctions. However, the mediators of the interactions between these variables should be clarified in men. AIM This study aimed to investigate the interaction of early traumatic experiences, psychopathology, and sexuality with respect to erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypersexual behavior. The hypothesized model expected that traumatic experiences would be associated with hypersexual behavior and reduced sexual functioning through the mediation of body uneasiness and psychological distress. METHODS The study was cross-sectional and observational. A total of 317 men were enrolled. Male patients with a primary complaint of ED and an indication for psychiatry referral represented the clinical sample (n = 116; mean ± SD age, 42.82 ± 16.89 years). Clinical classification was assessed with the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction. The second sample (n = 201, 30.82 ± 11.94 years) was recruited from the general population. All participants were administered the following questionnaires: Brief Symptom Inventory, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, Hypersexual Behavior Inventory, Body Uneasiness Test-A, and 5-item International Index of Erectile Function. OUTCOMES Psychopathology and sexual functioning were assessed by a dimensional approach, and a multivariate model was computed by structural equation model analysis. RESULTS When compared with the sample from the general population, the clinical sample exhibited a higher prevalence of early traumatic experiences, as measured by scores on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (45.08 ± 14.25 vs 39.03 ± 10.22, F = 17.63, P < .001), and a higher tendency to engage in hypersexual behaviors (34.63 ± 13.55 vs 30.79 ± 12.44, F = 6.97, P < .01). Structural equation model analysis showed excellent fit indices indicating that early traumatic experiences predicted hypersexual behaviors and ED through the exacerbating mediating effect of body uneasiness and psychopathology. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinicians should not limit their attention to the behavioral level when assessing sexual dysfunction in men; rather, they should also consider the complex psychopathologic consequences of childhood trauma. Integrated treatments that address the potential presence of childhood trauma with its wider psychological correlates (eg, emotion dysregulation, body uneasiness) might improve treatment response. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The study reports novel data on the relationship among childhood maltreatment, male sexuality, and psychopathologic mediators with a dimensional assessment. However, the assessment was cross-sectional, and causality was mainly derived from previous studies. CONCLUSION The present study enriches the current literature, strengthening the hypothesis that childhood traumatic experiences significantly shape development and sexuality. Body uneasiness and psychopathology can both tax sexual functioning, as assessed by erectile functioning or hypersexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Livio Tarchi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Marco Faldi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Cristiano Dani
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giuranno
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Serena Siviglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Andrea Baroncelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Annamaria Giraldi
- Sexological Clinic, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital-Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
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Aloi M, Carcione A, Lo Coco G, Rania M, Carbone EA, de Filippis R, Segura-Garcia C, Liuzza MT. Metacognition as a transdiagnostic factor across eating disorders: a latent profile analysis study. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1391715. [PMID: 38988401 PMCID: PMC11234852 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1391715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Metacognition is a crucial aspect of understanding and attributing mental states, playing a key role in the psychopathology of eating disorders (EDs). This study aims to explore the diverse clinical profiles of metacognition among patients with EDs using latent profile analysis (LPA). Method A total of 395 patients with a DSM-5 diagnosis of ED (116 AN-R, 30 AN/BP, 100 BN, 149 BED) participated in this study. They completed self-report measures assessing metacognition, eating psychopathology, depression, emotional dysregulation, personality traits, and childhood adversities. LPA and Welch ANOVAs were conducted to identify profiles based on metacognition scores and examine psychological differences between them. Logistic regression models were employed to explore associations between personal characteristics and different profiles. Results A 3-class solution had a good fit to the data, revealing profiles of high functioning (HF), intermediate functioning (IF), and low functioning (LF) based on levels of metacognitive impairments. Participants in the IF group were older and had a higher BMI than those in the HF and LF groups. Individuals with BN were largely categorized into HF and LF profiles, whereas participants with BED were mainly included in the IF profile. Participants in the LF group reported an impaired psychological profile, with high levels of depression, emotional dysregulation, childhood adversity, and personality dysfunction. Multinomial logistic regression analyses showed significant associations between metacognitive profiles and emotional and neglect abuse, emotion dysregulation, and detachment. Conclusion This exploratory study unveils distinct metacognitive profiles in EDs, providing a foundation for future research and targeted interventions. In this light, metacognitive interpersonal therapy could be a valid and effective treatment for EDs, as suggested by the initial promising results for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Aloi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonino Carcione
- Third Centre of Cognitive Psychotherapy, Italian School of Cognitive Psychotherapy (SICC), Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Science, University “Guglielmo Marconi”, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lo Coco
- Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Marianna Rania
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Elvira Anna Carbone
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Renato de Filippis
- Department of Health Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cristina Segura-Garcia
- Outpatient Unit for Clinical Research and Treatment of Eating Disorders, University Hospital Renato Dulbecco, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Marco Tullio Liuzza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University “Magna Graecia” of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
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Rossi E, Cassioli E, Cecci L, Arganini F, Martelli M, Redaelli CA, Anselmetti S, Bertelli S, Fernandez I, Ricca V, Castellini G. Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing as add-on treatment to enhanced cognitive behaviour therapy for patients with anorexia nervosa reporting childhood maltreatment: A quasi-experimental multicenter study. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2024; 32:322-337. [PMID: 37903082 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This quasi-experimental study aimed to compare the outcome of patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) reporting moderate/severe childhood maltreatment (CM) treated exclusively with Enhanced Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT-E) or with CBT-E plus Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). METHOD A total of 75 patients with AN reporting moderate/severe CM were initially assessed regarding body mass index (BMI), general and eating disorder (ED)-specific psychopathology, and dissociative symptoms, and re-evaluated after 40 CBT-E sessions (T1). Then, 18 patients received EMDR, whereas the others were placed on a waiting list and continued CBT-E. T2 assessment was performed after 20-25 sessions of EMDR or CBT-E. A control group of 67 patients without CM was also enroled and treated with CBT-E. RESULTS Contrary to patients without CM, neither of the traumatised groups improved in BMI, general and ED psychopathology, or dissociation at T1. However, at T2, both traumatised groups improved in BMI and ED-specific psychopathology, with the CBT + EMDR group demonstrating greater improvements. Moreover, only the CBT + EMDR group improved in general psychopathology and dissociative symptoms. The reduction of ED symptoms in traumatised patients was mediated by the amelioration of dissociation. DISCUSSION The addition of EMDR to CBT-E may benefit patients with AN reporting moderate/severe CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lucia Cecci
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Arganini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Michela Martelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Bertelli
- Department of Mental Health, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Budia JM, Alcover CM, Fernández-Muñoz JJ, Blanco-Fernández A, Félix-Alcántara MP. Attachment, motivational systems and anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and proposed framework for eating disorders. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023; 30:913-930. [PMID: 36861498 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is a direct association between patients with insecure attachment style (IAS), behavioural inhibition (BIS) and behavioural activation (BAS) motivational systems, and anorexia nervosa (AN). However, the possible direct relationships between these three variables have not been studied. OBJECTIVE The main objective of this study is to analyse the relationship between these variables and propose a framework for analysing and understanding these relationships. METHODOLOGY A systematic review was carried out following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, searching the following terms: 'anorexia', 'attachment' and those related to motivational systems. The final search was limited to publications in English dated between 2014-2022 for 'anorexia and attachment' and 2010-2022 for 'anorexia and BIS/BAS'. RESULTS Of the 587 articles retrieved, 30 were included in this study for the textual data analysis of the relationship between anorexia and attachment (17), anorexia and motivational systems (10) and anorexia, attachment and motivational systems (3). An association between avoidant IAS, AN and hypersensitivity to punishment of the BIS was observed in the analysis. A relationship was also observed with hyperreinforcement sensitivity of the BAS. After reviewing the articles, a possible relationship between the three factors, along with other mediating factors, was found. DISCUSSION AN is directly related to the avoidant IAS and to BIS. Similarly, bulimia nervosa (BN) was directly related with anxious IAS and BAS. However, contradictions were found in the BN-BAS relationship. This study proposes a framework for analysing and understanding these relationships.
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Feng B, Harms J, Chen E, Gao P, Xu P, He Y. Current Discoveries and Future Implications of Eating Disorders. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6325. [PMID: 37510558 PMCID: PMC10379623 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20146325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Eating disorders (EDs) are characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors and can sometimes be fatal. Eating disorders are also associated with distressing thoughts and emotions. They can be severe conditions affecting physical, psychological, and social functions. Preoccupation with food, body weight, and shape may also play an important role in the regulation of eating disorders. Common eating disorders have three major types: anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge eating disorder (BED). In some cases, EDs can have serious consequences for an individual's physical and mental health. These disorders often develop during adolescence or early adulthood and affect both males and females, although they are more commonly diagnosed in young adult females. Treatment for EDs typically involves a combination of therapy, nutrition counseling, and medical care. In this narrative review, the authors summarized what is known of EDs and discussed the future directions that may be worth exploring in this emerging area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Feng
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Jerney Harms
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
- Biology Department, Centenary College of Louisiana, Shreveport, LA 71104, USA
| | - Emily Chen
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Peiyu Gao
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- The Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Yanlin He
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70808, USA
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Investigation of the Effect of Sexual Attitudes and Attachment Styles of Spouses of Cancer Patients on Their Psychological Resilience. J Nerv Ment Dis 2023; 211:125-130. [PMID: 36108279 DOI: 10.1097/nmd.0000000000001579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
It is pointed out that the attachment styles of spouses are also very important in terms of coping with the psychological problems experienced in illness and sexual satisfaction. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of sexual attitudes and attachment styles of spouses of cancer patients on their psychological resilience. The research was carried out as a descriptive study based on the relational screening model between January and November 2021. A total of 429 spouses of cancer patients who met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The data were collected online using the Participant Information Form, which was prepared by the researcher, Resilience Scale for Adults (RSA), Experiences in Close Relationships Scale (ECR-S), and Hendrick Sexual Attitude Scale (BSAS). Data analyses included descriptive statistics, Mann-Whitney U -test, Kruskal-Wallis, and linear regression using the SPSS 25.0 program. Two hundred forty-six women and 183 men were included in the study, and it has been detected that RSA scores of female participants were higher than male participants. In addition, a positive relation between RSA scores and ECR-S scores ( r = 0.247) and a negative relation between RSA and BSAS ( r = -0.414) were detected ( p < 0.05). It was determined that the psychological resilience of spouses of cancer patients was related to sexual attitudes and attachment styles.
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Rossi E, Cassioli E, Martelli M, Melani G, Hazzard VM, Crosby RD, Wonderlich SA, Ricca V, Castellini G. Attachment insecurity predicts worse outcome in patients with eating disorders treated with enhanced cognitive behavior therapy: A one-year follow-up study. Int J Eat Disord 2022; 55:1054-1065. [PMID: 35735601 PMCID: PMC9543332 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to explore the role of attachment insecurity in predicting a worse longitudinal trend of eating disorder (ED) psychopathology and body uneasiness in patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) or Bulimia Nervosa (BN) treated with Enhanced Cognitive Behavior Therapy, considering the longitudinal interplay between these dimensions. METHOD In total, 185 patients with AN or BN performed the baseline assessment, and 123 were re-evaluated after 1 year of treatment. Participants completed questionnaires evaluating ED psychopathology (Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire) and body uneasiness (body uneasiness test). For the assessment of adult attachment, the Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised was administered at baseline. Bivariate latent change score analysis within the structural equation modeling framework was performed to investigate the evolution of ED psychopathology and body uneasiness, their longitudinal interplay, and the role of attachment style as an outcome predictor. RESULTS After treatment, all psychopathological features showed an overall improvement. Higher baseline levels of body uneasiness predicted a worse course of ED psychopathology. The change in body uneasiness over time depended on changes over time in ED psychopathology, but not vice versa. Insecure attachment predicted a worse longitudinal trend of ED psychopathology, and, through this impairment, it indirectly maintained higher levels of body uneasiness, as confirmed by mediation analyses. DISCUSSION The role of attachment insecurity as a predictor of treatment outcome suggests the need for an integration of the cognitive-behavioral conceptualization of EDs with a developmental perspective that considers attachment-related issues. PUBLIC SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Considering the burden of EDs in terms of public health and the unsatisfactory response to standard treatments, the identification of outcome predictors is of considerable clinical interest. This study demonstrated that attachment insecurity was associated with worse longitudinal trends of ED psychopathology and body uneasiness in patients with AN and BN treated with CBT-E, highlighting the importance of personalizing treatment programs taking into account a developmental perspective on these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Michela Martelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Giulia Melani
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Vivienne M. Hazzard
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral SciencesUniversity of Minnesota Medical SchoolMinneapolisMinnesotaUSA
| | - Ross D. Crosby
- Sanford Center for Biobehavioral ResearchFargoNorth DakotaUSA
| | | | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health SciencesUniversity of FlorenceFlorenceItaly
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