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Carbone GA, Michel CM, Farina B, Adenzato M, Ardito RB, Imperatori C, Artoni F. Altered EEG Patterns in Individuals with Disorganized Attachment: An EEG Microstates Study. Brain Topogr 2024; 37:420-431. [PMID: 38416284 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-024-01038-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Over the past years, different studies provided preliminary evidence that Disorganized Attachment (DA) may have dysregulatory and disintegrative effects on both autonomic arousal regulation and brain connectivity. However, despite the clinical relevance of this construct, few studies have investigated the specific alterations underlying DA using electroencephalography (EEG). Thus, the main aim of the current study was to investigate EEG microstate parameters of DA in a non-clinical sample (N = 50) before (pre) and after (post) the administration of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Two EEG eyes-closed Resting State (RS) recordings were performed before and after the AAI, which was used for classifying the participants [i.e., Disorganized/Unresolved (D/U) or Organized/Resolved (O/R) individuals] and to trigger the attachment system. Microstates parameters (i.e., Mean Duration, Time Coverage and Occurrence) were extracted from each recording using Cartool software. EEG microstates clustering analysis revealed 6 different maps (labeled A, B, C, D, E, F) in both groups (i.e., D/U and O/R individuals) and in both conditions (i.e., pre-AAI and post-AAI). In the pre-AAI condition, compared to O/R individuals, D/U participants showed a shorter Mean Duration and Time Coverage of Map F; in the post-AAI condition, a significant reduction in the Mean Duration of Map E was also observed in D/U individuals. Finally, in the "within" statistical analysis (i.e., pre-AAI vs. post-AAI), only the D/U group exhibited a significant increase in Time Coverage of Map F after the AAI. Since these maps are associated with brain networks involved in emotional information processing and mentalization (i.e., Salience Network and Default Mode Network), our result might reflect the deficit in the ability to mentalize caregiver's interaction as well as the increased sensitivity to attachment-related stimuli typically observed in individuals with a D/U state of mind.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christoph M Michel
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Biomedical Imaging (CIBM), Lausanne, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Fiorenzo Artoni
- Functional Brain Mapping Laboratory, Department of Basic Neurosciences, University of Geneva, Campus Biotech, Geneva, Switzerland
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2
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Filosa M, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Farina B, Massullo C, Panno A, Adenzato M, Ardito RB, Imperatori C. Altered connectivity between the central executive network and the salience network in delusion-prone individuals: A resting state eLORETA report. Neurosci Lett 2024; 825:137686. [PMID: 38364996 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Although the Triple Network (TN) model has been proposed as a valid neurophysiological framework for conceptualizing delusion-like experiences, the neurodynamics of TN in relation to delusion proneness have been relatively understudied in nonclinical samples so far. Therefore, the main aim of the current study was to investigate the functional connectivity of resting state electroencephalography (EEG) in subjects with high levels of delusion proneness. Twenty-one delusion-prone (DP) individuals and thirty-seven non-delusion prone (N-DP) individuals were included in the study. The exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) software was used for all EEG analyses. Compared to N-DP participants, DP individuals showed an increas of theta connectivity (T = 3.618; p = 0.045) between the Salience Network (i.e., the left anterior insula) and the Central Executive Network (i.e., the left posterior parietal cortex). Increased theta connectivity was also positively correlated with the frequency of delusional experiences (rho = 0.317; p = 0.015). Our results suggest that increased theta connectivity between the Salience Network and the Central Executive Network may underline brain correlates of altered resting state salience detection, information processing, and cognitive control processes typical of delusional thinking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Filosa
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Benedetto Farina
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
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Imperatori C, Schimmenti A, Raimondi G, Santoro G, De Rossi E, Innamorati M, Adenzato M, Carbone GA, Ardito RB, Farina B. Psychometric Properties of the Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) in an Italian Community Sample. J Trauma Dissociation 2024:1-18. [PMID: 38444257 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2024.2323982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
The Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) is a valid and reliable self-report instrument that assesses these two distinct forms of dissociative symptoms. However, there is limited research on the cross-cultural validation of the DCI. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an Italian translation of the DCI and examine its internal structure and psychometric properties (including internal consistency, convergent validity, and test-retest reliability) within an Italian-speaking community sample. The sample consisted of 1276 adults (887 females; mean age: 29.57 ± 10.96 years), who completed the DCI and other self-report measures evaluating dissociative experiences and childhood trauma. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the original two-factor model (χ2169 = 1312.80, RMSEA = 0.073, 95%CI 0.069-0.077; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.94; SRMR = 0.04). Additionally, the DCI exhibited good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity with another measure of dissociation. The study also confirmed the association between DCI scores and the severity of childhood trauma. Finally, a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the DCI effectively distinguishes individuals who screened positively for dissociative disorders. Overall, these findings indicate that the Italian translation of the DCI possesses satisfactory psychometric properties, suggesting its utility as a screening tool for assessing detachment and compartmentalization experiences.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, UKE-Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Giulia Raimondi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluca Santoro
- Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Cultural Industries, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Innamorati
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turn, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe A Carbone
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University of Turn, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turn, Turin, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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De Rossi E, Farina B, Adenzato M, Carbone GA, Ardito RB, Imperatori C. Parental overcontrol is associated with dysmorphic concern severity: A cross-sectional study. J Affect Disord 2023; 343:96-101. [PMID: 37793476 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.09.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysmorphic concern (DC) is a symptom affecting both clinical and non-clinical populations, with a severe impact on individuals' physical and psychological well-being. While Childhood Trauma (CT) has been identified as a risk factor for DC, there is a lack of research on a specific form of CT, that is, parental overcontrol. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the association between DC and parental overcontrol in a community sample of adults, controlling for other forms of CT and potential confounding variables. METHOD 714 adults (508 females; mean age: 30.29 ± 11.67 years; age range: 18-77) participated in an online survey including the Body Image Concern Inventory (BICI), the Overcontrol subscale of the Measure Of Parental Style, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire - Short Form (CTQ-SF). RESULTS Parental overcontrol was independently associated with DC symptoms (β = 0.111; p = .005; CI = [0.119;0.666]), even after controlling for other forms of CT and sociodemographic and clinical confounding variables. LIMITATIONS The cross-sectional design of the study, the unbalanced sex ratio, the retrospective self-reported data about parental overcontrol and CT should be considered. CONCLUSIONS This finding suggests that parental overcontrol may play a role in the development and maintenance of DC symptoms, remarking the urge to take more into account parental overcontrol in the assessment of CT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena De Rossi
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy; Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Italy.
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Italy
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Farina B, Liotti M, Imperatori C, Tombolini L, Gasperini E, Mallozzi P, Russo M, Simoncini Malucelli G, Monticelli F. Cooperation within the therapeutic relationship improves metacognitive functioning: preliminary findings. Res Psychother 2023; 26. [PMID: 37946579 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2023.712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Both clinical observations and empirical data suggest that metacognitive functioning is a factor strongly associated with a good psychotherapeutic outcome. It has been suggested that some interpersonal social motivations (i.e., attachment and cooperation) may be associated with different levels of metacognitive functioning also within the therapeutic relationship. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between cooperation and metacognitive monitoring within 58 psychotherapy sessions from seven different patients. All patients were initially assessed through a detailed psychiatric interview. Patients' adult attachment styles were evaluated using the Attachment Style Questionnaire. The association between the activation of patients' interpersonal social motivations (e.g., cooperation and attachment) and the modifications of metacognitive abilities during sessions was investigated using the Assessing Interpersonal Motivations in Transcripts method and the Metacognition Assessment Scale have been used. Our results showed that the activation of the patient's cooperative system is positively associated with an increase in metacognitive functioning, while the activation of attachment is not. The results of the present study have important implications for clinicians: they give empirical support for the role of cooperation in fostering metacognition within the therapeutic relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Farina
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome.
| | - Marianna Liotti
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical and Health Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome.
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Experimental and Applied Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome.
| | | | - Elena Gasperini
- InPsico Center for Integrated Psychotherapy, Castelfidardo (AN).
| | | | - Marianna Russo
- Distretto Socio Sanitario n. 53, Foggia Local Health Unit.
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Massullo C, De Rossi E, Carbone GA, Imperatori C, Ardito RB, Adenzato M, Farina B. Child Maltreatment, Abuse, and Neglect: An Umbrella Review of Their Prevalence and Definitions. Clin Neuropsychiatry 2023; 20:72-99. [PMID: 37250758 PMCID: PMC10211430 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20230201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Objective Child maltreatment (CM) is a recognized public health problem, and epidemiologic data suggest that it is a widespread phenomenon, albeit with widely varying estimates. Indeed, CM as well as child abuse (CA) and neglect (CN) are complex phenomena that are difficult to study for several reasons, including terminological and definitional problems that pose a hurdle to estimating epidemiological rates. Therefore, the main aim of this umbrella review is to revise recent review data on the epidemiology of CM, CA, and CN. A second aim was to revise the definitions used. Method A systematic search of three databases was performed in March 2022. Recent reviews (published in the last 5 years: 2017-March 2022) addressing the epidemiological rates of CM, CA, and/or CN were included. Results Of the 314 documents retrieved by the selected search strategy, the eligibility assessment yielded a total of 29 eligible documents. Because of the great heterogeneity among them, a qualitative rather than a quantitative synthesis was performed. Conclusions The data from this umbrella review show that the different age groups, methods, and instruments used in the literature to collect the data on the epidemiology of CM make it difficult to compare the results. Although definitions appear to be quite homogeneous, CM categorization varies widely across studies. Furthermore, this umbrella review shows that the CM reviews considered do not examine some particular forms of CM such as parental overprotection. The results are discussed in detail throughout the paper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
| | | | | | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome
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Imperatori C, Barchielli B, Corazza O, Carbone GA, Prevete E, Montaldo S, De Rossi E, Massullo C, Tarsitani L, Ferracuti S, Pasquini M, Biondi M, Farina B, Bersani FS. The Relationship Between Childhood Trauma, Pathological Dissociation, and Behavioral Addictions in Young Adults: Findings from a Cross-Sectional Study. J Trauma Dissociation 2023; 24:348-361. [PMID: 36814178 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2181479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Interactions between childhood trauma (CT) and dissociation can contribute to psychiatric disturbances. We explored this phenomenon in relation to behavioral addictions (BAs) in a sample (n = 633) of young adults (age: 18-34 years). Self-report measures investigating CT, dissociation, and symptoms related to gambling disorder, internet gaming disorder, problematic social media use, exercise dependence and compulsive buying were used. Scales related to BAs were summarized into a single measure ("Total Behavioral Addiction Index" - TBAI) for inferential analyses. A model analyzing the direct and indirect effects of CT on TBAI through the mediation of pathological dissociation was performed, controlling for confounding factors. Measures on CT, dissociation, and TBAI were significantly associated with each other (all p < .001). The total effect of CT on TBAI was significant (B = 0.063; CI: 0.045; 0.081); pathological dissociation significantly mediated such association (B = 0.023; CI: 0.013; 0.036). Our findings support the possibility that the interaction between CT and dissociation contributes to increase disturbances related to BAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simone Montaldo
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena De Rossi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Massullo C, Bersani FS, Carbone GA, Panno A, Farina B, Murillo-Rodríguez E, Yamamoto T, Machado S, Budde H, Imperatori C. Decreased Resting State Inter- and Intra-Network Functional Connectivity Is Associated with Perceived Stress in a Sample of University Students: An eLORETA Study. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 81:286-295. [PMID: 35130552 DOI: 10.1159/000521565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the study of the Triple Network (TN) model has gained attention in the exploration of stress-related processes, the neurophysiological mechanisms of TN in relation to perceived stress have been relatively understudied in nonclinical samples so far. The main objective of the present study was to investigate, in a sample of university students, the association of perceived stress with resting state electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity in the TN. METHODS Ninety university students (40 males and 50 females; mean age 22.30 ± 2.43 years; mean educational level 16.60 ± 1.62 years) were enrolled. EEG data were analyzed through the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA). RESULTS Higher levels of perceived stress were associated with decreased delta EEG connectivity within the central executive network (CEN) and between the CEN and the salience network (SN). Higher levels of perceived stress were also associated with decreased theta EEG connectivity between the CEN and the SN. The associations between perceived stress and EEG connectivity data were significant even when relevant confounding factors (i.e., sex, age, educational level, and psychopathological symptoms) were controlled for. DISCUSSION Taken together, our results suggest that higher levels of perceived stress are associated with a dysfunctional synchronization within the CEN and between the SN and the CEN. This functional pattern might in part reflect the negative impact of high levels of perceived stress on cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eric Murillo-Rodríguez
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Moleculares e Integrativas Escuela de Medicina, División Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Anáhuac Mayab, Mérida, Mexico.,Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico
| | - Tetsuya Yamamoto
- Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico.,Graduate School of Technology, Industrial and Social Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Sérgio Machado
- Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico.,Department of Sports Methods and Techniques, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Brazil.,Laboratory of Physical Activity Neuroscience, Neurodiversity Institute, Queimados-RJ, Brazil
| | - Henning Budde
- Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico.,Faculty of Human Sciences, Institute for Systems Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Intercontinental Neuroscience Research Group, Mérida, Mexico
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Imperatori C, Adenzato M, Palmiero L, Farina B, Ardito RB. Assessment of Unresolved/Disorganized State of Mind in Relation to Attachment: A ROC Curve Study Using the Adult Attachment Interview and the Measure of Parental Style. Clin Neuropsychiatry 2022; 19:197-205. [PMID: 36101645 PMCID: PMC9442855 DOI: 10.36131/cnfioritieditore20220402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The main objective of the present study was to use the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to identify cut-off points for a self-report measure assessing parental style, i.e., the Measure of Parental Style (MOPS), that are able to discriminate individuals with disorganized internal working models (IWMs) of attachment with adequate accuracy, in terms of sensitivity and specificity. Establishing cut-off points for the MOPS could provide clinicians and researchers with a valuable tool to investigate the role of disorganized IWMs as a link between parental styles and mental health. METHOD A sample of 90 university students (mean age = 21.21 ± 2.05, females = 66) was enrolled in the study. We used the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) to assess disorganized IWM and the MOPS to assess parental styles. Subsequently, we used ROC curve analysis to pursue the objective of the study. RESULTS The ROC curve analysis showed that the MOPS total score (i.e., the combination of maternal and paternal dimensions) was able to discriminate individuals with disorganized IWMs from individuals with organized IWMs (AUC= 0.77). Specifically, a score ≥ 25 (Youden index= 0.497) categorized individuals with a sensitivity of 0.69 (69% of participants with disorganized IWMs were correctly identified) and a specificity of 0.81 (19% of participants were incorrectly identified as having disorganized IWMs). CONCLUSIONS Although the AAI has demonstrated high psychometric properties for assessing attachment representations in adulthood, its use is difficult when studies with large samples are to be conducted. As an alternative to the AAI, the MOPS can be used in studies with large populations, but no cut-off has yet been proposed. Here, we have identified cut-off points for the MOPS that are capable of detecting disorganized IWMs of attachment with adequate accuracy, and we suggest that this self-report is a useful brief instrument for detecting disorganized IWMs when time constraints prevent the use of the AAI (e.g., in studies with large samples or epidemiological studies).
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy,Corresponding author Mauro Adenzato Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, via Verdi, 10 – 10124 Turin (Italy)
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy,Corresponding author Mauro Adenzato Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, via Verdi, 10 – 10124 Turin (Italy)
| | - Luigia Palmiero
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rita B. Ardito
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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10
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Bersani FS, Accinni T, Carbone GA, Corazza O, Panno A, Prevete E, Bernabei L, Massullo C, Burkauskas J, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M, Biondi M, Farina B, Imperatori C. Problematic Use of the Internet Mediates the Association between Reduced Mentalization and Suicidal Ideation: A Cross-Sectional Study in Young Adults. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10050948. [PMID: 35628085 PMCID: PMC9140488 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10050948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Suicide is a major public health problem, and it is urgent to investigate its underlying clinical and psychological concomitants. It has been suggested that low mentalization skills and problematic use of the internet (PUI) are factors that can play a role in suicidal behaviors. It is possible that poor mentalization skills contribute to leading to forms of PUI, which, in turn, can represent triggers for suicidal ideation (SI). We tested this hypothesis through a quantitative and cross-sectional study on a sample (n = 623) of young adults (age range: 18−34). Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to Social Media Addiction (SMA), Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), mentalization capacity, and SI were used. A single mediation analysis with two mediators was carried out to evaluate the direct and indirect effects of mentalization on SI through the mediating role of SMA- and IGD-related symptoms, controlling for potential confounding factors (e.g., socio-demographic and addiction-related variables). The four explored variables were significantly associated with each other (all p < 0.001) across all subjects; the mediational model showed that the total effect of mentalization on SI was significant (B = −0.821, SE = 0.092 (95% CI: −1.001; −0.641)) and that both SMA- (B = −0.073, SE = 0.034 (95% CI: −0.145; −0.008)) and IGD-related symptoms (B = 0.046, SE = 0.027 (95% CI: −0.107; −0.001)) were significant mediators of such association. Our findings support the possibility that PUI severity plays a relevant role in mediating the association between low mentalization skills and levels of SI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Tommaso Accinni
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL10 9EU, UK;
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Laura Bernabei
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
- Mental Health Department, ASL Roma 5 Hospital, 00184 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Experimental Psychology Laboratory, Department of Education, Roma Tre University, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Julius Burkauskas
- Laboratory of Behavioral Medicine, Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 00135 Palanga, Lithuania;
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (T.A.); (E.P.); (L.B.); (L.T.); (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (G.A.C.); (A.P.); (B.F.); (C.I.)
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11
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Bersani FS, Barchielli B, Ferracuti S, Panno A, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Farina B, Corazza O, Prevete E, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M, Biondi M, Imperatori C. The association of problematic use of social media and online videogames with aggression is mediated by insomnia severity: A cross-sectional study in a sample of 18- to 24-year-old individuals. Aggress Behav 2022; 48:348-355. [PMID: 34870339 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
One of the worrying concomitants of problematic use of Internet (PUI) is aggression. Although the mechanisms underlying such link have not been completely clarified, it has been suggested that problematic use of social media and online videogames (i.e., two common forms of PUI among young adults) lead to increased sleep disturbances which, in turn, represent a relevant trigger for aggression. We have tested this hypothesis in a sample (N = 480) of young individuals (351 females and 129 males; mean age: 21.76 ± 1.92 years; range: 18-24). Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to social media addiction (SMA), Internet gaming disorder (IGD), insomnia severity, and aggression were used. Mediational models analyzing the direct and indirect associations of SMA- and IGD-related symptoms on aggression severity through insomnia-related symptoms were performed controlling for confounding factors. The models showed that the total effects of SMA-related symptoms (B = 0.018; p = .010) and of IGD-related symptoms (B = 0.018; p = .041) on aggression severity were significant and that these associations were mediated by insomnia-related symptoms (respectively, p < .001 and p = .003). Our findings support the potential mediating role of insomnia severity in the association of SMA- and IGD-related disturbances with levels of aggression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Giuseppe A. Carbone
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences University of Hertfordshire Hatfield UK
- Department of Medico‐Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies Sapienza University of Rome Latina Italy
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory European University of Rome Rome Italy
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12
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Imperatori C, Panno A, Carbone GA, Corazza O, Taddei I, Bernabei L, Massullo C, Prevete E, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M, Farina B, Biondi M, Bersani FS. The association between social media addiction and eating disturbances is mediated by muscle dysmorphia-related symptoms: a cross-sectional study in a sample of young adults. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1131-1140. [PMID: 34176075 PMCID: PMC8235906 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Although the association between problematic use of the internet and eating disorders (EDs) in young adults has been previously established, its underlying mechanisms have not been completely clarified. It has been suggested that exposure to idealized very thin and toned body images (e.g., "thinspiration" and "fitspiration" trends) on social media might lead to increased feelings of body dissatisfaction which, in turn, can represent a trigger for EDs. We have tested this hypothesis in a sample (N = 721) of young adults (504 females, mean age: 24.13 ± 3.70 years; range 18-34). METHODS Self-report measures investigating symptoms related to social media addiction (SMA), muscle dysmorphia (MD), and EDs were used. A mediational model analyzing the direct and indirect effects of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms through the mediating role of MD-related symptoms was performed controlling for confounding factors (e.g., socio-demographic variables, substances use, body mass index, psychopathological distress). RESULTS The model showed that the total effect of SMA-related symptoms on ED-related symptoms was significant (B = 0.213; p = 0.022) and that this association was mediated by MD-related symptoms (B = 0.083; p = 0.021). DISCUSSION Our findings support the possibility that MD-related symptoms play a relevant role in mediating the association between SMA severity and ED pathology. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield, UK.,Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Latina, Italy
| | - Ines Taddei
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Bernabei
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.,Mental Health Department, ASL Roma 5 Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabeth Prevete
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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13
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Massullo C, Imperatori C, De Vico Fallani F, Ardito RB, Adenzato M, Palmiero L, Carbone GA, Farina B. Decreased brain network global efficiency after attachment memories retrieval in individuals with unresolved/disorganized attachment-related state of mind. Sci Rep 2022; 12:4725. [PMID: 35304536 PMCID: PMC8933467 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-08685-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the study was to examine how brain network metrics change after retrieval of attachment memories in individuals with unresolved/disorganized (U/D) attachment-related state of mind and those with organized/resolved (O/R) state of mind. We focused on three main network metrics associated with integration and segregation: global (Eglob) efficiency for the first function, local (Eloc) efficiency and modularity for the second. We also examined assortativity and centrality metrics. Electroencephalography (EEG) recordings were performed before and after the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) in a sample of 50 individuals previously assessed for parenting quality. Functional connectivity matrices were constructed by means of the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) software and then imported into MATLAB to compute brain network metrics. Compared to individuals with O/R attachment-related state of mind, those with U/D show a significant decrease in beta Eglob after AAI. No statistically significant difference among groups emerged in Eloc and modularity metrics after AAI, neither in assortativity nor in betweenness centrality. These results may help to better understand the neurophysiological patterns underlying the disintegrative effects of retrieving traumatic attachment memories in individuals with disorganized state of mind in relation to attachment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Via Cherasco, 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Luigia Palmiero
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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14
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Massullo C, Panno A, Carbone GA, Della Marca G, Farina B, Imperatori C. Need for cognitive closure is associated with different intra-network functional connectivity patterns: A resting state EEG study. Soc Neurosci 2022; 17:143-153. [PMID: 35167428 DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2022.2043432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Need for Cognitive Closure (NCC) is a construct referring to the desire for predictability, unambiguity and firm answers to issues. Neuroscientific literature about NCC processes has mainly focused on task-related brain activity. According to the Triple Network model (TN), the main aim of the current study was to investigate resting state (RS) electroencephalographic (EEG) intra-network dynamics associated with NCC. Fifty-two young adults (39 females) were enrolled and underwent EEG recordings during RS. Functional connectivity analysis was computed through exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) software. Our results showed that higher levels of NCC were associated with both i) decreased alpha EEG connectivity within the Central Executive Network (CEN), and ii) increased delta connectivity within the Default Mode Network (DMN). No significant correlations were observed between NCC and functional connectivity in the Salience Network (SN). Our data would seem to suggest that high levels of NCC are characterized by a specific communication pattern within the CEN and the DMN during RS. These neurophysiological patterns might reflect several typical NCC-related cognitive characteristics (e.g., lower flexibility and preference for habitual and rigid response schemas).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Department of Neurosciences, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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15
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Speranza AM, Farina B, Bossa C, Fortunato A, Maggiora Vergano C, Palmiero L, Quintigliano M, Liotti M. The Role of Complex Trauma and Attachment Patterns in Intimate Partner Violence. Front Psychol 2022; 12:769584. [PMID: 35145451 PMCID: PMC8821899 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.769584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Even if the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and intimate partner violence (IPV) has already been established, there are no sufficient studies examining the relationships between these factors and attachment representations, specifically attachment disorganization. Thus, this study aimed to explore, in a sample of women who experienced IPV (a) the presence of interpersonal adversities during childhood, and (b) attachment representations, with a particular focus on disorganization. Methods Women’s representations of attachment experiences were investigated through the Adult Attachment Interview, while the presence of various forms of interpersonal adversities during childhood was assessed using the Complex Trauma Questionnaire. The results of the IPV group (n = 98) were compared with those of women with no history of IPV (control group, n = 81). Results Women in the IPV group showed higher values of multiple forms of adverse experiences within their caregiving system. They presented significantly higher rates of disorganized states of mind regarding attachment, indicative of a lack of resolution regarding traumatic experiences, and of disorganized working models resulting from complex trauma. Our results highlighted that, more than the presence of traumatic experiences, it is their irresolution – reflected in the disorganized states of mind regarding attachment at the Adult Attachment Interview – to be a significant predictor of IPV. Conclusion These results suggest underline the significance of offering a trauma- and attachment-informed therapy to those who experience IPV. Such results could help both clinicians and researchers in formulating clearer guidelines for IPV interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Bossa
- European Society for Trauma and Dissociation, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Alexandro Fortunato
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carola Maggiora Vergano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigia Palmiero
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Quintigliano
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marianna Liotti
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Marianna Liotti,
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16
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Carbone GA, Imperatori C, Bersani FS, Massullo C, Orlando EM, Farina B. Dissociative-Traumatic Dimension and Triple Network: An EEG Functional Connectivity Study in a Sample of University Students. Psychopathology 2022; 55:28-36. [PMID: 34788760 DOI: 10.1159/000519563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated the association among triple network electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity, dissociative symptoms, and childhood trauma (CT) in a sample of university students. SAMPLING AND METHODS Seventy-six participants (30 males and 46 females; mean age 22.12 ± 2.35) completed self-report measures investigating dissociative symptoms, CT, and depressive symptoms. Participants also performed an eyes-closed resting-state EEG recording. EEG analyses were conducted through the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography (eLORETA) software. RESULTS A 2-step cluster analysis revealed 2 groups: participants (N = 23) with high dissociative-traumatic dimension symptoms (DTD+) and participants (N = 53) with low DTD symptoms (DTD-). Compared to DTD- subjects, DTD+ participants showed decreased theta connectivity between the salience network (SN) and central executive network (CEN), specifically between the right anterior insula and the left posterior parietal cortex. No significant correlation was detected between EEG data and clinical variables. CONCLUSION Our results raise the possibility of a dysfunctional connectivity pattern occurring between the SN and CEN in individuals with high DTD symptoms. Such connectivity pattern might reflect the neuropsychophysiological disintegration related to pathological dissociation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Egle Maria Orlando
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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17
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Romeo A, Tesio V, Ghiggia A, Di Tella M, Geminiani GC, Farina B, Castelli L. Traumatic experiences and somatoform dissociation in women with fibromyalgia. Psychol Trauma 2022; 14:116-123. [PMID: 33646804 DOI: 10.1037/tra0000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Objective: Psychological factors like traumatic life events seem to affect the etiopathogenesis and the exacerbation of fibromyalgia (FM), a chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain syndrome. This Study investigated the prevalence of traumatic events, with a particular attention to the whole life span, and both psychoform and somatoform dissociation in patients with FM, compared with healthy controls (HC). In addition, the possible effects of traumatic events and dissociative experiences on FM symptoms have been analyzed. Method: Traumatic experiences, dissociative symptoms, and psychological distress were assessed in 99 consecutive patients with FM and 107 healthy women. Student t-tests for two independent samples were used to determine differences between the FM and HC groups. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to explore the possible contribution of trauma and dissociation to FM symptoms. Results: Results revealed that the levels of both somatoform and psychoform dissociation were higher among patients with FM than HC (p < .001). Moreover, patients with FM experienced significantly more negative life events than HC (p < .001). Finally, the data suggested that the severity of FM disabilities was significantly predicted by the presence of depressive symptoms, somatoform dissociation, cumulative trauma, and educational level. The final Model explained 40% of the variance. Conclusions: Results suggest that the construct of somatoform dissociation could serve as a useful framework to improve our understanding of FM symptoms, and stressed the importance of evaluating the effects of multiple traumas in cumulative form because this has substantial implications for the evaluation and treatment of patients. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ada Ghiggia
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin
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18
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Bresolin A, Maggio A, Landoni V, Cicchetti A, Trombetta L, Ferrari P, Moretti E, Giandini T, Petrucci E, Aimonetto S, Farina B, Carillo V, Cazzulo E, Pignoli E, Salmoiraghi P, Rancati T, Fiorino C, Cozzarini C. Dose-volume effect for acute patient-reported intestinal toxicity from whole pelvis radiotherapy: an Italian multicentric study. Phys Med 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s1120-1797(22)00127-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
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19
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Farina B, Imperatori C, Adenzato M, Ardito RB. Perceived parental over-protection in non clinical young adults is associated with affective vulnerability: A cross-sectional study. J Affect Disord 2021; 292:496-499. [PMID: 34146901 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High levels of perceived parental over-protection are hypothesized to be related to relational problems, psychological distress, and development of psychiatric symptoms. Here, the main aim was to extend previous findings investigating the unique contribution of parental over-protection in predicting affective vulnerability. METHOD 296 students were recruited and tested individually. All participants were administered self-report measures assessing parental styles [i.e., The Measure of Parental Style (MOPS)], several clinical dimensions (i.e., depressive symptoms, trait anxiety and alexithymia), and a checklist assessing socio-demographic variables. RESULTS Affective vulnerability was investigated combining anxiety, depression and alexithymia through principal axis factoring which accounted for 70.90% of the variance of the data. All MOPS subscale were positively associated with all clinical dimensions (r > 0.13; p < 0.05) and with the Affective Vulnerability factor (r > 0.25; p < 0.001). Among different forms of dysfunctional parenting, only maternal (β = 0.19; p = 0.007) and paternal (β = 0.18; p = 0.010) over-protection were independently associated with Affective Vulnerability in the linear regression analysis, even when controlling for sex, age, and education. CONCLUSIONS All forms of dysfunctional parenting investigated were associated with affective vulnerability. However, at a multivariate level, only maternal and paternal over-protection remained independently associated with affective vulnerability. This study contributes to our understanding of the role of parental over-protection as a risk factor for the development of affective vulnerability and on the potentially pathogenic role played by this parental style in the development of clinical and sub-clinical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, via Verdi 10, 10124 Turin, Italy.
| | - Rita B Ardito
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini", University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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20
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Noris Chiorda B, Munoz F, Sanguineti G, Cante D, Waskiewicz J, Avuzzi B, Vavassori V, Gatti M, Girelli G, Magli A, Pastorino A, Ferella L, Faiella A, Piva C, Ferrari P, Villa E, Farina B, Moretti E, Rancati T, Badenchini F, Bresolin A, Valdagni R, Di Muzio N, Fiorino C, Cozzarini C. PD-0769 Patient-reported acute intestinal toxicity and impact on patient QoL after WPRT for prostate cancer. Radiother Oncol 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(21)07048-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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21
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Brunetti R, Indraccolo A, Del Gatto C, Farina B, Imperatori C, Fontana E, Penso J, Ardito RB, Adenzato M. eStroop: Implementation, Standardization, and Systematic Comparison of a New Voice-Key Version of the Traditional Stroop Task. Front Psychol 2021; 12:663786. [PMID: 34135821 PMCID: PMC8200406 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.663786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Stroop effect is a well-documented phenomenon, demonstrating both interference and facilitation effects. Many versions of the Stroop task were created, according to the purposes of its applications, varying in numerous aspects. While many versions are developed to investigate the mechanisms of the effect itself, the Stroop effect is also considered a general measure of attention, inhibitory control, and executive functions. In this paper, we implement "eStroop": a new digital version based on verbal responses, measuring the main processes involved in the traditional effect. eStroop features four categories of stimuli in four different colors: (1) geometrical shapes, (2) neutral words, (3) congruent words, and (4) incongruent words. The results of the administration to 307 University students confirm the Stroop effect and offer baseline data for future research and clinical testing. Direct comparisons with other recent versions of the task are discussed, offering insights into differences and similarities between different task variables.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Brunetti
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Università Europea di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Allegra Indraccolo
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Università Europea di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Del Gatto
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Università Europea di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Università Europea di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Università Europea di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Jacopo Penso
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Rita B. Ardito
- Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini,” University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Mauro Adenzato
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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22
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Carbone GA, Zarfati A, Nicoli MS, Paulis A, Tourjansky G, Valenti G, Valenti EM, Massullo C, Farina B, Imperatori C. Online psychological counselling during lockdown reduces anxiety symptoms and negative affect: Insights from Italian framework. Clin Psychol Psychother 2021; 29:367-372. [PMID: 33950537 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have shown how COrona VIrus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the consequent isolation and quarantine measures could affect physical and mental well-being. Therefore, the increased request for support and assistance represents a critical challenge for clinicians requiring a reorganization of care systems. In this regard, online counselling has been identified as a useful tool in providing psychological assistance and support. Thus, the main purpose of the current study was to investigate the clinical usefulness of a single online counselling session in reducing psychopathological symptoms (i.e., state anxiety and negative affect) and increasing individual well-being and positive affect during the first Italian lockdown. Fifty-three subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive an online counselling session [Online Counselling Group (OCG) = 26] or to act as controls [Waiting List Group (WLG) = 27]. In the post-assessment, compared to WLG, the OCG showed a significant decrease in negative affect (18.04 ± 6.30 vs. 30.26 ± 8.61; F1:47 = 29.45; p < .001; dppc2 = .92) and state anxiety (36.65 ± 8.35 vs. 48.04 ± 11.51; F1:47 = 17.86; p < .001; dppc2 = .49). Taking into account the cyclical nature of COVID-19, with the possibility of new peaks and waves, it would be appropriate to consider the versatility and usefulness of online psychological counselling in the management of COVID-19-related distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Giulia Valenti
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Janet Clinical Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Maggio CD, Massullo C, Imperatori C, Palazzolo O, Farina B, Brinciotti M, Ferrara M, Guidetti V, Terrinoni A. Triple network in adolescents with borderline personality disorder, early traumatic experiences and dissociative symptoms: An eloreta study. Eur Psychiatry 2021. [PMCID: PMC9471494 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Triple Network Model (TNM), which considers the dynamic interaction between Default Mode (DMN), Salience (SN), and Central Executive (CEN) networks, explains clinical features in mental disorders from a neurophysiological perspective. Some studies highlight the increased connectivity in TNM in adults with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), but little is known about adolescents. Objectives The aim of our preliminary study was to investigate TN functional connectivity (FC) in BPD adolescents with a history of traumatic experiences, and its correlation with dissociative symptoms. Methods 15 BPD adolescents (DSM-5 criteria) with early traumatic experiences were compared to 15 healthy controls, matched for sex and age. Dissociation Questionnaire (DIS-Q) was administered. Eyes-closed resting-state (RS) EEG recordings were performed (19 electrodes; 10- 20 system) and analyzed using Exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). FC was computed for all frequency bands and 9 Regions of Interest for TNM. Results BPD adolescents showed a hyper-connection between CEN and DMN [dorso-lateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC); PCC and left posterior parietal cortex (PPC)] and within the CEN (left and right PPC). The strength of PCC-dlPFC and left-right PPC connections was correlated with dissociative symptoms severity. Conclusions FC alterations can already be identified in BPD adolescents, supporting the need for early diagnosis. Normally DMN and CEN show opposite functioning. In our BPD adolescents, the absence of this “anti-correlation” reflects the typical confusion between internal and external mental states, which clarify their difficulties in metacognition or mentalization. Moreover, in dissociative symptoms, two CEN nodes are also involved, not only DMN as previously described. Disclosure No significant relationships.
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Imperatori C, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Farina B, Colmegna F, Riboldi I, Giacomo ED, Clerici M, Dakanalis A. Electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with high subclinical eating pathology levels: a quantitative EEG study. Eat Weight Disord 2020; 25:1631-1642. [PMID: 31667777 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-019-00801-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To explore electroencephalographic (EEG) alterations in young women with different eating disorder (ED) psychopathology levels. METHODS Thirty-seven young women completed general and ED psychopathology (i.e., the ED Examination Questionnaire; EDE-Q) measures. EEG power spectra data were investigated in two conditions: (a) 5 min of resting state (RS) and (b) 5 min of RS after a single taste of a milkshake (ML-RS). EEG analyses were performed using exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). RESULTS Cluster analysis performed on the EDE-Q responses revealed a group of 17 women with high levels of ED pathology falling into the subclinical (i.e., sub-threshold) EDs category and a group of 20 women with low levels of ED pathology (controls). In the RS conditions, no significant modifications were observed between groups. Compared to controls, women with subclinical EDs showed an increase in theta activity in the parieto-occipital areas in the ML-RS condition. After controlling for body mass index and general psychopathology, theta activity in these brain structures was positively associated with EDE-Q global and subscale (restraint, shape and weight concern) scores. CONCLUSIONS Our results may reflect the neurophysiological substrate of ED psychopathology core features like shape/weight concerns. Previous brain imaging and qEEG studies with full-syndrome ED patients also underscored the involvement of parieto-occipital areas in ED pathophysiology. These studies also found brain alterations in the RS condition, not observed here. This is notable given that full-syndrome and subclinical EDs are considered as different manifestations of the same disease along a severity spectrum. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, cross-sectional, electroencephalographic, descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Colmegna
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Ilaria Riboldi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Ester Di Giacomo
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900, Monza, Italy.,Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, 20900, Monza, Italy.
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Imperatori C, Corazza O, Panno A, Rinaldi R, Pasquini M, Farina B, Biondi M, Bersani FS. Mentalization Impairment Is Associated with Problematic Alcohol Use in a Sample of Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17228664. [PMID: 33266367 PMCID: PMC7700465 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: Alcohol is one of the most widely used drugs among adolescents and young people, and problematic alcohol use (PAU) is related to significant long-term biological, clinical, and psychosocial sequelae. Although preliminary reports have linked deficits in mentalization to increased vulnerability to addiction, no studies have specifically explored this phenomenon in relation to PAU. Methods: The association between mentalization impairment and PAU severity was investigated in a sample of 271 young adults (183 females, 65.9%; mean age: 23.20 ± 3.55 years; range: 18–34). Self-report measures investigating PAU and mentalization were administered to all participants. Results: Individuals with PAU reported a more frequent use of tobacco and illicit drugs in the last 12 months. PAU severity was negatively associated with mentalization capacity (rho = −0.21; p < 0.001), and also, when possible, confounding variables (i.e., gender, age, occupation, education, tobacco and illegal drugs use) were controlled for (rho = −0.17; p = 0.004). Conclusion: The present data showed that mentalization impairment is significantly associated with PAU among young adults, suggesting that it may have a role in the development and/or maintenance of alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.I.); (A.P.); (B.F.)
| | - Ornella Corazza
- Department of Clinical, Pharmaceutical and Biological Sciences, University of Hertfordshire, Hatfield AL109AB, UK;
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 04100 Latina, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.I.); (A.P.); (B.F.)
| | - Raffaella Rinaldi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.I.); (A.P.); (B.F.)
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (M.B.)
| | - Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (M.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Imperatori C, Dakanalis A, Farina B, Pallavicini F, Colmegna F, Mantovani F, Clerici M. Global Storm of Stress-Related Psychopathological Symptoms: A Brief Overview on the Usefulness of Virtual Reality in Facing the Mental Health Impact of COVID-19. Cyberpsychology, Behavior, and Social Networking 2020; 23:782-788. [DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2020.0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Pallavicini
- Department of Human Sciences for Education “Riccardo Massa,” University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Colmegna
- Mental Health Department, San Gerardo Monza Health and Social Care Trust, Monza, Italy
| | - Fabrizia Mantovani
- Department of Human Sciences for Education “Riccardo Massa,” University of Milano Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
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Imperatori C, Panno A, Giacchini M, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Clerici M, Farina B, Dakanalis A. Electroencephalographic correlates of body shape concerns: an eLORETA functional connectivity study. Cogn Neurodyn 2020; 14:723-729. [PMID: 33014184 DOI: 10.1007/s11571-020-09618-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The main aim of the present study was to investigate the association between body shape concerns and electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity within body image network in a sample of university students (N = 68). EEG was recorded during 5 min of resting state. All participants were asked to complete self-report measures assessing certain psychopathological dimensions (i.e., body shape concerns, depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms). EEG analyses were conducted by means of the exact low-resolution electromagnetic tomography software (eLORETA). Our results showed that body shape concerns were positively associated with increased gamma functional connectivity between the left and right prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, our data revealed that this EEG pattern was independently associated with body shape concerns after controlling for potential socio-demographic and clinical confounding variables. This finding seems to suggest that increased EEG gamma connectivity between the left and right PFC might be a relevant neurophysiological alteration involved in the development and/or maintenance of dysfunctional concerns about one's body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Giacchini
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Clerici
- Department of Psychiatry, San Gerardo Hospital, ASST Monza, Via G. B. Pergolesi 33, 20900 Monza, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonios Dakanalis
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano Bicocca, Cadore 48, 20900 Monza, Italy
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Lanzone J, Imperatori C, Assenza G, Ricci L, Farina B, Di Lazzaro V, Tombini M. Power Spectral Differences between Transient Epileptic and Global Amnesia: An eLORETA Quantitative EEG Study. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10090613. [PMID: 32899970 PMCID: PMC7563784 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10090613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) is a rare epileptic condition, often confused with transient global amnesia (TGA). In a real-life scenario, differential diagnosis between these two conditions can be hard. In this study we use power spectral analysis empowered by exact Low Resolution Brain Electromagnetic Tomography (eLORETA) to evidence the differences between TEA and TGA. Fifteen patients affected by TEA (64.2 ± 5.2 y.o.; 11 female/4 male; 10 left and 5 right temporal epileptic focus) and 15 patients affected by TGA (65.8 ± 7.2 y.o.; 11 females/4 males) were retrospectively identified in our clinical records. All patients recorded EEGs after symptoms offset. EEGs were analyzed with eLORETA to evidence power spectral contrast between the two conditions. We used an inverse problem solution to localize the source of spectral differences. We found a significant increase in beta band power over the affected hemisphere of TEA patients. Significant results corresponded to the uncus and para-hippocampal gyrus, respectively Brodmann’s Areas: 36, 35, 28, 34. We present original evidence of an increase in beta power in the affected hemisphere (AH) of TEA as compared to TGA. These differences involve key areas of the memory network located in the mesial temporal lobe. Spectral asymmetries could be used in the future to recognize cases of amnesia with a high risk of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Lanzone
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.I.); (B.F.)
| | - Giovanni Assenza
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Lorenzo Ricci
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; (C.I.); (B.F.)
| | - Vincenzo Di Lazzaro
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
| | - Mario Tombini
- Neurology, Neurophysiology and Neurobiology Unit, Department of Medicine, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, 00128 Rome, Italy; (G.A.); (L.R.); (V.D.L.); (M.T.)
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Imperatori C, Bersani FS, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Salvati A, Mazzi G, Cicerale G, Carrara A, Farina B. Neurophysiological correlates of religious coping to stress: a preliminary EEG power spectra investigation. Neurosci Lett 2020; 728:134956. [PMID: 32278941 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.134956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Religious coping to psychological stress has been linked to positive outcomes on both physical and mental health, but no studies have explored its neurophysiological correlates. Ninety-six participants (43 men and 53 women, mean age: 22.30 ± 2.48 years) were enrolled in the present study; they underwent an evaluation of coping with the brief version of the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (brief-COPE) scale and performed an eyes-closed resting state electroencephalographic (EEG) recording. EEG analyses were conducted with the exact Low-Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography software (eLORETA). Positive correlations between religious coping and EEG activity were observed in the theta frequency band in the right hemisphere, specifically in the superior temporal, inferior frontal, and middle temporal gyri. Religious coping scores were significantly positively associated with active coping and positive reframing coping strategies, with the latter not being significantly associated with EEG data. Taken together our results contribute to increase the knowledge on the neurophysiological concomitants of religious coping to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Saverio Bersani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Ambra Salvati
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Mazzi
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Greta Cicerale
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Carrara
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy; Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Rome, Italy
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Panno A, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Farina B, Imperatori C. COVID-19 Related Distress Is Associated With Alcohol Problems, Social Media and Food Addiction Symptoms: Insights From the Italian Experience During the Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:577135. [PMID: 33324256 PMCID: PMC7723899 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.577135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several scholars hypothesize that one of the most negative impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis would concern the increase of prevalence and severity of both substances and behavioral addiction. Despite the general concerns about the increase of prevalence and severity of addictions related to the COVID-19 emergency, few data are still available. Thus, the main aim of this study was to investigate the association between COVID-19 related distress and: (i) alcohol problems, (ii) social media addiction (SMA) symptoms, (iii) food addiction (FA) symptoms. Methods: A national online-survey was carried out during the Italian lockdown (i.e., 9 March 2020-4 May 2020). In the current study, 1,519 participants (365 men and 1,154 women, mean age: 28.49 ± 10.89 years) were included. The survey included socio-demographic related items (e.g., age, sex, residential regions, education level, civil status, tobacco use, etc.), as well as ad-hoc developed questions aimed to investigate COVID-19 related variables (e.g., isolation/quarantine, personal diagnosis to COVID-19, friends or relatives with COVID-19 diagnosis, etc.). Participants also completed the following self-report measures in order to investigate: the psychological impact of COVID-19, alcohol problems, SMA symptoms, FA symptoms, and impulsivity. Results: The psychological impact of COVID-19 was independently associated with alcohol problems (β = 0.058, p = 0.043), SMA symptoms (β = 0.259, p < 0.001), and FA symptoms (β = 0.150, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Taken together, our results seem to confirm the general concerns about the negative impacts of the COVID-19 emergency on addictive behaviors, suggesting that this issue should be carefully monitored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Panno
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Imperatori
- Cognitive and Clinical Psychology Laboratory, Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Brugnera A, Zarbo C, Farina B, Picardi A, Greco A, Lo Coco G, Tasca GA, Carlucci S, Auteri A, Greco F, Compare A. Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Experience in Close Relationship Scale 12 (ECR-12): an exploratory structural equation modeling study. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 22:392. [PMID: 32913809 PMCID: PMC7453162 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2019.392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The Experiences in Close Relationship Scale (ECR) is one of the most commonly used self-report instruments of adult attachment and has been widely adopted in psychotherapy research. Composed of two subscales, namely Attachment Avoidance and Anxiety, the ECR was recently shortened to a 12-items version, called the ECR-12. Given the importance of extending knowledge on its applicability in understudied populations, our aim was to validate the ECR-12 in a large sample of Italian native-speakers. A total of 1197 participants (73.2% females; mean age=28.53±11.37 years) completed the ECR-12. Each participant also completed other measures of attachment, psychopathology, interpersonal distress, coping strategies, and well-being. An Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling analysis showed an excellent fit of the data, providing support for the two-dimensional orthogonal structure of the ECR-12. In addition, the measurement model was invariant across genders. Both attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance subscales demonstrated good internal reliability, with McDonald’s Omegas and Cronbach’s Alphas above the suggested 0.8 cut-off. Finally, the Italian version of ECR-12 showed adequate convergent, concurrent, and divergent validity. Highly anxious individuals reported the highest levels of maladaptive interpersonal functioning and coping strategies, resulting in lower well-being. Interestingly, both attachment insecurity dimensions predicted higher levels of psychopathology, even after controlling for demographic variables and levels of self-reported relational difficulties. Given the good psychometric properties of the ECR-12, researchers and practitioners in Italy are encouraged to adopt the ECR-12 in their future research on adult attachment in psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agostino Brugnera
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Cristina Zarbo
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Greco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lo Coco
- Department of Psychology, Educational Sciences and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | | | - Adalberto Auteri
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | | | - Angelo Compare
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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Adenzato M, Imperatori C, Ardito RB, Valenti EM, Marca GD, D’Ari S, Palmiero L, Penso JS, Farina B. Activating attachment memories affects default mode network in a non-clinical sample with perceived dysfunctional parenting: An EEG functional connectivity study. Behav Brain Res 2019; 372:112059. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
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Farina B, Onofri A, Monticelli F, Cotugno A, Talia A, Liotti M. Giovanni Liotti (1945-2018): the Pied Noir of research in attachment and psychotherapy. Attach Hum Dev 2019; 22:582-591. [PMID: 31304877 DOI: 10.1080/14616734.2019.1640258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
This article is a portrait of Giovanni Liotti, eminent psychiatrist and scholar of attachment theory who recently passed away. In this paper, we recall some fundamental steps in his professional and personal life: Liotti's encounter and friendship with Bowlby; Liotti's construction of a bridge between cognitive therapy (of which he was a pioneer) and attachment theory; the interest in attachment disorganization as a precursor of dissociative symptoms and syndromes in adolescence and adulthood; his appreciation for Janet's ideas (which Liotti helped bring back to the attention of clinicians and researchers) and his contribution in highlighting the role of real traumatic experiences in the development of psychopathology; Liotti's attempt to go beyond attachment theory and formulate for the clinical context an evolutionary theory of motivation, which analyzes different interpersonal motivational systems beyond attachment and caregiving, an emphasizes in particular the importance of cooperation in psychotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Fabio Monticelli
- Scuola Italiana di Cognitivismo Clinico (SICC, Italian School of Clinical Cognitivism) , Rome, Italy
| | - Armando Cotugno
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, ASL Roma1 , Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Talia
- Institute for Psychosocial Prevention, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg University Hospital , Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marianna Liotti
- Scuola Italiana di Cognitivismo Clinico (SICC, Italian School of Clinical Cognitivism) , Rome, Italy
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Imperatori C, Farina B, Todini F, Di Blasi C, Mazzucchi E, Brunetti V, Della Marca G. Abnormal EEG Power Spectra in Acute Transient Global Amnesia: A Quantitative EEG Study. Clin EEG Neurosci 2019; 50:188-195. [PMID: 29877098 DOI: 10.1177/1550059418780780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Transient global amnesia (TGA) is a clinical syndrome characterized by retrograde and anterograde amnesia without other neurological deficits. Although electroencephalography (EEG) methods are commonly used in both clinical and research setting with TGA patients, few studies have investigated neurophysiological pattern in TGA using quantitative EEG (qEEG). The main aim of the present study was to extend these previous findings by exploring EEG power spectra differences between patients with acute TGA and healthy controls using the exact low-resolution brain electromagnetic tomography software (eLORETA). EEG was recorded during 5 minutes of resting state. Sixteen patients (mean age: 66.81 ± 7.94 years) during acute TGA and 16 healthy subjects were enrolled. All patients showed hippocampal or parahippocampal signal abnormalities in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging performed from 2 to 5 days after the onset of TGA. Compared with healthy controls, TGA patients showed a decrease of theta power localized in the temporal lobe (Brodmann areas, BAs 21-22-38) and frontal lobe (BAs 8-9-44-45). A decrease of EEG beta power in the bilateral precuneus (BA 7) and in the bilateral postcentral gyrus (BAs 3-4-5) was also observed in TGA individuals. Taken together, our results could reflect the neurophysiological substrate of the severe impairment of both episodic memory and autobiographical memory which affect TGA patients during the acute phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- 1 Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- 1 Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Todini
- 1 Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Di Blasi
- 2 Sleep Disorders Unit, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Valerio Brunetti
- 2 Sleep Disorders Unit, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- 2 Sleep Disorders Unit, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Farina B, Liotti M, Imperatori C. The Role of Attachment Trauma and Disintegrative Pathogenic Processes in the Traumatic-Dissociative Dimension. Front Psychol 2019; 10:933. [PMID: 31080430 PMCID: PMC6497769 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological, clinical, and neurobiological studies of the last 30 years suggest that traumatic attachments during the early years of life are associated to specific psychopathological vulnerabilities based on dissociative pathogenic processes. It has been observed that the dissociative pathogenic processes caused by these traumatic attachments either may contribute to the genesis of well-defined mental disorders (e.g., dissociative disorders) or may variably occur in many other diagnostic categories, complicating their clinical pictures and worsening their prognosis. For this reason, we proposed to define the dimension of psychopathological outcomes linked to traumatic attachments and dissociative pathogenic processes as the “traumatic-dissociative” dimension (TDD). The clinical complexity of the TDD requires specific training to enable mental health professionals to recognize the signs of traumatic developments and to implement specific treatment strategies. The present article aims to review some crucial points about the clinical meaning and treatment strategies of the TDD, the dissociative pathogenic processes characterizing the TDD, as well as of the role of attachment trauma in the TDD. We also focused on the clinical and theoretical evidence suggesting that dissociation and dis-integration may be considered two different processes but highly correlated. The usefulness of clinical reasoning in terms of psychopathological dimensions, instead of distinct diagnostic categories, as well as several therapeutic implications of these issues was finally discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Traumatic Treatment Unit, Centro Clinico De Sanctis, Rome, Italy
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Munoz F, Cante D, Garibaldi E, Peruzzo A, Petrucci E, Delmastro E, Sanguineti G, Faiella A, Avuzzi B, Chiorda BN, Giandini T, Vavassori V, Villa E, Girelli G, Farina B, Waskiewicz J, Magli A, Moretti E, Valdagni R, Bianconi C, Badenchini F, Di Muzio N, Rancati T, Fiorino C, Cozzarini C. PO-0850 Comparison of self-reported acute urinary incontinence in pts treated with adjuvant or salvage IMRT. Radiother Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(19)31270-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Imperatori C, Mancini M, Della Marca G, Valenti EM, Farina B. Feedback-Based Treatments for Eating Disorders and Related Symptoms: A Systematic Review of the Literature. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1806. [PMID: 30463330 PMCID: PMC6265864 DOI: 10.3390/nu10111806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The effectiveness of biofeedback and neurofeedback has been investigated in a range of psychiatric disorders. However, to date, there are few studies on the clinical usefulness of feedback-based techniques for eating disorders (EDs) and EDs-related symptoms (e.g., food craving). A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus and PsychINFO identified 162 articles. Among these, thirteen studies exploring the therapeutic use of biofeedback and neurofeedback in EDs or EDs-related symptoms were included. Biofeedback and neurofeedback were implemented respectively in five and eight of all reviewed articles. No studies incorporated different feedback modalities or both biofeedback and neurofeedback. The considered studies provide preliminary data of the usefulness of feedback-based techniques in the treatment of several dysfunctional eating behaviors (e.g., food craving, rumination). Although no significant effect has been reported for other important EDs-related symptoms (i.e., body image disturbance), feedback-based techniques are also associated with significant modifications of both sympathetic reaction to food-related stimuli and brain activity in several regions of the reward system (e.g., insula). Taken together the results of the present review suggest that feedback-based treatments may be useful in the treatment of several dysfunctional eating behaviors operating both on top-down and bottom-up individual coping strategies. Methodological and clinical issues are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
| | - Miranda Mancini
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Sleep Disorders Unit, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, 00153 Rome, Italy.
| | - Enrico Maria Valenti
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163 Roma, Italy.
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Monticelli F, Imperatori C, Carcione A, Pedone R, Farina B. Cooperation in psychotherapy increases metacognitive abilities: a single-case study. Riv Psichiatr 2018; 53:336-340. [PMID: 30667401 DOI: 10.1708/3084.30768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Both clinical observations and empirical data suggest that the ability to think about the mental states of themselves and others (i.e., metacognition) is a crucial factor strongly associated to the outcome of individual psychotherapies. Although it has been hypothesized that the activation of cooperation between patient and psychotherapist within psychotherapy sessions may increase metacognitive abilities, few data is still available to support this hypothesis. METHODS We explore the association between cooperation of patient and psychotherapist and the modifications of metacognition abilities along five sessions of a patient with a personality disorder using the Assessing Interpersonal Motivations in Transcripts method (AIMIT) and the Metacognition Assessment Scale (MAS). RESULTS Our data showed that the activation of cooperation was positively associated with both the MAS total scores and all MAS sub-scales. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that the activation of the cooperation within therapeutic relationship can increase patient's metacognition and its subsystem (e.g. self-monitoring).
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Monticelli
- De Sanctis Clinical Centre, Rome, Italy - Scuola Italiana di Cognitivismo Clinico (SICC), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Carcione
- Scuola Italiana di Cognitivismo Clinico (SICC), Rome, Italy - Third Centre of Cognitive Psychotherapy Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Pedone
- Scuola Italiana di Cognitivismo Clinico (SICC), Rome, Italy - Third Centre of Cognitive Psychotherapy Rome, Italy - Department of Psychology, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli (UCLV), Caserta, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- De Sanctis Clinical Centre, Rome, Italy - Department of Human Sciences, Università Europea di Roma, Rome, Italy
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Imperatori C, Innamorati M, Lamis DA, Farina B, Fabbricatore M, Contardi A. Body uneasiness is associated with food addiction symptoms: A cross-sectional study. Eur Eat Disorders Rev 2018; 26:638-644. [DOI: 10.1002/erv.2640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Innamorati
- Department of Human Sciences; European University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | - Dorian A. Lamis
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Emory University School of Medicine; Atlanta Georgia
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences; European University of Rome; Rome Italy
| | | | - Anna Contardi
- Department of Human Sciences; European University of Rome; Rome Italy
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Marano G, Franchini M, Farina B, Piccinini V, Pupella S, Vaglio S, Grazzini G, Liumbruno GM. The human pegivirus: A new name for an "ancient" virus. Can transfusion medicine come up with something new? Acta Virol 2018; 61:401-412. [PMID: 29186957 DOI: 10.4149/av_2017_402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Human pegivirus (HPgV, formerly called GB virus C/hepatitis G virus) is a poorly understood RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. The HPgV infection is common worldwide and the virus is likely transmitted by blood products. At this time, no causal association between HPgV and human diseases has been identified. While waiting for new findings to better understand the Pegivirus genus, the aim of our narrative review is to discuss the currently available information on HPgV focusing on its prevalence in blood donors and its potential threat to transfusion safety.
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Tomatis S, Bono A, Bartoli C, Tragni G, Farina B, Marchesini R. Image Analysis in the RGB and HS Colour Planes for a Computer-Assisted Diagnosis of Cutaneous Pigmented Lesions. Tumori 2018; 84:29-32. [PMID: 9619710 DOI: 10.1177/030089169808400106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Aims and background A study was carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of image analysis performed by the two color representation models when a computer-assisted diagnosis of melanoma is involved. Methods Color images of 40 skin pigmented lesions, which included 12 melanomas, were acquired by a standard color RGB video camera and stored in a PC for off-line processing. Image analysis was performed in the red green and blue color representation model and using hue and saturation color components. To describe shape and color characteristics of each lesion, including area, roundness and color variegation, 16 parameters were derived from red, green, blue, hue and saturation color planes and tested as possible variables useful to differentiate melanomas from benign nevi. Results The test gave a result of significance for six of the 16 derived image descriptors. The general trend of our data was in agreement with clinical observations according to which melanoma is usually darker, more variegated and less round than a benign nevus, whereas lesion dimension of melanomas and benign lesions was not significantly different. Conclusions Our preliminary results suggested that image analysis performed on hue and saturation-derived and red green and blue-derived data could better discriminate melanoma from nevi than separately using the two color representation models.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tomatis
- Division of Health Physics, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, Milano, Italy
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Abstract
The aim of this study was to estimate the radioactive risk for surgical staff performing radioguided sentinel lymph node (SN) biopsy and to calculate the contamination level in the operating room for assessment of the possible need for specific radiation protection procedures. We studied 20 patients who were selected for quadrantectomy and SN biopsy. The day before surgery a volume of 0.15 mL of 99mTc-nanocoll was injected: the activity was 3.11 ± 0.85 MBq in group A (15 pts) and 11.6 ± 0.6 MBq in group B (5 pts). External radiation to staff was evaluated by measuring the exposure rate in air one hour after radiopharmaceutical administration. The air KERMA rate during surgery was estimated considering the physical decay of 99mTc. Contamination of disposable materials and surgical instruments in the operating room was measured using a contamination monitor, whereas the residual activity in the SN and the injection site was measured with a gamma probe. The exposure rate at 20 cm from the injection site was 0.75 μSv/h when the most radioactive patients (group B) were treated. Contamination in the operating room proved to be negligible. Considering the number of radioguided treatments carried out by a surgeon in one year, an equivalent effective dose of 0.075 mSv was estimated; the recommended dose limit according to the relevant Italian law, DL 230/95, is 1 mSv/yr. Surgical staff therefore do not require a classification of “exposed workers'’ and there is no need to supply the operating room with special containers for radioactive waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Motta
- UOA Medicina Nucleare, Biella, Italy.
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Gabriele P, Avuzzi B, Sanguineti G, Maggio A, Giandini T, Landoni V, Munoz F, Migliaccio F, Cante D, Petrucci E, Vavassori V, Villa E, Waskiewicz J, Farina P, Farina B, Girelli G, Improta I, Badenchini F, Noris Chiorda B, Carillo V, Sini C, Valdagni R, Fiorino C, Rancati T, Cozzarini C. PO-0826: Factors affecting self-reported, long-term (1-2 yrs) urinary incontinence from post-prostatectomy RT. Radiother Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(18)31136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Noris Chiorda B, Gabriele P, Munoz F, Garibaldi E, Migliaccio F, Faiella A, Giordano C, Cante D, Petrucci E, Avuzzi B, Giandini T, Villa E, Salmoiraghi P, Girelli G, Farina B, Waskiewicz J, Farina P, Gaetano M, Carillo V, Sacco V, Bianconi C, Badenchini F, Fiorino C, Rancati T, Cozzarini C. PO-0820: The bowel syndrome after whole pelvis RT for prostate cancer: acute symptoms and quality of life. Radiother Oncol 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(18)31130-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Farina B, Della Marca G, Maestoso G, Amoroso N, Valenti EM, Carbone GA, Massullo C, Contardi A, Imperatori C. The Association among Default Mode Network Functional Connectivity, Mentalization, and Psychopathology in a Nonclinical Sample: An eLORETA Study. Psychopathology 2018; 51:16-23. [PMID: 29332091 DOI: 10.1159/000485517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We investigated default mode network (DMN) electroencephalography (EEG) functional connectivity differences between individuals with self-reported high mentalization capability and low psychopathological symptoms, versus participants with mentalization impairments and high psychopathological symptoms. METHODS Forty-nine students (35 women) with a mean age of 22.92 ± 2.53 years were administered the Mentalization Questionnaire (MZQ) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. Five minutes of EEG during resting state were also recorded for each participant. DMN functional connectivity analyses were conducted by means of the exact Low Resolution Electric Tomography software (eLORETA). RESULTS Compared to the individuals with high mentalization capability and lower self-reported psychopathological symptoms, participants with mentalization impairments and high psychopathological symptoms showed a decrease of EEG beta connectivity between: (i) the right and left medial frontal lobe, and (ii) the left medial frontal lobe and the right anterior cingulate cortex. Furthermore, while MZQ total score was positively associated with DMN network connections (i.e., right and left medial frontal lobes), several psychopathological symptoms (i.e., interpersonal sensitivity, depression, and psychoticism) were negatively associated with DMN connectivity. CONCLUSION Our results may reflect a top-down emotion regulation deficit which is associated with both internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
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Quintiliani MI, Imperatori C, Testani E, Losurdo A, Tamburello S, Contardi A, Della Marca G, Farina B. Usefulness of psychoeducational intervention in chronic insomnia: an actigraphic study. J Ment Health 2017; 29:20-26. [PMID: 29271275 DOI: 10.1080/09638237.2017.1417563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Background: Chronic Insomnia is a severe and disabling condition characterized by difficulty in initiating or maintaining sleep, waking up too early, despite adequate opportunity and circumstances for sleep. Maladaptive thoughts and dysfunctional beliefs about sleep are considered crucial factors in developing and perpetuating this disorder.Aims: The aim of the study was to explore the usefulness, in patients with chronic insomnia, of a one-session psychoeducational intervention on sleep-related maladaptive thoughts and beliefs, and on sleep perception.Methods: Thirty-eight patients with chronic insomnia were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive psychoeducational intervention (PI+) or to act as controls (PI-). Patients wore an actigraph and compiled a sleep diary for 14 d. After the first 7 d, only PI+ patients received one session of psychoeducational intervention.Results: A significant reduction of sleep related preoccupations, a reduction of dysfunctional beliefs about sleep, and an improvement of subjective perception of sleep were observed in the PI+ group, but not in the PI- group. No significant modification was observed for objective total sleep time.Conclusions: Our results suggest that one-session psychoeducational intervention is associated with a decrease of sleep-related maladaptive thoughts and beliefs, and with an improvement on subjective sleep perception.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisa Testani
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Losurdo
- Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Contardi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University, Rome, Italy and
| | | | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University, Rome, Italy and
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Imperatori C, Della Marca G, Amoroso N, Maestoso G, Valenti EM, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Contardi A, Farina B. Alpha/Theta Neurofeedback Increases Mentalization and Default Mode Network Connectivity in a Non-Clinical Sample. Brain Topogr 2017; 30:822-831. [PMID: 28936792 DOI: 10.1007/s10548-017-0593-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Several studies showed the effectiveness of alpha/theta (A/T) neurofeedback training in treating some psychiatric conditions. Despite the evidence of A/T effectiveness, the psychological and neurobiological bases of its effects is still unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the usefulness of the A/T training in increasing mentalization in a non-clinical sample. The modifications of electroencephalographic (EEG) functional connectivity in Default Mode Network (DMN) associated with A/T training were also investigated. Forty-four subjects were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to receive ten sessions of A/T training [neurofeedback group (NFG) = 22], or to act as controls [waiting list group (WLG) = 22]. All participants were administered the mentalization questionnaire (MZQ) and the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R). In the post training assessment, compared to WLG, NFG showed a significant increase of MZQ total scores (3.94 ± 0.73 vs. 3.53 ± 0.77; F1;43 = 8.19; p = 0.007; d = 0.863). Furthermore, A/T training was also associated with a significant increase of EEG functional connectivity in several DMN brain areas (e.g. Posterior Cingulate Cortex). Taken together our results support the usefulness of the A/T training in enhancing mentalization and DMN connectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Imperatori
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy.
| | - Giacomo Della Marca
- Sleep Disorders Unit, Institute of Neurology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi Amoroso
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Maestoso
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maria Valenti
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Massullo
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Alessio Carbone
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Contardi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Sciences, European University of Rome, Via degli Aldobrandeschi 190, 00163, Rome, Italy
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Imperatori C, Fabbricatore M, Vumbaca V, Innamorati M, Contardi A, Farina B. Food Addiction: definition, measurement and prevalence in healthy subjects and in patients with eating disorders. Riv Psichiatr 2017; 51:60-5. [PMID: 27183510 DOI: 10.1708/2246.24196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The construct of “Food Addiction” (FA) has been introduced in the last decades to better understand abnormal eating patterns
in obese and overweight people and in patients with Eating Disorders (EDs). Despite a substantial parallelism between drug addiction and FA, there is still no agreement in considering FA an independent ED or a useful convincing concept. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to aggregate available data, in order to increase knowledge about: 1) definition, measurement and general features of FA; 2) prevalence of FA in clinical and non-clinical samples. Available data suggest that FA seems to be a transnosografic construct and exists in all EDs, with higher prevalence in Bulimia Nervosa. Although the discussion on the autonomous diagnosis of FA within EDs remains open, studies have reported that comorbidity between FA and other EDs is associated with worse clinical conditions and symptoms, justifying, as a result, the usefulness of assessing and treating this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Viviana Vumbaca
- Department of Human Sciences, European University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Anna Contardi
- Department of Human Sciences, European University, Rome, Italy
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Farina B, Monticelli F, Mantione MG, Pancheri L, Speranza AM, Brasini M, Imperatori C. Harmony of transitions in Assessing Interpersonal Motivations in Transcripts analysis can discriminate between Adult Attachment Interview secure and disorganized individuals. Riv Psichiatr 2017; 52:117-119. [PMID: 28692073 DOI: 10.1708/2722.27763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
AIM Assessing Interpersonal Motivations in Transcripts (AIMIT) is a validated coding system to assess the activation of interpersonal motivational systems (IMS) in the transcripts of psychotherapy sessions. The Transition Index (TI) is an AIMIT measure that reflects the levels of organisation, synchronisation and harmony amongst two or more IMS when they are rapidly shifting or simultaneously in the clinical dialogue. It is supposed to be a measure of integration and coherence of the patient’s state of mind within the psychotherapeutic sessions. It has also been hypothesized that low TI could be a marker for disorganization of attachment of the patient leading to difficulties in the therapeutic relationships and ruptures in the therapeutic alliance. In order to assess this hypothesis we tested its capability to discriminate between Adult Attachment Interview (AAI) organized and disorganized individuals. METHODS Two groups of 15 transcriptions of AAI matched for age and sex, one classified as free-autonomous and one as disorganized, were analysed by the AIMIT method. RESULTS Compared to organized individuals, disorganized patients at AAI reported lower TI scores (3.7±0.63 vs 3.0±0.53; F=2.98, p=0.005). Furthermore, TI showed a good discriminant capability (Wilks’ Lambda=0.77, p=0.004). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION This result seems to confirm the usefulness and reliability of AIMIT analysis in evaluating the interpersonal difficulties which often characterize the therapeutic relationship with disorganized attachment patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetto Farina
- Department of Human Science, European University of Rome, Italy - Centro Clinico De Sanctis, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Anna Maria Speranza
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Imperatori C, Valenti EM, Della Marca G, Amoroso N, Massullo C, Carbone GA, Maestoso G, Quintiliani MI, Contardi A, Farina B. Coping food craving with neurofeedback. Evaluation of the usefulness of alpha/theta training in a non-clinical sample. Int J Psychophysiol 2017; 112:89-97. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2016.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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