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Zolotareva A, Khegay A, Voevodina E, Kritsky I, Ibragimov R, Nizovskih N, Konstantinov V, Malenova A, Belasheva I, Khodyreva N, Preobrazhensky V, Azanova K, Sarapultseva L, Galimova A, Atamanova I, Kulik A, Neyaskina Y, Lapshin M, Mamonova M, Kadyrov R, Volkova E, Drachkova V, Seryy A, Kosheleva N, Osin E. Optimism, Resilience, and General Self-Efficacy Predict Lower Somatic Burden during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:1338. [PMID: 38998872 PMCID: PMC11241252 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12131338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 06/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
There is scarce evidence of a relationship between positive and psychosomatic characteristics. This study aimed to examine the associations of somatic burden with psychological resources such as optimism, resilience, and general self-efficacy. Russian participants (n = 1020) completed measures of psychological resources at Time 1 and somatic symptoms at Time 2. The results showed that somatic burden decreased with greater levels of optimism, resilience, and general self-efficacy. Regarding health and sociodemographic characteristics, female sex increased somatic burden in the model with optimism scores, university education decreased somatic burden in the model with resilience scores, and history of COVID-19 disease increased somatic burden in the models with optimism, resilience, and general self-efficacy scores. This study has theoretical and practical contributions. It combines positive psychology and psychosomatic medicine and highlights the value of psychological resource interventions in the treatment and prevention of somatic burden. These findings may be useful for scientists, clinicians, and practitioners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Zolotareva
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Anna Khegay
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Elena Voevodina
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Igor Kritsky
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (I.K.); (R.I.)
| | - Roman Ibragimov
- Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 620049 Ekaterinburg, Russia; (I.K.); (R.I.)
| | - Nina Nizovskih
- Department of Psychology, Vyatka State University, 610000 Kirov, Russia;
| | | | - Arina Malenova
- Department of General and Social Psychology, Dostoevsky Omsk State University, 644077 Omsk, Russia;
| | - Irina Belasheva
- Department of General Psychology and Personality Psychology, North-Caucasus Federal University, 355017 Stavropol, Russia;
| | - Natalia Khodyreva
- Department of Psychology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.K.); (V.D.)
| | - Vladimir Preobrazhensky
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Kristina Azanova
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Lilia Sarapultseva
- Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Russian State Vocational Pedagogical University, 620143 Ekaterinburg, Russia;
| | - Almira Galimova
- Department of Theory and Technology of Social Work, Samara National Research University, 443086 Samara, Russia;
| | - Inna Atamanova
- Department of Genetic and Clinical Psychology, Tomsk State University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Anastasia Kulik
- Department of Theoretical and Practical Psychology, Kamchatka State University Named after Vitus Bering, 683032 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia; (A.K.); (Y.N.)
| | - Yulia Neyaskina
- Department of Theoretical and Practical Psychology, Kamchatka State University Named after Vitus Bering, 683032 Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy, Russia; (A.K.); (Y.N.)
| | - Maksim Lapshin
- Department of Sports Improvement, South Ural State University, 454080 Chelyabinsk, Russia;
| | - Marina Mamonova
- Municipal Budgetary Educational Institution Lyceum 11, 454091 Chelyabinsk, Russia;
| | - Ruslan Kadyrov
- Department of General Psychological Disciplines, Pacific State Medical University, 690002 Vladivostok, Russia; (R.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Ekaterina Volkova
- Department of General Psychological Disciplines, Pacific State Medical University, 690002 Vladivostok, Russia; (R.K.); (E.V.)
| | - Viktoria Drachkova
- Department of Psychology, Saint-Petersburg State University, 199034 Saint-Petersburg, Russia; (N.K.); (V.D.)
| | - Andrey Seryy
- Department of Psychology, Kemerovo State University, 650000 Kemerovo, Russia;
| | - Natalia Kosheleva
- International Laboratory of Positive Psychology of Personality and Motivation, HSE University, 101000 Moscow, Russia; (A.K.); (E.V.); (V.P.); (K.A.); (N.K.)
| | - Evgeny Osin
- Laboratory LINP2, University of Paris Nanterre, 92001 Nanterre, France;
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Wang Y, Cao J, Wei J. Case report: Short-term psychotherapy for alexithymia in a patient with generalized anxiety disorder. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1342398. [PMID: 38686127 PMCID: PMC11056504 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1342398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is common among patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and may negatively affect the efficacy of treatment. This case report described a sole short-term psychotherapy focusing on alexithymia for a GAD patient. The intervention extends over 3 weekly 50-minute sessions and incorporates components of: (a) understanding the basic categories of emotions and the importance of processing them consciously and building one's own vocabulary of emotions; (b) developing skills in identifying and labeling emotions and learning to register both positive and negative emotions in daily life; (c) observing and interpreting emotion-related body sensations and learning to get in touch with, be empathetic to, and take care of one's own inner feelings in daily life. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA), and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS) were used to evaluate depression, anxiety, and alexithymia before and after the sessions. The results suggested that the treatment was not only effective in reducing alexithymia helping the patient to clarify, identify and describe her feelings, but also effective in reducing anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufei Wang
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- 44 Medical Doctor Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jinya Cao
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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Cao P, Peng R, Yuan Q, Zhou R, Ye M, Zhou X. Predictors of non-suicidal self-injury in adolescents with depressive disorder: the role of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1336631. [PMID: 38638510 PMCID: PMC11024233 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1336631] [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: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study analyzes the relationship of alexithymia, childhood trauma, and body investment to non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder and whether they have predictive and diagnostic value for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors in adolescents with depressive disorder. Patients and methods A total of 225 patients with a diagnosis of adolescent depressive disorder were included in the study and were divided into two groups according to the DSM-5 criteria: 98 cases without NSSI and 127 cases with NSSI. Compare the demographic data, 24-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD-24), 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF), and Body Investment Scale (BIS) scores between two groups. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the independent risk factors contributing to NSSI behaviors in adolescents with depression, and establish four predictive models. Based on the models' predictive probability, the ROC curves were plotted to calculate the value of the predictive diagnostic effect. Results The group without NSSI had lower scores than the group with NSSI on HAMD-24 total score, TAS-20 total score, difficulty identifying feelings, difficulty describing feelings, and externally focused thinking, as well as lower scores on CTQ-SF total score, physical neglect, emotional neglect, physical abuse, and emotional abuse. In contrast, the BIS total score, body image feelings and attitudes, body care, and body protection factor scores were higher for the group without NSSI. The BIS body care factor score and the CTQ-SF emotional abuse factor score were significantly linked with adolescents diagnosed with depressive disorder who exhibited NSSI behaviors. These results provide a good diagnostic model for adolescents with depressive disorder. Conclusion Low levels of body care and childhood emotional abuse may independently contribute to the implementation of NSSI in adolescents with depressive disorder. Body investment and childhood trauma are valuable in diagnosing and predicting NSSI behaviors and should be considered as potentially important factors in clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Cao
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Ran Peng
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyu Yuan
- Bengbu Mental Health Center, Anhui Veterans Hospital, Anmin Hospital Affiliated to Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Ruochen Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Mengting Ye
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaoqin Zhou
- School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Chaohu Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Anhui Psychiatric Center, Hefei, China
- Department of Psychology and Sleep Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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Ruan QN, Liu L, Shen GH, Wu YW, Yan WJ. Alexithymia and peer victimisation: interconnected pathways to adolescent non-suicidal self-injury. BJPsych Open 2024; 10:e46. [PMID: 38344860 PMCID: PMC10897695 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2023.653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents underscores the importance of understanding the complex factors that drive this behaviour. Framed within broader constructs of emotional regulation theories, alexithymia and peer victimisation are thought to interact to influence NSSI behaviours. AIM This research addresses whether alexithymia and peer victimisation serve as risk factors for NSSI and, if so, how these factors interact with each other. METHOD This quantitative study analysed data from 605 adolescents, using a range of validated self-report measures including the Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Statistical analyses including one-way analysis of variance, multiple regression and structural equation modelling were employed to scrutinise the relationships among the variables. RESULTS Alexithymia and peer victimisation significantly predicted NSSI behaviours. Specifically, the 'difficulty in identifying feelings' subscale of alexithymia emerged as a noteworthy predictor of NSSI (P < 0.001). Peer victimisation mediated the relationship between alexithymia and NSSI, explaining approximately 24.50% of alexithymia's total effect on NSSI. In addition, age was a significant predictor of NSSI, but gender and education years were not (P > 0.05). These relationships were found to be invariant across genders. CONCLUSIONS This study enriches our understanding of the interplay between alexithymia, peer victimisation and NSSI, particularly within the Chinese context. Its findings have significant implications for a rethinking of alexithymia's theoretical construct and interventions targeting emotional literacy and peer dynamics among adolescents. Future research could benefit from a longitudinal design to establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Linhui Liu
- Lishui Second People's Hospital, Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | | | - Yu-Wei Wu
- Student Affairs Division, Wenzhou Business College, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jing Yan
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China; and Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Centre for Mental Illness, Affiliated Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Banerjee S, Lev-Wiesel R, De S. Poverty, Somatisation Tendency and Potency in Low-Income Adolescent Groups of India and Israel: Explorations from the Field. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1104. [PMID: 37508601 PMCID: PMC10377797 DOI: 10.3390/children10071104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Poverty increases vulnerability towards somatisation and influences the sense of mastery and well-being. The present study on adolescents living in relative poverty in a high-income group country (Israel) and a low-middle-income group country (India) explored the nature of somatisation tendency (ST) and its relationship with potency and perception of poverty (PP). Potency, a buffer against stress-induced negative health effects, was hypothesized to be negatively related to ST and mediate the link between PP and ST. Purposive sampling was used to collect questionnaire-based data from community youth (12-16 years) of two metropolitan cities-Kolkata (India, N = 200) and Tel-Aviv (Israel, N = 208). The nature of ST, PP and potency was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics and correlation-regression statistics and mediation analysis were used to understand the relationship among them. A clinically significant level of ST was reported by both Indian and Israeli youth experiencing 5-7 somatic symptoms on average. Potency was found to be a significant predictor of ST in both countries (p < 0.05) and emerged as a significant mediator (p < 0.001) in the PP and ST relationship among Indian adolescents. The present study highlights potency as a protective buffer in economically vulnerable community adolescents and re-establishes a high prevalence of ST among them, irrespective of their country's global economic position.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saoni Banerjee
- Emili Sagol Research Center for CAT (Creative Arts Therapies), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
| | - Rachel Lev-Wiesel
- Emili Sagol Research Center for CAT (Creative Arts Therapies), University of Haifa, Haifa 3498838, Israel
- Body & Mind Psychotherapy Track, Social Work, Tel Hai Academic Center, Qiryat Shemona 1220800, Israel
- National Center for Children at Risk Assessment, The Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Treatment and Research, Shamir Hospital, Be'er Ya'akov 60930, Israel
- FAA-Emili Sagol Creative Arts Research and Innovation for Well-Being Center at Chulalongkorn University (CARIW), Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Sonali De
- Department of Psychology, Calcutta University, Kolkata 700009, India
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Zhou Y, Peng P, Yuan N, Xiong Y, Luo Y, Liu L, Tan R, Nie W, Wang Y, Zhang X. Suicidal ideation in Chinese patients with chronic schizophrenia: prevalence, clinical correlates, and relationship with alexithymia. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2023:10.1007/s00406-023-01630-w. [PMID: 37310424 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01630-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Suicidal ideation (SI) is common among people with schizophrenia. However, it has received less attention than suicide attempts (SA), especially in the Chinese population. Alexithymia is a well-established risk factor for SI across different populations. Nevertheless, very few studies evaluated their relationship in schizophrenia patients. We aimed to determine the prevalence and clinical correlates of SI and its relationship with alexithymia in 812 Chinese chronic schizophrenia inpatients. We assessed SI, clinical symptoms, and alexithymia by the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation, the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale, respectively. A multiple logistic regression model was conducted to identify independent correlates of SI. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and area under the curve (AUC) were performed to determine the ability of our model to distinguish between patients with and without SI. 10% (n = 84) reported current SI. Lifetime SA (OR, 4.68; 95% CI 2.76-7.94, p < 0.001), PANSS depressive factor (OR, 1.24; 95% CI 1.12-1.38, p < 0.001), PANSS positive subscale (OR, 1.055; 95% CI 1.004-1.108, p = 0.035), and difficulty identifying emotions (OR, 1.07; 95% CI 1.03-1.12, p = 0.002) were associated with SI. The AUC value was 0.80, indicating excellent distinguishing capabilities. Timely assessments of these factors may help identify schizophrenia patients who are at risk for SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Pu Peng
- Department of Psychiatry, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, and National Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ning Yuan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yifan Xiong
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yinli Luo
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Lini Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Rongrong Tan
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Wei Nie
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Hunan Brain Hospital (Hunan Second People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
- Department of Psychology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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Raffagnato A, Miscioscia M, Fasolato R, Iannattone S, Valentini P, Sale E, Gatta M. Symptomatic, Alexithymic, and Suicidality-Related Features in Groups of Adolescent Self-Harmers: A Case-Control Study. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:883-896. [PMID: 37232705 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13050067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is an increasing phenomenon among both clinical and nonclinical adolescent groups and is associated with several psychopathological symptoms, in addition to being one of the main risk factors for suicidality. Nevertheless, differences between clinical and nonclinical samples of self-harmers in symptom dimensions, alexithymia, suicidality, and NSSI-related variables are still scarcely investigated. The current study aimed to fill this gap by enrolling a sample of Italian girls (age range: 12-19 years) that included 63 self-harmers admitted to mental health outpatient services (clinical group), 44 self-harmers without admission to mental health services (subclinical group), and 231 individuals without an NSSI history (control group). Questionnaires investigating psychopathological symptoms, alexithymia, and NSSI-related variables were administered. The results highlighted that all symptom-related variables and alexithymic traits were more severe in the NSSI groups than in the control group; in particular, self-depreciation, anxiety, psychoticism, and pathological interpersonal relationships were distinguished between the clinical and subclinical groups. Compared to the subclinical group, the clinical group was characterized by higher NSSI frequency, NSSI disclosure, self-punishment as the main reason for engagement in NSSI, and suicidal ideation. These findings were then discussed in terms of clinical practice and primary and secondary prevention in the adolescent population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Raffagnato
- Department of Woman and Child's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Rachele Fasolato
- Department of Woman and Child's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Iannattone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Perla Valentini
- Department of Communication Sciences, Humanistic and International Studies: History, Culture, Languages, Literature, Arts, Media, University of Urbino 'Carlo Bo', 61029 Urbino, Italy
| | - Eleonora Sale
- Department of Woman and Child's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Gatta
- Department of Woman and Child's Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
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Dong Z, Zhou J, Conti A, Westwood SJ, Fu X, Liu Q, Yuan Y, Huang X, Qiu C, Zhang X, Tang W. Association between alexithymia and non-suicidal self-injury in psychiatric patients: the mediating role of self-esteem and the moderating role of emotional intelligence. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 162:57-64. [PMID: 37088044 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Raffagnato's theory claims that if people have no words to express their emotions (alexithymia), they express themselves by venting or through non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). However, these associations have not been confirmed in psychiatric patients. This study explored the relationship between alexithymia and NSSI in psychiatric patients and the potential underlying psychological mechanisms. METHODS This retrospective study involved face-to-face interviews with 449 outpatients consecutively recruited from West China Hospital. Alexithymia, self-esteem, NSSI, and emotional intelligence (EI) were measured. The moderating role of EI and the mediating role of self-esteem between alexithymia and NSSI were also explored. Logistic regressions were used to examine whether sociodemographic, clinical variables and alexithymia were independently associated with NSSI. RESULTS The DSM-5 NSSI disorder and alexithymia prevalences were found to be 32.5% and 45.2%. When the other covariables were controlled for, the alexithymic patients were found to be at increased odds (OR 2.76) of engaging in NSSI behaviors. These results confirmed the strong associations between alexithymia, low self-esteem, and NSSI risk. Lower EI was found to be related to the connections between alexithymia and NSSI. Except for the lower risk in anxiety patients, the risk of NSSI was similar for patients with other mental disorders, CONCLUSION: This study revealed the psychological mechanisms through which alexithymia increases the risk of NSSI. Therefore, to reduce NSSI risk, screening for alexithymia should be emphasized. Self-esteem as a targeted psychological intervention could also assist in mitigating the process from alexithymia to NSSI behaviors, and EI training for psychiatric patients could weaken the relationship between alexithymia and NSSI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaiquan Dong
- Mental Health Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, Leshan People's Hospital, Leshan, Sichuan, China
| | - Aldo Conti
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Samuel J Westwood
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Science, University of Westminster, London, UK
| | - Xia Fu
- Out-patient Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Out-patient Department of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanling Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy of West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xia Huang
- Mental Health Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changjian Qiu
- Mental Health Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Centre for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wanjie Tang
- Mental Health Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
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Gatta M, Raffagnato A, Angelico C, Benini E, Medda E, Fasolato R, Miscioscia M. Externalising Behaviours, Impulsivity, Alexithymia, and Emotional Dysregulation in Adolescents' Suicidality. CLINICAL NEUROPSYCHIATRY 2023; 20:17-28. [PMID: 36936619 PMCID: PMC10016105 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
Objective suicide represents the second leading cause of death among adolescents (WHO, 2021). A deeper understanding of the characteristics that lead to it is crucial to increase the ability of clinicians in evaluating, treating, and preventing it. The objective of this study is to analyze the differences in impulsivity, externalizing behaviors, emotion dysregulation, and alexithymia between two groups of adolescents, the first presenting suicidal ideation (SI), the second presenting at least one suicide attempt (SA), in an ideation-to-action framework. Method we conducted a retrospective study with 190 adolescents (M= 14.5, SD age = 1.63; SI: n = 97, SA: n = 93). All were hospitalized in the Complex Operative Child Neuropsychiatry Hospital Unit (UOC-NPI) of the Hospital-University of Padua. Data were collected using the Youth Self-Report (YSR 11-18), Barratt's Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11) and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) questionnaires. Results the SA group obtained higher clinical scores in the YSR "rule-breaking behavior" and "conduct problems" scales, and in total TAS-20. Conclusions the role of externalizing problems and alexithymia could open new frontiers in the understanding of suicide. These new data could be useful for the implementation of early screening protocols and for directing clinical interventions, promoting greater emotion regulation and anger management skills among patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Gatta
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (A.R); (C.A.); elena. (E.B.); (E.M.); (R.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Alessia Raffagnato
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (A.R); (C.A.); elena. (E.B.); (E.M.); (R.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Caterina Angelico
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (A.R); (C.A.); elena. (E.B.); (E.M.); (R.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Elena Benini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (A.R); (C.A.); elena. (E.B.); (E.M.); (R.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Erica Medda
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (A.R); (C.A.); elena. (E.B.); (E.M.); (R.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Rachele Fasolato
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (A.R); (C.A.); elena. (E.B.); (E.M.); (R.F.); (M.M.)
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (A.R); (C.A.); elena. (E.B.); (E.M.); (R.F.); (M.M.)
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
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10
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Georges CMG, Ritscher S, Pappaccogli M, Petit G, Lopez-Sublet M, Bapolisi A, Di Monaco S, Wallemacq P, Rabbia F, Toennes SW, de Timary P, Persu A. Psychological determinants of drug adherence and severity of hypertension in patients with apparently treatment-resistant vs. controlled hypertension. Blood Press 2022; 31:169-177. [PMID: 35899361 DOI: 10.1080/08037051.2022.2099346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a pilot study including 35 patients with apparently treatment-resistant hypertension (ATRH), we documented associations between psychological profile, drug adherence and severity of hypertension. The current study aims to confirm and expand our findings in a larger and more representative sample of patients with ATRH, using controlled hypertensive patients as the comparator. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients with ATRH were enrolled in hypertension centres from Brussels and Torino. The psychological profile was assessed using five validated questionnaires. Drug adherence was assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry analysis of urine samples, and drug resistance by 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure was adjusted for drug adherence. RESULTS The study sample totalised 144 patients, including 81 ATRH and 63 controlled hypertensive patients. The mean adherence level was significantly lower in the "resistant" group (78.9% versus 92.7% in controlled patients, p-value = .022). In patients with ATRH, independent predictors of poor drug adherence were somatisation, smoking and low acceptance level of difficult situations, accounting for 41% of the variability in drug adherence. Independent predictors of severity of hypertension were somatisation, smoking, more frequent admissions to the emergency department and low acceptation, accounting for 63% of the variability in the severity of hypertension. In contrast, in patients with controlled hypertension, the single predictors of either drug adherence or severity of hypertension were the number of years of hypertension and, for the severity of hypertension, alcohol consumption, accounting for only 15-20% of the variability. CONCLUSION Psychological factors, mostly related to somatisation and expression of emotions are strong, independent predictors of both drug adherence and severity of hypertension in ATRH but not in controlled hypertensive patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie M G Georges
- Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sabrina Ritscher
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Forensic Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Marco Pappaccogli
- Department of Medical Sciences, Internal Medicine and Hypertension Division, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Géraldine Petit
- Adult Psychiatry Department and Institute of Neuroscience, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marilucy Lopez-Sublet
- Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine, ESH Hypertension Excellence Center, CHU Avicenne AP-HP, Bobigny, France Bobigny
| | - Achille Bapolisi
- Adult Psychiatry Department and Institute of Neuroscience, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Université Catholique de Bukavu and Hôpital Provincial Général de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo
| | - Silvia Di Monaco
- Department of Medical Sciences, Internal Medicine and Hypertension Division, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Pierre Wallemacq
- Clinical Chemistry Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Franco Rabbia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Internal Medicine and Hypertension Division, AOU Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefan W Toennes
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Department of Forensic Toxicology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
| | - Philippe de Timary
- Adult Psychiatry Department and Institute of Neuroscience, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alexandre Persu
- Department of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Pole of Cardiovascular Research, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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11
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Renzi A, Conte G, Tambelli R. Somatic, Emotional and Behavioral Symptomatology in Children during COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Children's and Parents' Alexithymia. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:2171. [PMID: 36360512 PMCID: PMC9691013 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10112171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has deeply affected the psychophysical wellbeing of children worldwide. Alexithymia, a personality trait involving difficulties in identifying and expressing feelings represents a vulnerability factor for stress-related disorders. Under pandemic stress exposure, we aimed to investigate the role of parents' and children's alexithymia in the psychophysical symptomatology shown by children and to evaluate possible differences according to age, gender and history of COVID-19 infections. The perception of parents and children about the impact of the pandemic on children's emotional, social and physiological wellbeing was also explored. Sixty-five familial triads were surveyed in the period from March to May 2022: children (n = 33 males; mean age = 9.53, sd = 1.55), mothers (mean age = 44.12; sd = 6.10) and fathers (mean age = 47.10; sd = 7.8). Both parental and children's alexithymia scores were significantly associated with somatic and externalizing symptomatology in children. Self-reported anger and externally oriented thinking scores were higher in younger children (age 8-9.9 years) than in older ones (10-12 years). Girls scored higher than boys in somatic complaints, as reported by parents. No difference emerged between children affected/not affected by COVID-19. Notably, children reported a greater negative impact of the pandemic on their emotional and psychosocial well-being than their parents. The findings emphasize the role of alexithymia in the occurrence of psychophysical symptoms in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduced parental awareness of the emotional burden imposed by the pandemic on children indicates the need to better consider how epidemics affect children's mental health and to develop adequate preventive strategies to support them in these exceptional times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Renzi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Conte
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Institute of Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Sabelli 108, 00185 Rome, Italy
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12
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Raffagnato A, Iannattone S, Fasolato R, Parolin E, Ravaglia B, Biscalchin G, Traverso A, Zanato S, Miscioscia M, Gatta M. A Pre-Adolescent and Adolescent Clinical Sample Study about Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Attempt, and Self-Harming. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2022; 12:1441-1462. [PMID: 36286085 PMCID: PMC9600697 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe12100100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is the second cause of death among adolescents, and nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) is one of the main risk factors for suicidal behavior. However, the possible variables specifically associated with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt, as well as the psychopathological characteristics linked to the concomitant presence of suicidal ideation/attempt and NSSI are still under-investigated in youth. The current study aimed to address these issues in a sample of 174 young Italian inpatients (Mage = 14.3 years ± 1.93, 78.2% girls). Sociodemographic and clinical variables were assessed through psycho-diagnostic interviews and ad hoc questionnaires. A binomial logistic regression was performed to identify the predictors of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Then, Kruskal-Wallis tests were run to analyze the psychopathological differences between patients with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt considering the coexistence of NSSI. The results highlighted that previous access to child mental health services and general psychopathological problems significantly predicted suicidal ideation, while previous hospitalizations, borderline personality functioning, and affective disorders significantly predicted suicide attempt. In general, inpatients with also NSSI reported higher levels of internalizing, somatic and total problems, impulsiveness, alexithymia, and emotional dysregulation. The clinical implications of our findings in terms of primary and secondary preventive programs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Raffagnato
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Iannattone
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-049-827-6918
| | - Rachele Fasolato
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Elisa Parolin
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Benedetta Ravaglia
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Gaia Biscalchin
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Annalisa Traverso
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Silvia Zanato
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
| | - Michela Gatta
- Department of Woman and Child’s Health, Padua University Hospital, 35128 Padua, Italy
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13
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Psycho-Behavioral Profiles of Pediatric Inpatients with Past and Recent Onset of Nonsuicidal Self-Injury: A Cluster Analysis Approach. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11154602. [PMID: 35956216 PMCID: PMC9369878 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11154602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Few studies have focused on the persistence of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) over time in developmental age. This study aimed to define the psycho-behavioral profiles of young inpatients according to past or recent NSSI onset (i.e., NSSI for more or less than one year, respectively), and identify possible risk factors for maintaining NSSI over time. A total of 118 Italian NSSI inpatients aged 9–17 were involved. The Youth Self-Report (YSR) was administered. K-means cluster analyses were conducted using the YSR affective disorders, social competencies, and social problems scales as clustering variables. A binomial logistic regression was run to clarify which of these variables discriminate between the past and recent NSSI onset groups. Chi-square tests were performed to pinpoint the variables associated with long-standing NSSI. The final cluster solution displayed four psycho-behavioral profiles; a greater number of inpatients with recent NSSI onset was found in the clusters characterized by scarce social competencies. Affective disorders and social competencies were significant predictors, and higher scores on both scales were more likely in the past NSSI onset group. School problems and alcohol/substance use were related to long-standing NSSI. Therefore, a lack of social skills may be involved in recent NSSI onset, while affective disorders and other problem behaviors may dictate the continuation of NSSI over time.
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14
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Gatta M, Angelico C, Rigoni F, Raffagnato A, Miscioscia M. Alexithymia and Psychopathological Manifestations Centered on the Body: Somatization and Self-Harm. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11082220. [PMID: 35456311 PMCID: PMC9026923 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11082220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate alexithymia and psychopathological manifestations centered on the body in a sample of adolescents with somatizing and/or self-harming issues to analyze the phenomenon of NSSI linked to Somatic Symptom Disorders (SSD). A sample of 184 adolescents between 12 and 19 years of age, was divided into three groups, one with NSSI (n = 49) and the second group with SSD (n = 57), comparing them with a third group of adolescents with SSD and NSSI (n = 78) to investigate their differences and similarities in psychopathological correlates and to analyze the mediation role of alexithymia and emotional dysregulation in NSSI and SSD related to internalizing problems. The battery of tests included the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and the Youth Self-Report 11–18 (YSR). The NSSI + SSD group scored higher than the other two groups on all the YSR scales. The affective syndromes were the only clinical condition that discriminated between the three groups. On all the other syndrome scales, the NSSI + SSD group differed from the other two groups, while there were no differences between the NSSI group and the SSD group. The NSSI + SSD group revealed a more severely deficient emotional self-regulation. Difficulty identifying feelings was a trait shared by adolescents with SSD and those engaging in NSSI, a more complex overall alexithymia profile was associated with the combination of self-harming behavior and somatization. Alexithymia and emotional dysregulation played a mediating role in the relationship between internalizing problems and somatization. We did not find a mediating role in alexithymia and emotional dysregulation in the relationship between internalizing problems and self-injurious behavior. The combination of NSSI and SSD gave rise to more severe psychopathological correlates, clinical levels of alexithymia, and more severe deficient emotional self-regulation. Results of mediation role indicated a link between alexithymia, emotional dysregulation, and somatization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Gatta
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Caterina Angelico
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Rigoni
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Alessia Raffagnato
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy; (M.G.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, 35131 Padua, Italy
- Correspondence: (C.A.); (M.M.)
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15
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Hamdan-Mansour AM, Alsalman ET, Hamaideh SH, El-Kurdy R, Hamdan-Mansour LA. Psychological Predictors of Fibromyalgia Among High School Students. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2022; 60:19-25. [PMID: 35412876 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20220325-04] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to examine prediction power of psychological factors (i.e., alexithymia and psychological distress) on fibromyalgia among high school students. A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Data related to alexithymia, psychological distress, and fibromyalgia were collected from 483 high school students from the northern part of Jordan using stratified cluster random sampling. Results showed that psychological distress is a significant predictor of fibromyalgia (odds ratio = 1.1, p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between males and females in relation to alexithymia (t = -4.87, p < 0.001), psychological distress (t = -6.0, p < 0.001), and fibromyalgia (χ2 = 4.14, p = 0.04, phi = 0.07). Age was only significantly correlated with alexithymia (r = 0.06, p < 0.05). Given the relationship among psychological distress, alexithymia, and fibromyalgia, mental health professionals should carefully observe psychological disturbances among high school students. [Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, xx(xx), xx-xx.].
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16
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Miscioscia M, Angelico C, Raffagnato A, Gatta M. Psychopathological and Interactive-Relational Characteristics in Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Adolescent Outpatients. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11051218. [PMID: 35268309 PMCID: PMC8911069 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11051218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is described as behaviors that directly and intentionally inflict damage to body tissue without suicidal intent and for reasons not linked to cultural expectations or norms. Literature has confirmed several “specific risk factors” related to NSSI behaviors; emotional reactivity, internalizing problems, alexithymia traits, and maladaptive family functioning can predispose an individual to intrapersonal and interpersonal vulnerabilities related to difficulties in regulating one’s own cognitive-emotional experience. The present study aims to analyze and define the psychopathological and family interactive-relational characteristics of adolescents with NSSI through a case-control study. Thirty-one patients with NSSI and thirty-one patients without NSSI paired for sex, age, and psychiatric diagnosis (ICD-10) were recruited in Padua among two Child Neuropsychiatry Units before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show a higher prevalence of internalizing problems, alexithymia trait related to “difficulty identifying feelings”, and lower quality of family functioning related to inclusion of partners, child involvement, and child self-regulation. These results carry significant implications for the clinical management and therapeutic care of non-suicidal self-injury patients and further confirm the need for an in-depth investigation of internalizing problems, alexithymia, and quality of family interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Miscioscia
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.A.); (A.R.); (M.G.)
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, University of Padua, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-(049)-821-1160
| | - Caterina Angelico
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.A.); (A.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Alessia Raffagnato
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.A.); (A.R.); (M.G.)
| | - Michela Gatta
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University Hospital of Padua, 35128 Padova, Italy; (C.A.); (A.R.); (M.G.)
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17
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Gatta M, Raffagnato A, Mason F, Fasolato R, Traverso A, Zanato S, Miscioscia M. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of paediatric patients admitted to a neuropsychiatric care hospital in the COVID-19 era. Ital J Pediatr 2022; 48:23. [PMID: 35123540 PMCID: PMC8817472 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-022-01213-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Since the first months of 2020, Italy and the world have been facing the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to the dangerous and potentially deadly effects on physical health, it has caused a radical change in the lifestyle of the population and a potential danger for mental health too. These events were inserted into the context of a growing epidemiological trend regarding children’s psychiatric disorders in the past decade. Aim To study the population of patients admitted to a Neuropsychiatric Hospital Unit of North Italy in the first COVID-19 year, comparing them with the population of patients hospitalised during the year immediately before, according to sociodemographic and clinical variables. Methodology The study is an observational retrospective cohort. In total, 198 patients hospitalised due to neuropsychiatric problems from February 2019 to March 2021 were recruited. Data were analysed through mean and standard deviation, t-test, percentages, chi square test, and the Fischer exact test. Results Risk factors associated with mental health disorders were similar between the two years. The hospitalisation modality showed a decrease in scheduled hospitalisations compared to urgent ones, and among the reasons that led patients to hospitalisation there was a conspicuous increase in eating disorders. More suicidal and self-harming behaviours occurred in the COVID-19 group too, compared to the previous year. The methods used to attempt suicide were changed considerably, with a prevalence of that attempted within the home. Changes in pharmacological therapies also occurred, necessary for more than 80% of inpatients during the COVID year, with a greater use of neuroleptics. There were alarming data about hospitalisation relapses, which increased from 12.2% in the pre-COVID year to 35.0% in the COVID year. Conclusion Data shed light on clinical and policy issues in mental health care during the developmental age. Since the COVID-19 health emergency is not yet over, and its effects, especially on mental health, will be long-term, it is necessary to implement services and activities dedicated to both primary and secondary prevention of neuropsychiatric diseases especially during adolescent ages.
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18
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Bordalo F, Carvalho IP. The role of alexithymia as a risk factor for self-harm among adolescents in depression - A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2022; 297:130-144. [PMID: 34695502 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.10.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Considering the suggested role of alexithymia in increasing the risk of self-harm, especially when depression is also present, and that rates of self-harm tend to peak in adolescence, the aim of this systematic review was to synthetize the most relevant research studies on this topic and provide an understanding on whether alexithymia can be considered as an important risk factor for non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents with depression. METHODS Searches were conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and PsycINFO, resulting in 290 records. After removal of duplicates, 273 records were left and after reading the titles and abstracts, 231 articles were excluded, leaving 42 articles that were read in full. Of these 42, nine articles were included in this review. RESULTS The sample of this review consists of eight case-control studies and one cross-sectional and longitudinal survey. All nine studies concluded that the most important variables associated with self-harming behavior were depression and alexithymia, among all other variables assessed. The self-harming groups showed significantly higher scores on alexithymia (overall and particularly Factor 1- difficulties identifying feelings and differentiating them from bodily sensations), when compared to the control (no self-harming) groups, and the mean depression scores for self-harming groups were significantly higher than those for non-harming groups. All nine studies included in this review shared the limitation of self-reported information. CONCLUSION These results indicate that alexithymia is a risk factor for non-suicidal self-harm among adolescents with depression, even when other variables were also inspected, and may be a prevention and therapeutic target in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felícia Bordalo
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal.
| | - Irene P Carvalho
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal; Medical Psychology Unit, Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Mental Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal; CINTESIS, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, Porto 4200-319, Portugal
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Young AC, Kyranides MN. Understanding Emotion Regulation and Humor Styles in Individuals with Callous-Unemotional Traits and Alexithymic Traits. THE JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 156:147-166. [PMID: 35015960 DOI: 10.1080/00223980.2021.2017831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alexithymia is a personality trait which is characterized by impairments in identifying and describing emotions. Both psychopathic and alexithymic personality traits have been associated with impairments in emotion processing. This study aims to clarify the conceptual overlap between psychopathic traits (focusing on callous-unemotional traits) and alexithymic traits, with emotion regulation strategies and humor styles using a community sample. A battery of self-report measures was distributed through an online platform to 538 male and female participants between the ages of 18 to 65. Hierarchal linear regression analyses demonstrated that emotion regulation strategies were the strongest predictors and accounted for the largest variance of callous-unemotional traits and alexithymic traits. More specifically, expressive suppression arose as a positive predictor while cognitive reappraisal arose as a negative predictor for both personality traits. Aggressive humor (maladaptive) arose as a positive predictor while self-defeating humor (maladaptive) and affiliative humor (adaptive) arose as negative predictors for callous-unemotional traits. In contrast, self-defeating humor arose as a positive predictor for alexithymic traits while affiliative humor and self-enhancing humor arose as negative predictors. Findings indicate that there are similarities and differences between these personality traits. The implications regarding tailoring interventions that target specific deficits associated with each personality trait are discussed.
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Kim HS, Pyo HJ, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Park MJ, Jeon HJ. Bullying, Psychological, and Physical Trauma During Early Life Increase Risk of Major Depressive Disorder in Adulthood: A Nationwide Community Sample of Korean Adults. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:792734. [PMID: 35422720 PMCID: PMC9003008 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.792734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is an association between early life traumas and the development of depression in adults. Few studies have used nationwide population-based samples to investigate whether the type of early life trauma differentially influences the risk of developing depression. METHODS Major depressive disorder and early life trauma were assessed using the Korean version of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (K-CIDI) for DSM-IV psychiatric disorder and a questionnaire for early life trauma in the Korean Epidemiological Catchment Area Study in 2016. A total of 4,652 participants were included in the final analysis. This study evaluated the effect of the type and frequency of reported early life trauma on the risk of developing MDD and the association between reported early life trauma and differential symptoms of MDD. RESULTS Individuals with reported early life trauma had a 3.7-fold increased risk of MDD. The risk of MDD was associated with bullying trauma (odds ratio (OR) = 1.847, p = 0.005) after adjusting for age, gender, marriage, job, and education years. The risk of MDD was increased as the types of reported early life traumas increased. CONCLUSION Bullying trauma during early life represents a risk factor for MDD, especially in individuals exposed to multiple traumas in early life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Soo Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hong Jin Pyo
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mi Jin Park
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Department of Medical Device Management and Research, and Department of Clinical Research Design and Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, South Korea
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Glaus J, Moser DA, Rusconi Serpa S, Jouabli S, Turri F, Plessen KJ, Schechter DS. Families With Violence Exposure and the Intergenerational Transmission of Somatization. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:820652. [PMID: 35280182 PMCID: PMC8904725 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.820652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Adults who have histories of childhood trauma have been noted to display greater somatization, dissociative symptoms and affect dysregulation. What happens in the parent-child relationship when those traumatized children become parents? A potential link to somatization in the child has been suggested by several prior studies. Children who have early attachment disturbances had more physical complaints if their mothers displayed less maternal sensitivity during observed parent-child interactions. Yet, the intergenerational link between maternal and child somatization has not been sufficiently explored in a longitudinal study in order to understand the potential impact of maternal trauma history and related psychopathology on subsequent child somatization and psychopathology. METHODS This paper examined prospective, longitudinal data of 64 mother-toddler dyads (mean age = 2.4 years, SD = 0.7) who were later studied when children had a mean age of 7 years. Mothers with and without histories of interpersonal violence (IPV; physical/sexual abuse and/or family violence exposure) were included. Mothers with IPV histories were oversampled. Linear and Poisson regression models were used to test the associations between maternal IPV-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with maternal somatization severity when children were toddlers, and between maternal somatization and maternal interactive behaviors with child somatization by maternal report and clinician-rated assessment at school-age. RESULTS Maternal PTSD severity was significantly associated with increased maternal somatization severity (p = 0.031). Maternal somatization severity during the child's early childhood predicted both maternal report of child somatization (p = 0.011) as well as child thought problems (p = 0.007) when children were school-aged. No association was found between maternal somatization and child-reported psychopathology. The study did not find that maternal alexithymia, caregiving behaviors or child exposure to violence contributed significantly to the model examining the association between maternal and child somatization. CONCLUSION The results are in line with the hypothesis of intergenerational transmission of somatization in the context of IPV and related maternal PTSD during formative early development. We interpret this as an expression of psychological distress from mother to child, as maternal trauma and pathology affect the caregiving environment and, thus, the parent-child relationship. The authors conclude with a discussion of implications for parent-infant and early childhood intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Glaus
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dominik A Moser
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Sondes Jouabli
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Fiorella Turri
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Kerstin J Plessen
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel S Schechter
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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22
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Shahini N, Ghasemzadeh M, Javan M, Salimi Z. Evaluation of the COVID-19 pandemic effect on the development of somatic symptoms in patients with mood disorders: a case-control study. New Microbes New Infect 2021; 43:100917. [PMID: 34603735 PMCID: PMC8463032 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2021.100917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic symptoms are one of the most common complaints among patients with psychiatric disorders and are considered as one of the most common psychiatric disorders in the new coronavirus pandemic. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical symptoms in patients with mood disorders and compare it with healthy individuals. In this case-control study, 67 patients with mood disorders were referred to the psychiatric clinic of 5 Azar Hospital in Gorgan, who met the inclusion criteria, and 68 healthy individuals as control group were entered into the study. For all participants after informed consent, a demographic information questionnaire was completed along with Screening for Somatic Symptoms-7 (SOMS7) and Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and the data were analysed by SPSS software version 25. The mean score obtained for the SOMS-7 questionnaire for the group of patients with mood disorders and the control group was 32.37 ± 8.19 and 35.42 ± 11.3, respectively. The mean obtained for the PHQ-15 questionnaire for the mood disorders group and the control group was 8.56 ± 5.93 and 5.86 ± 4.63, respectively. In the mood disorder group, 26.9% of patients had no risk for physical symptoms, 31.3% of patients had a low risk, 25.4% of patients had a moderate risk, and 16.4% of patients had a high risk for physical symptoms. The statistical test showed that although the risk of physical symptoms was high in both groups, this rate was higher in the group with mood disorders, and there is a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05). The results also showed a significant and direct relationship between the two questionnaires (P < 0.05). According to the results, although the prevalence of somatic symptoms increased in both groups, the prevalence of somatic symptoms is significantly higher in the mood disorder group.
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Affiliation(s)
- N. Shahini
- Golestan Research Center of Psychiatry (GRCP), Golestan University of Medical Sciences, GorganIran
| | | | - M. Javan
- Golestan Research Center of Psychiatry (GRCP), Golestan University of Medical Sciences, GorganIran
| | - Z. Salimi
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Cimino S, Marzilli E, Erriu M, Carbone P, Casini E, Cerniglia L. Motor Vehicle Collisions during Adolescence: The Role of Alexithymic Traits and Defense Strategies. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11060079. [PMID: 34063788 PMCID: PMC8223781 DOI: 10.3390/bs11060079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
International literature has shown that adolescents represent the population most at risk of fatal and nonfatal motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). Adolescents’ alexithymic traits and significant use of immature defense strategies have been seen to play a key role. This study aimed to investigate the possible mediation role played by defense strategies use in the relationship between alexithymia and MVCs. Our sample consisted of 297 adolescents divided into four subgroups, based on the number of visits to the emergency department due to an MVC. We assessed adolescents’ alexithymic traits and defense strategies use through self-report instruments. Results showed that males reported a higher rate of MVCs than females. Higher rates of MVCs are associated with more alexithymic traits and maladaptive defense strategies use. Adolescents’ Acting Out and Omnipotence use significantly mediated the relationship between alexithymia and MVCs. Our findings suggest the recidivism of MVCs as an attempt to cope with emotional difficulties, with important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Eleonora Marzilli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Michela Erriu
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Paola Carbone
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Elisa Casini
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome, Sapienza, 00186 Rome, Italy; (S.C.); (E.M.); (M.E.); (P.C.); (E.C.)
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, International Telematic University Uninettuno, 00186 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-066-920-761
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The Role of Alexithymia in Social Withdrawal during Adolescence: A Case-Control Study. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8020165. [PMID: 33671559 PMCID: PMC7926933 DOI: 10.3390/children8020165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although social withdrawal is becoming increasingly common among adolescents, there is still no consensus on its definition from the diagnostic and psychopathological standpoints. So far, research has focused mainly on social withdrawal as a symptom of specific diagnostic categories, such as depression, social phobia, or anxiety disorders, or in the setting of dependence or personality disorders. Few studies have dealt with social withdrawal in terms of its syndromic significance, also considering aspects of emotion control, such as alexithymia. The present case-control study aimed to further investigate the issue of social withdrawal, and try to clarify the part played by alexithymia in a sample of Italian adolescents diagnosed with psychological disorders (n = 80; Average Ageg = 15.2 years, SD = 1.49). Our patients with social withdrawal (cases) scored significantly higher than those without this type of behavior (controls) in every domain of alexithymia investigated, using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20) and with the scales in the Youth Self-Report (YSR) regarding internalizing problems, anxiety-depression, social problems, and total problems. Internalizing problems and total levels of alexithymia also emerged as predictors of social withdrawal. These variables may therefore precede and predispose adolescents to social withdrawal, while social problems may develop as a consequence of the latter.
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25
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Emotional Intelligence: Relevance and Implications for Addiction. CURRENT ADDICTION REPORTS 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s40429-021-00356-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Huang Y, Wang Y, Zeng L, Yang J, Song X, Rao W, Li H, Ning Y, He H, Li T, Wu K, Chen F, Wu F, Zhang X. Prevalence and Correlation of Anxiety, Insomnia and Somatic Symptoms in a Chinese Population During the COVID-19 Epidemic. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:568329. [PMID: 33005165 PMCID: PMC7485113 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.568329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety has been a common mental state during the epidemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and is usually closely related to somatization. However, no study on somatization in anxiety and its relationship with insomnia has been conducted. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the prevalence of anxiety, somatization and insomnia and explore the relationships between different psychological states in the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. METHODS A total of 1,172 respondents were recruited from 125 cities in mainland China by an online questionnaire survey. All subjects were evaluated with the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) scale, the somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90-Revised (SCL-90-R), and the 7-item Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). RESULTS The percentages of anxiety, somatization, and insomnia were 33.02%, 7.59%, and 24.66%, respectively. The prevalence of somatization was 19.38% in participants with anxiety. Compared to the anxiety without somatization group, the anxiety with somatization group had a significantly higher percentage of patients with a history of physical disease and insomnia, as well as higher GAD-7 scores and SCL-90 somatization subscores (all p < 0.001). The SCL-90 somatization subscores were positively correlated with age, history of physical disease, GAD-7 scores, and ISI scores (all p < 0.001). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression showed that GAD-7 score, ISI score, and age were risk factors for somatization in the anxious population. CONCLUSIONS Somatic and psychological symptoms were common in the general population during the COVID-19 outbreak. Somatic symptoms, anxiety, and insomnia are closely related, and improving anxiety and sleep quality may help relieve somatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanxia Wang
- Department of Scientific Research Center, Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child-Care Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lingyun Zeng
- Department of Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jiezhi Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Shenzhen Health Development Research Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiuli Song
- Clinical Psychology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Wenwang Rao
- Unit of Psychiatry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Hehua Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongbo He
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
| | - Kai Wu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Materials Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology (scUT), Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengjuan Chen
- Department of Medical, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fengchun Wu
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Mental Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiangyang Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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