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Furneri G, Varrasi S, Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Torre V, Boccaccio FM, Testa MF, Martelli F, Privitera A, Razza G, Santagati M, Di Nuovo S, Pirrone C, Castellano S, Caraci F, Monastero R. Combining Mini-Mental State Examination and Montreal Cognitive Assessment for assessing the clinical efficacy of cholinesterase inhibitors in mild Alzheimer's disease: a pilot study. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:95. [PMID: 38630416 PMCID: PMC11023996 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02744-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Current drugs for Alzheimer's Disease (AD), such as cholinesterase inhibitors (ChEIs), exert only symptomatic activity. Different psychometric tools are needed to assess cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions during pharmacological treatment. In this pilot study, we monitored 33 mild-AD patients treated with ChEIs. Specifically, we evaluated the effects of 6 months (Group 1 = 17 patients) and 9 months (Group 2 = 16 patients) of ChEIs administration on cognition with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB), while depressive symptoms were measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). After 6 months (Group 1), a significant decrease in MoCA performance was detected. After 9 months (Group 2), a significant decrease in MMSE, MoCA, and FAB performance was observed. ChEIs did not modify depressive symptoms. Overall, our data suggest MoCA is a potentially useful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of ChEIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Furneri
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Vittoria Torre
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Federica Martelli
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Grazia Razza
- Department of Mental Health, ASP3 Catania, Alzheimer Psychogeriatric Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Mario Santagati
- Department of Mental Health, ASP3 Catania, Alzheimer Psychogeriatric Center, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy.
| | - Roberto Monastero
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
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2
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Guerrera CS, Boccaccio FM, Varrasi S, Platania GA, Coco M, Pirrone C, Castellano S, Caraci F, Ferri R, Lanza G. A narrative review on insomnia and hypersomnolence within Major Depressive Disorder and bipolar disorder: A proposal for a novel psychometric protocol. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 158:105575. [PMID: 38331126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105575] [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: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
Sleep disorders have become increasingly prevalent, with many adults worldwide reporting sleep dissatisfaction. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Bipolar Disorder (BD) are common conditions associated with disrupted sleep patterns such as insomnia and hypersomnolence. These sleep disorders significantly affect the progression, severity, treatment, and outcome of unipolar and bipolar depression. While there is evidence of a connection between sleep disorders and depression, it remains unclear if sleep features differ between MDD and BD. In light of this, this narrative review aims to: (1) summarize findings on common sleep disorders like insomnia and hypersomnolence, strongly linked to MDD and BD; (2) propose a novel psychometric approach to assess sleep in individuals with depressive disorders. Despite insomnia seems to be more influent in unipolar depression, while hypersomnolence in bipolar one, there is no common agreement. So, it is essential adopting a comprehensive psychometric protocol for try to fill this gap. Understanding the relationship between sleep and MDD and BD disorders are crucial for effective management and better quality of life for those affected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy; Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Torre Biologica, Via Santa Sofia, 97, 95123 Catania, Italy.
| | | | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | | | - Marinella Coco
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Via Biblioteca, 4, 95124 Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Cittadella Universitaria, Via Santa Sofia, 95123 Catania, Italy; Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, En, Italy
| | - Raffaele Ferri
- Sleep Research Centre, Department of Neurology IC, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, En, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Lanza
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Via Conte Ruggero 73, 94018 Troina, En, Italy; Department of Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, A.O.U. "Policlinico - San Marco", Via Santa Sofia, 78, 95123 Catania, Italy
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3
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Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Varrasi S, De Vivo S, Pirrone C, Vezzosi VF, Tascedda F, Drago F, Di Nuovo S, Blom JMC, Castellano S, Caraci F. New Psychometric Strategies for the Evaluation of Affective, Cognitive, and Psychosocial Functioning in Unipolar versus Bipolar Depression: Impact of Drug Treatment. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2024; 23:262-270. [PMID: 36915988 DOI: 10.2174/1568007x04666230313091253] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Different studies have been conducted to understand how patients with unipolar and bipolar depression differ in terms of cognitive and affective symptoms as well as in psychosocial function. Furthermore, the impact of antidepressants, second-generation antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers on these dimensions needs to be characterized, as well as the best psychometric approach to measure changes after pharmacological treatment. OBJECTIVES This study aims to analyze the impact of psychotropic drugs on cognitive, affective, and psychosocial functioning in MDD and BD patients; to test the sensitivity of psychometric tools for measuring those changes; also, to understand how psychosocial abilities are associated with affective and cognitive dimensions in patients with MDD and BD. METHODS A total of 22 patients with MDD and 21 patients with BD in the depressive phase were recruited. Several psychometric tests were administered to assess affective, cognitive, and psychosocial symptoms before and after 12 weeks of drug treatment (T0 and T1) with different psychotropic drugs including second-generation antidepressants, second-generation antipsychotics and mood stabilizers (lamotrigine). RESULTS MDD patients showed significant improvement in MoCA, Delayed Recall of Rey's 15 Words and HDRS, while a significant worsening was detected on Digit Span Backwards and on FAST scores. Instead, patients with BD showed significant improvements in the MoCA as the MDD patients, but only a trend of improvement (non-statistically significant) on the BDI-II. A positive correlation was detected in both groups between FAST and HDRS and BDI-II scores, especially in BD patients. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that drug treatment with psychotropic drugs can improve cognitive and affective symptoms, but not all psychometric tools may be equally sensitive to detect those changes in MDD vs. BD patients. Moreover, we found that affective and cognitive dimensions can be considered as different psychopathological dimensions both in unipolar and bipolar depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Laboratory of Behavioural and Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, UOR of Neuropharmacology and Translational Neurosciences, Troina, Italy
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Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Boccaccio FM, Sarti P, Varrasi S, Colliva C, Grasso M, De Vivo S, Cavallaro D, Tascedda F, Pirrone C, Drago F, Di Nuovo S, Blom JMC, Caraci F, Castellano S. The dynamic interaction between symptoms and pharmacological treatment in patients with major depressive disorder: the role of network intervention analysis. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:885. [PMID: 38017462 PMCID: PMC10683186 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental health disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable. MDD is a major public health concern and is the leading cause of disability, morbidity, institutionalization, and excess mortality, conferring high suicide risk. Pharmacological treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) is often the first choice for their efficacy and tolerability profile. However, a significant percentage of depressive individuals do not achieve remission even after an adequate trial of pharmacotherapy, a condition known as treatment-resistant depression (TRD). METHODS To better understand the complexity of clinical phenotypes in MDD we propose Network Intervention Analysis (NIA) that can help health psychology in the detection of risky behaviors, in the primary and/or secondary prevention, as well as to monitor the treatment and verify its effectiveness. The paper aims to identify the interaction and changes in network nodes and connections of 14 continuous variables with nodes identified as "Treatment" in a cohort of MDD patients recruited for their recent history of partial response to antidepressant drugs. The study analyzed the network of MDD patients at baseline and after 12 weeks of drug treatment. RESULTS At baseline, the network showed separate dimensions for cognitive and psychosocial-affective symptoms, with cognitive symptoms strongly affecting psychosocial functioning. The MoCA tool was identified as a potential psychometric tool for evaluating cognitive deficits and monitoring treatment response. After drug treatment, the network showed less interconnection between nodes, indicating greater stability, with antidepressants taking a central role in driving the network. Affective symptoms improved at follow-up, with the highest predictability for HDRS and BDI-II nodes being connected to the Antidepressants node. CONCLUSION NIA allows us to understand not only what symptoms enhance after pharmacological treatment, but especially the role it plays within the network and with which nodes it has stronger connections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Pierfrancesco Sarti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Colliva
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale Di Modena, Distretto Di Carpi, Carpi, Italy
| | - Margherita Grasso
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Unit of Neuropharmacology and Translation Neurosciences, Oasi Research Institute - IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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5
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Sarti P, Colliva C, Varrasi S, Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Boccaccio FM, Castellano S, Pirrone C, Pani L, Tascedda F, di Nuovo S, Caraci F, Blom JMC. A network study to differentiate suicide attempt risk profiles in male and female patients with major depressive disorder. Clin Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37922512 DOI: 10.1002/cpp.2924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
Suicide attempts are a possible consequence of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), although their prevalence varies across different epidemiological studies. Suicide attempt is a significant predictor of death by suicide, highlighting its importance in understanding and preventing tragic outcomes. Researchers are increasingly recognizing the need to study the differences between males and females, as several distinctions emerge in terms of the characteristics, types and motivations of suicide attempts. These differences emphasize the importance of considering gender-specific factors in the study of suicide attempts and developing tailored prevention strategies. We conducted a network analysis to represent and investigate which among multiple neurocognitive, psychosocial, demographic and affective variables may prove to be a reliable predictor for identifying the 'suicide attempt risk' (SAR) in a sample of 81 adults who met DSM-5 criteria for MDD. Network analysis resulted in differences between males and females regarding the variables that were going to interact and predict the SAR; in particular, for males, there is a stronger link toward psychosocial aspects, while for females, the neurocognitive domain is more relevant in its mnestic subcomponents. Network analysis allowed us to describe otherwise less obvious differences in the risk profiles of males and females that attempted to take their own lives. Different neurocognitive and psychosocial variables and different interactions between them predict the probability of suicide attempt unique to male and female patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierfrancesco Sarti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Chiara Colliva
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, Distretto di Carpi, Modena, Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Luca Pani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Pharmacology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
- Department of Specialist Medicines, Digital and Predictive Medicine, Pharmacology and Clinical Metabolic Toxicology-Headache Centre and Drug Abuse, Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, AOU Policlinico Di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Tascedda
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Santo di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Johanna M C Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Boccaccio FM, Platania GA, Guerrera CS, Varrasi S, Privitera CR, Caponnetto P, Pirrone C, Castellano S. Autism Spectrum Disorder: recommended psychodiagnostic tools for early diagnosis. Health Psychol Res 2023; 11:77357. [PMID: 37670796 PMCID: PMC10477006 DOI: 10.52965/001c.77357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, CT, Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, CT, Italy
| | | | - Pasquale Caponnetto
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, CT, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, CT, Italy
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, 95124 Catania, CT, Italy
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7
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Platania GA, Savia Guerrera C, Sarti P, Varrasi S, Pirrone C, Popovic D, Ventimiglia A, De Vivo S, Cantarella RA, Tascedda F, Drago F, Di Nuovo S, Colliva C, Caraci F, Castellano S, Blom JMC. Predictors of functional outcome in patients with major depression and bipolar disorder: A dynamic network approach to identify distinct patterns of interacting symptoms. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0276822. [PMID: 36791083 PMCID: PMC9931103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0276822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to use a dynamic network approach as an innovative way to identify distinct patterns of interacting symptoms in patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and patients with Bipolar Type I Disorder (BD). More precisely, the hypothesis will be testing that the phenotype of patients is driven by disease specific connectivity and interdependencies among various domains of functioning even in the presence of underlying common mechanisms. In a prospective observational cohort study, hundred-forty-three patients were recruited at the Psychiatric Clinic "Villa dei Gerani" (Catania, Italy), 87 patients with MDD and 56 with BD with a depressive episode. Two nested sub-groups were treated for a twelve-week period, which allowed us to explore differences in the pattern of symptom distribution (central vs. peripheral) and their connectedness (strong vs weak) before (T0) and after (T1) treatment. All patients underwent a complete neuropsychological evaluation at baseline (T0) and at T1. A network structure was computed for MDD and BD patients at T0 and T1 from a covariance matrix of 17 items belonging to three domains-neurocognitive, psychosocial, and mood-related (affective) to identify what symptoms were driving the networks. Clinically relevant differences were observed between MDD and BD, at T0 and after 12 weeks of pharmacological treatment. At time T0, MDD patients displayed an affective domain strongly connected with the nodes of psychosocial functioning, while direct connectivity of the affective domain with the neurocognitive cluster was absent. The network of patients with BD, in contrast, revealed a cluster of highly interconnected psychosocial nodes but was guided by neurocognitive functions. The nodes related to the affective domain in MDD are less connected and placed in the periphery of the networks, whereas in BD they are more connected with psychosocial and neurocognitive nodes. Noteworthy is that, from T0 to T1 the "Betweenness" centrality measure was lower in both disorders which means that fewer "shortest paths" between nodes pass through the affective domain. Moreover, fewer edges were connected directly with the nodes in this domain. In MDD patients, pharmacological treatment primarily affected executive functions which seem to improve with treatment. In contrast, in patients with BD, treatment resulted in improvement of overall connectivity and centrality of the affective domain, which seems then to affect and direct the overall network. Though different network structures were observed for MDD and BD patients, data suggest that treatment should include tailored cognitive therapy, because improvement in this central domain appeared to be fundamental for better outcomes in other domains. In sum, the advantage of network analysis is that it helps to predict the trajectory of future phenotype related disease manifestations. In turn, this allows new insights in how to balance therapeutic interventions, involving different fields of function and combining pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudia Savia Guerrera
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Pierfrancesco Sarti
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences—University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (MO), Italy
| | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ventimiglia
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabio Tascedda
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Colliva
- Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Modena, Distretto di Carpi, Modena, Italy
| | - Filippo Caraci
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute—IRCCS, Troina, Italy
- * E-mail: (FC); (JMCB)
| | - Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Johanna M. C. Blom
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences—University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena (MO), Italy
- Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- * E-mail: (FC); (JMCB)
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8
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Varrasi S, Guerrera CS, Platania GA, Castellano S, Pirrone C, Caponnetto P, Nicolosi C, Insanguine F, Greco E, Perrone M, Pulvirenti C, Randazzo D, Ferro G, Consoli M, Di Nuovo S. Professional quality of life and psychopathological symptoms among first-line healthcare workers facing COVID-19 pandemic: an exploratory study in an Italian southern hospital. Health Psychol Res 2023; 11:67961. [PMID: 36777810 PMCID: PMC9907327 DOI: 10.52965/001c.67961] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly affected the mental health of healthcare workers, who have taken on the major problems triggered by the emergency. The mental consequences concern high levels of insomnia, anxiety, depression and burnout, which inevitably affect their professional quality of life too. Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between psychopathological symptoms (tested with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale, DASS-21) and professional quality of life (measured with the Professional Quality of Life Scale, ProQol) in a hospital of southern Italy. Methods 204 healthcare workers were recruited by non-probabilistic sampling and divided by age, gender, work roles (physicians, nurses and intermediate care technicians) and clinical departments (Cardio-medicine, Infectious Diseases, Emergency Medicine, First Aid, Obstetrics and Pneumology). Results The results showed higher levels of Secondary Traumatic Stress, Depression, Anxiety and Stress in women than in men. Physicians and nurses experienced lower levels of Compassion Satisfaction but higher Burnout than intermediate care technicians; likewise, nurses were more anxious than physicians. The Emergency Medicine had higher scores in Compassion Satisfaction than Infectious Disease, Pneumology, Obstetrics and Cardio-Medicine. Conclusion In light of what has been said so far, it appears essential to intervene on the first mild signs of Burnout and Secondary Traumatic Stress, because they precede the onset of Depression, Stress and Anxiety in healthcare workers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Costanza Nicolosi
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Francesca Insanguine
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Emanuela Greco
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Mariacatena Perrone
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Carmen Pulvirenti
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Diletta Randazzo
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Gabriele Ferro
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Maurizio Consoli
- Psychology Service, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Policlinico “G. Rodolico – San Marco” – P.O. “San Marco”
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania
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9
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Varrasi S, Castellano S, Platania GA, Guerrera CS, Caponnetto P, Pirrone C. "Don't Touch Your Face!" The Contribution of Habit Reversal in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Health Psychol Res 2022; 10:39650. [PMID: 36425226 PMCID: PMC9680863 DOI: 10.52965/001c.39650] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a behavioral procedure for treating the so-called nervous habits, such as nail biting, hair pulling and thumb sucking. In addition to being an established clinical procedure, HRT is also a strategy for behavioral change that can serve the entire community. For this reason, this review aims to explore the studies proposing the use of HRT for the reduction of hand-to-face habits in the context of COVID-19 pandemic. Touching one's nose, mouth and eyes, indeed, is one of the means of virus transmission that many awareness campaigns seek to highlight. After an overview of how HRT works and of the current epidemiological situation, studies supporting Habit Reversal Training for the reduction of risky hand-to-face habits are presented. The possible strategies are then exposed and critically discussed to identify their limitations and propose a new version according to the Relational Frame Theory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania
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Pirrone C, Castellano S, Platania GA, Ruggieri S, Caponnetto P. Comparing the emerging psychological meaning of tattoos in drug-addicted and not drug-addicted adults: A look inside health risks. Health Psychol Res 2020; 8:9268. [PMID: 33123650 PMCID: PMC7588846 DOI: 10.4081/hpr.2020.9268] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Although tattoos have been historically characteristic of criminals and drug addicts therefore carrying negative associations, it is now an accepted and appreciated form of body modification. Tattoos could be considered as a projective psychological test, most people use their body as blackboard to represent the most varied meanings related to the way they perceive themselves. It is also true that tattoos can assume the role of diagnostic indicators for a possible abuse of psychoactive substances, as well as their aggregating and communicative functions within the group of drug addicts. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to explore the relation among personality traits, self-efficacy, locus of control and motivations for tattooing. The sample consisted of 150 subjects, 50 tattooed adults, 50 tattooed drug addicted adults, and 50 non-tattooed adults. Data were collected by using the Big Five Questionnaire (BFQ), the Perceived Self- efficacy Test, the Mini Locus of Control scale and a Tattoos Inventory. Results of the present study contribute to a deeper understanding of the new meaning of tattoos, they no longer represent personality traits, they rather have the function of reinforcing beliefs about how to perceive oneself, this happens especially in drug addicts in which the presence of tattoos reinforces the illusory belief of self-esteem and internal locus of control. Given the rising presence of tattoos today, this could be useful to get a better understanding of the existential unease of certain populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania
| | | | | | - Stefano Ruggieri
- Department of Human and Society Sciences, Kore University, Enna, Italy
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Castellano S, Platania GA, Varrasi S, Pirrone C, Di Nuovo S. Assessment tools for risky behaviors: Psychology and health. Health Psychol Res 2020; 8:9235. [PMID: 33123648 PMCID: PMC7588849 DOI: 10.4081/hpr.2020.9235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Castellano
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Simone Varrasi
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Concetta Pirrone
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santo Di Nuovo
- Department of Educational Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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