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Di Fazio N, Morena D, Piras F, Piras F, Banaj N, Delogu G, Damato F, Frati P, Fineschi V, Ferracuti S, Sani G, Dacquino C. Reliability of clinical judgment for evaluation of informed consent in mental health settings and the validation of the Evaluation of Informed Consent to Treatment (EICT) scale. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1309909. [PMID: 38566948 PMCID: PMC10986368 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1309909] [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] [Received: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The competence assessment to give informed consent in the legal and healthcare settings is often performed merely through clinical judgment. Given the acknowledged limited reliability of clinician-based evaluation in the mental health sector, particularly for the assessment of competence to consent, our objective was to ascertain the dependability of clinical judgment when evaluating the ability of schizophrenia patients to make choices about their health. Methods The potential convergence between clinical evaluation and scores from a new standardized assessment (the "Evaluation of Informed Consent to Treatment" - "EICT" scale) was therefore tested. The scale assesses four dimensions of competence, specifically how patients normally understand information relating to care (Understanding); how they evaluate the choice of treatment in terms of risk/benefit ratio (Evaluating); how they reason coherently in the decision-making process (Reasoning); and, finally, their ability to make a choice between treatment alternatives (Expressing a choice). Thirty-four outpatients with schizophrenia were evaluated for their competence to consent by five referring clinicians with different backgrounds (psychiatrist, forensic psychiatrist, geriatrician, anesthetist, and medico-legal doctor). Inter-raters variability was tested through correlation analyses between the scores obtained by the clinicians on a modified version of the Global Assessment of Functioning scale (GAF) designed specifically to subjectively assess functioning in each of the four competence dimensions. Two validated competence scales (Mac-CAT-T, SICIATRI-R), and a neuropsychological battery were also administered along with scales for evaluating neuropsychiatric symptoms severity and side effects of medication. Results Clinical judgments of the individual specialists showed great inter-rater variability. Likewise, only weak/non-significant correlations were found between the EICT subscales and the respective clinicians-rated GAF scales. Conversely, solid correlations were found between the EICT and MacCAT-T subscales. As expected, healthy controls performed better in the ability to give informed consent to treatment, as measured by the three scales (i.e., EICT, MacCAT-T, and SICIATRI-R), and neuropsychological test performance. In the comparisons between patients who, according to the administered EICT, were able or not able to give informed consent to treatment, significant differences emerged for the Phonemic verbal fluency task (p = 0.038), Verbal judgments (p = 0.048), MacCAT-T subscales, and SICIATRI-R total score. Moreover, EICT exhibited excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas ranging from 0.96 to 0.98 for the four subscales) while the Item Analysis, by measuring the correlation between each item of the EICT and the total score, was excellent for all items of all subscales (alphas ranging from 0.86 to 0.98). Discussion In conclusion, our findings highlighted that the assessment of competence exclusively through clinical judgment is not fully reliable and needs the support of standardized tools. The EICT scale could therefore be useful in assessing general competence to consent both in healthcare and legal contexts, where it might be necessary to evaluate the effective competence of patients with psychiatric disorders. Finally, this scale could serve as a valuable tool for decisions regarding whether and to what extent a patient needs support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Morena
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Piras
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Piras
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Nerisa Banaj
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience and Neurorehabilitation, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delogu
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Felice Damato
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Department of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Head, Neck and Thorax, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Dacquino
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Barchielli B, Lausi G, Pizzo A, Messineo M, Del Casale A, Giannini AM, Ferracuti S. A Medical-Legal and Psychological Systematic Review on Vitriolage Related to Gender-Based Violence. Trauma Violence Abuse 2023; 24:2953-2965. [PMID: 36062902 PMCID: PMC10594836 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221121288] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Attacks perpetrated using acid are a particular form of interpersonal violence, possibly one of the most heinous manifestations of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). Acid attacks are mainly motivated by extramarital cheating, marital conflicts, women's rejection of marriage proposals, and sexual advances. As these attacks are not well understood from a psychological perspective, we conducted a systematic review, following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, of 284 articles identified, 13 were eligible for inclusion. Three main focuses were identified: "Risk and vulnerability factors," "Consequences and implications," and "Interventions and treatments." Acid attacks seem to be more frequent in countries where social and economic development leads to greater tensions over traditional gender roles like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and India. Identified risk factors were young age, low socioeconomic status, low educational attainment, ethnicity, unemployment status of the victim, alcohol, and drug use of the perpetrator. Among the main psychosocial consequences of acid attacks, isolation and social exclusion emerged. Additionally, the paper will discuss the role of mental health consequences and specific treatments from psychological, clinical, and medical-legal points of view.
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Babiloni C, Del Percio C, Piervincenzi C, Carducci F, Ferri R, Onorati P, Toma G, Ferracuti S, Roma P, Correr V, Di Campli F, Aceti A, Salvatore M, Soricelli A, Teti E, Pennica A, Sarmati L, Vullo V, D'Ettorre G, Mastroianni C, Petsas N, Pantano P, Floris R, Stocchi F, Andreoni M, Di Perri G, Calcagno A, Noce G. Parietal resting-state EEG alpha source connectivity is associated with subcortical white matter lesions in HIV-positive people. Clin Neurophysiol 2023; 156:19-27. [PMID: 37844524 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2023.09.006] [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: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parietal resting-state electroencephalographic (rsEEG) alpha (8-10 Hz) source connectivity is abnormal in HIV-positive persons. Here we tested whether this abnormality may be associated with subcortical white matter vascular lesions in the cerebral hemispheres. METHODS Clinical, rsEEG, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) datasets in 38 HIV-positive persons and clinical and rsEEG datasets in 13 healthy controls were analyzed. Radiologists visually evaluated the subcortical white matter hyperintensities from T2-weighted FLAIR MRIs (i.e., Fazekas scale). In parallel, neurophysiologists estimated the eLORETA rsEEG source lagged linear connectivity from parietal cortical regions of interest. RESULTS Compared to the HIV participants with no/negligible subcortical white matter hyperintensities, the HIV participants with mild/moderate subcortical white matter hyperintensities showed lower parietal interhemispheric rsEEG alpha lagged linear connectivity. This effect was also observed in HIV-positive persons with unimpaired cognition. This rsEEG marker allowed good discrimination (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve > 0.80) between the HIV-positive individuals with different amounts of subcortical white matter hyperintensities. CONCLUSIONS The parietal rsEEG alpha source connectivity is associated with subcortical white matter vascular lesions in HIV-positive persons, even without neurocognitive disorders. SIGNIFICANCE Those MRI-rsEEG markers may be used to screen HIV-positive persons at risk of neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Babiloni
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; Hospital San Raffaele Cassino, Cassino, (FR), Italy.
| | - Claudio Del Percio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Carducci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Onorati
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra Toma
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology "Erspamer", Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Correr
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Di Campli
- Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Aceti
- Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Soricelli
- IRCCS Synlab SDN, Naples, Italy; Department of Motor Sciences and Healthiness, University of Naples Parthenope, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Teti
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pennica
- Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Vullo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella D'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Pantano
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy; IRCCS NEUROMED, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Roberto Floris
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Stocchi
- IRCCS San Raffaele, Rome, Italy; Telematic University San Raffaele, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Di Perri
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Andrea Calcagno
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Roma P, Giromini L, Sellbom M, Cardinale A, Ferracuti S, Mazza C. The ecological validity of the IOP-29: A follow-up study using the MMPI-2-RF and the SIMS as criterion variables. Psychol Assess 2023; 35:868-879. [PMID: 37650794 DOI: 10.1037/pas0001273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
Current guidelines for conducting symptom validity assessments require that professionals administer multiple symptom validity tests (SVTs) and that the SVTs selected for their evaluations provide nonredundant information. However, not many SVTs are currently available, and most of them rely on the same, (in)frequency-based, feigning detection strategy. In this context, the Inventory of Problems (IOP-29) could be a valuable addition to the assessor's toolbox because of its brevity (29 items) and its different approach to assessing the credibility of presented symptoms. As its ecological validity has been poorly investigated, the present study used a criterion groups design to examine the classification accuracy of the IOP-29 in a data set of 174 court-ordered psychological evaluations focused on psychological injury. The validity scales of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory-2 Restructured Form and the total score of the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptoms were used as criterion variables. Overall, the results of this study confirm that the IOP-29 is an effective measure (1.70 ≤ d ≤ 2.67) that provides valuable information when added to the multimethod assessment of symptom validity in civil forensic contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome
| | | | | | | | | | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University of Chieti-Pescara
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Parmigiani G, Mandarelli G, Meynen G, Ferracuti S. Structured instruments for insanity defense evaluations: Opportunities and limitations. Behav Sci Law 2023; 41:432-444. [PMID: 36938899 DOI: 10.1002/bsl.2618] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Insanity evaluations are often criticized for their-alleged-lack of objectivity, reliability and transparency. Structured tools to guide and support forensic evaluators during these evaluations have been developed-but they are rarely employed in forensic practice. In the present article, we consider the value of these tools for forensic practice in terms of opportunities and limitations. First, we briefly describe different insanity criteria used in Western countries. Next, we will review five structured instruments to guide insanity assessment together with their performance measures. Finally, we draw conclusions on the value of such instruments for forensic practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Gerben Meynen
- Willem Pompe Institute for Criminal Law and Criminology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Faculty of Humanities, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Del Casale A, Pileri J, Veneziani G, Napolitano A, Modesti MN, Adriani B, Barchielli B, Parmigiani G, Grassi F, Napoli C, Ferracuti S, Lai C. Facing the Shadow Pandemic: Correlation and Trend Analyses of Violence Reports from Women to the Italian National Anti-Violence Number during 2021. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2272. [PMID: 37628470 PMCID: PMC10454491 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11162272] [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] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To help to tackle gender-based violence against women in the aftermath of COVID-19 or other potential crisis situations, as recommended by the European Institute for Gender Equality, the present study aims to investigate the relationship between calls to the National Anti-violence Number (NAN) and the socio-sanitary pandemic factors during 2021, a period in which the scenario changed due to containment measures that gradually allowed women to emerge from the condition of isolation. In addition, the present work aims to identify significant changes in the number of calls to NAN during the progression of the pandemic in 2021. METHODS Using Italian Civil Protection Department data on the socio-sanitary pandemic factors (defined by daily number of cases, swabs, deaths, hospitalizations, dismissions, intensive care unit hospitalizations, people isolated at home, and quarantine after 15 and 30 days) and NAN data. Correlation analyses, a joinpoint regression analysis, and Granger causality tests were performed. RESULTS The number of calls correlated with the daily number of cases, swabs, deaths, hospitalizations, dismissions, intensive care unit hospitalizations, and quarantine after 15 and 30 days. The identified joinpoints showed significant changes in the number of daily anti-violence calls during the year. Furthermore, we found evidence of a significant causality between daily hospitalizations, daily home quarantined, daily dismissed patients, and calls to NAN. CONCLUSIONS The results underline the influence of containment measures on the increased access to NAN, suggesting the need for a greater implementation of social and psychological support services in other potential crisis situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Pileri
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Giorgio Veneziani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Antonio Napolitano
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare “Bambino Gesù”, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Nicole Modesti
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Adriani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
| | - Francesco Grassi
- Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare “Bambino Gesù”, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Unit of Risk Management, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Unit of Risk Management, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, 00189 Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy; (J.P.)
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Lausi G, Burrai J, Baldi M, Ferlazzo F, Ferracuti S, Giannini AM, Barchielli B. Decision-Making and Abuse, What Relationship in Victims of Violence? Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:ijerph20105879. [PMID: 37239605 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20105879] [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: 02/20/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Gender-Based violence is a worldwide persisting phenomenon: during their lifetime, 30% of women have experienced sexual and/or physical violence. The literature has investigated for several years the association between abuse and possible psychiatric and psychological consequences which may occur even after many years. The most common consequences involve mood and stress disorders (e.g., depression and PTSD). These disorders seem to have secondary long-term effects, such as decision-making and cognitive function impairments. Therefore, the present literature synthesis aimed to investigate whether and how the decision-making capacities of individuals experiencing violence can change because of abuse. We conducted a thematic synthesis using PRISMA guidelines: through a double-blind procedure, 4599 studies were screened; a total of 46 studies were selected for full-text reading, which was reduced to 13 by excluding papers with a wrong focus. To better understand the results of the thematic synthesis, two main focuses have been identified: "leave or stay decision making" and "multifactorial dimensions of decision making". Results showed that decision-making is an important process in avoiding secondary victimization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lausi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Burrai
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Baldi
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabio Ferlazzo
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Scopetti M, Morena D, Padovano M, Manetti F, Di Fazio N, Delogu G, Ferracuti S, Frati P, Fineschi V. Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia in Mental Disorders: Ethical Positions in the Debate between Proportionality, Dignity, and the Right to Die. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11101470. [PMID: 37239756 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11101470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The admission of people suffering from psychiatric and neurocognitive disorders to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide (E/PAS) in some European and non-European countries represents a controversial issue. In some countries, the initial limitation of E/PAS to cases of severe physical illness with poor prognosis in the short term has been overcome, as it was considered discriminatory; thus, E/PAS has also been made available to subjects suffering from mental disorders. This decision has raised significant ethical questions regarding the capacity and freedom of self-determination; the family, social, and economic contexts; the social consideration of the sense of dignity and the pressure on the judgment of one's personal value; the contextual therapeutic possibilities; the identification of figures involved in the validation and application; as well as the epistemological definitions of the clinical conditions in question. To these issues must be added the situation of legislative vacuum peculiar to different countries and the widespread lack of effective evaluation and control systems. Nonetheless, pessimistic indicators on global health status, availability of care and assistance, aging demographics, and socioeconomic levels suggest that there may be further pressure toward the expansion of such requests. The present paper aims to trace an international overview with the aim of providing ethical support to the debate on the matter. Precisely, the goal is the delimitation of foundations for clinical practice in the complex field of psychiatry between the recognition of the irreversibility of the disease, assessment of the state of physical and mental suffering, as well as the possibility of adopting free and informed choices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Scopetti
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Morena
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Martina Padovano
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Manetti
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delogu
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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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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Scarpazza C, Costa C, Battaglia U, Berryessa C, Bianchetti ML, Caggiu I, Devinsky O, Ferracuti S, Focquaert F, Forgione A, Gilbert F, Pennati A, Pietrini P, Rainero I, Sartori G, Swerdlow R, Camperio Ciani AS. Acquired Pedophilia: international Delphi-method-based consensus guidelines. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:11. [PMID: 36653356 PMCID: PMC9849353 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02314-8] [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: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic and acquired pedophilia are two different disorders with two different etiologies. However, the differential diagnosis is still very difficult, as the behavioral indicators used to discriminate the two forms of pedophilia are underexplored, and clinicians are still devoid of clear guidelines describing the clinical and neuroscientific investigations suggested to help them with this difficult task. Furthermore, the consequences of misdiagnosis are not known, and a consensus regarding the legal consequences for the two kinds of offenders is still lacking. The present study used the Delphi method to reach a global consensus on the following six topics: behavioral indicators/red flags helpful for differential diagnosis; neurological conditions potentially leading to acquired pedophilia; neuroscientific investigations important for a correct understanding of the case; consequences of misdiagnosis; legal consequences; and issues and future perspectives. An international and multidisciplinary board of scientists and clinicians took part in the consensus statements as Delphi members. The Delphi panel comprised 52 raters with interdisciplinary competencies, including neurologists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, forensic psychologists, expert in ethics, etc. The final recommendations consisted of 63 statements covering the six different topics. The current study is the first expert consensus on a delicate topic such as pedophilia. Important exploitable consensual recommendations that can ultimately be of immediate use by clinicians to help with differential diagnosis and plan and guide therapeutic interventions are described, as well as future perspectives for researchers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scarpazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy. .,Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, Padova, Italy. .,IRCCS S. Camillo Hospital, Venezia, Italy.
| | - Cristiano Costa
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Padova Neuroscience Center (PNC), University of Padova, Padova, Italy ,grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Battaglia
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Applied Psychology, FISPPA – University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Colleen Berryessa
- grid.430387.b0000 0004 1936 8796School of Criminal Justice, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ USA
| | - Maria Lucia Bianchetti
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilenia Caggiu
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Orrin Devinsky
- grid.137628.90000 0004 1936 8753Epilepsy Center, NYU School of Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Human Neurosciences Sapienza Università di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Farah Focquaert
- grid.5342.00000 0001 2069 7798Bioethics Institute Ghent, Department of Philosophy and Moral Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Arianna Forgione
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Fredric Gilbert
- grid.1009.80000 0004 1936 826XEthics, Policy & Public Engagement (EPPE) ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Faculty of Arts, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | | | - Pietro Pietrini
- grid.462365.00000 0004 1790 9464IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Innocenzo Rainero
- grid.7605.40000 0001 2336 6580Neurology I, Department of Neuroscience “Rita Levi Montalcini”, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sartori
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Russell Swerdlow
- grid.412016.00000 0001 2177 6375University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS USA
| | - Andrea S. Camperio Ciani
- grid.5608.b0000 0004 1757 3470Department of Applied Psychology, FISPPA – University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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11
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Del Casale A, Sarli G, Bargagna P, Polidori L, Alcibiade A, Zoppi T, Borro M, Gentile G, Zocchi C, Ferracuti S, Preissner R, Simmaco M, Pompili M. Machine Learning and Pharmacogenomics at the Time of Precision Psychiatry. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2395-2408. [PMID: 37559539 PMCID: PMC10616924 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666230808170123] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional medicine and biomedical sciences are reaching a turning point because of the constantly growing impact and volume of Big Data. Machine Learning (ML) techniques and related algorithms play a central role as diagnostic, prognostic, and decision-making tools in this field. Another promising area becoming part of everyday clinical practice is personalized therapy and pharmacogenomics. Applying ML to pharmacogenomics opens new frontiers to tailored therapeutical strategies to help clinicians choose drugs with the best response and fewer side effects, operating with genetic information and combining it with the clinical profile. This systematic review aims to draw up the state-of-the-art ML applied to pharmacogenomics in psychiatry. Our research yielded fourteen papers; most were published in the last three years. The sample comprises 9,180 patients diagnosed with mood disorders, psychoses, or autism spectrum disorders. Prediction of drug response and prediction of side effects are the most frequently considered domains with the supervised ML technique, which first requires training and then testing. The random forest is the most used algorithm; it comprises several decision trees, reduces the training set's overfitting, and makes precise predictions. ML proved effective and reliable, especially when genetic and biodemographic information were integrated into the algorithm. Even though ML and pharmacogenomics are not part of everyday clinical practice yet, they will gain a unique role in the next future in improving personalized treatments in psychiatry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sarli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paride Bargagna
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Polidori
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Alcibiade
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Zoppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Gentile
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Clarissa Zocchi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, Unit of Risk Management, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Robert Preissner
- Institute of Physiology and Science-IT, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Philippstrasse 12, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University; Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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12
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Gallè F, Sabella EA, Bianco L, Maninchedda M, Barchielli B, Liguori F, Da Molin G, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Ferracuti S, Napoli C. How the COVID-19 Pandemic Has Impacted Daily Life? Assessing the Use of Web Resources for Recreational Activities in the Italian Adult Population. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:15136. [PMID: 36429855 PMCID: PMC9690348 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215136] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Restriction measures imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic led to changes in people's lives and behaviors. The aim of this paper is to assess the changes occurred in physical activity (PA), sleep, social and cultural activities and personal relationships of Italian adults during the pandemic and to evaluate the use of web-based resources to continue these activities. To this purpose, a cross-sectional study using a web-based questionnaire was carried out and both descriptive and regression analysis was performed. On a total of 1831 participants (61% females, age 18-93 years), the majority reported a decrease in PA, sleep, social and cultural activities and personal relationships, since the beginning of the pandemic. Sleep was notably affected by the use of new technologies. The regression analysis demonstrated that the use of web-based media for doing exercise was associated with being younger than 50 years and female; having a chronic condition was inversely related with the use of web resources for social and cultural activities and to maintain relationships; being employed was negatively related with the use of web media for continuing personal relationships and cultural activities; and being vaccinated against COVID-19 was positively associated with the use of the web for personal relationships. These findings confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic notably affected the daily life of Italian adults. Our results suggest that the use of technology to deal with these changes seems to be related with certain sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. These findings can be useful to identify those characteristics that can help people in copying with daily life modifications due to restriction measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Lavinia Bianco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Maninchedda
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Liguori
- Department of Economics and Legal Studies, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Generale Parisi 13, 80132 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
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13
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Morena D, Di Fazio N, La Russa R, Delogu G, Frati P, Fineschi V, Ferracuti S. When COVID-19 Is Not All: Femicide Conducted by a Murderer with a Narcissistic Personality "Masked" by a Brief Psychotic Disorder, with a Mini-Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph192214826. [PMID: 36429545 PMCID: PMC9690801 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192214826] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Several cases of COVID-19-related mental disorders have emerged during the pandemic. In a case of femicide that occurred in Italy during the first phase of the pandemic, coinciding with a national lockdown, a discrepancy arose among forensic psychiatry experts, particularly toward the diagnosis of Brief Psychotic Disorder (BPD) related to COVID-19. We aimed to discuss the evaluation of the case through an integration of information and a literature review on comparable reported cases. An analysis of the diagnosis of brief acute psychosis was then performed, as well as a mini-review on cases of COVID-19-related psychosis. Results showed that psychotic symptomatology was characterized by polythematic delusions that always involved a SARS-CoV-2 infection. To a lesser extent, the delusions were accompanied by hallucinations, bizarre cognitive and associative alterations, insomnia, hyporexia, dysphoria, and suicidal behavior. No particularly violent acts with related injury or death of the victim were described. Finally, we could hypothesize that our case was better represented by a diagnosis of personality with predominantly narcissistic and partly psychopathic traits. The present case highlighted the importance, in the context of forensic psychiatry, of integrating assessments with the crime perpetrators, namely through accurate clinical interviews, neuropsychological tests, diachronic observations, and comparison with similar cases present in the literature. Such an integrated approach allows precise evaluation and reduces the odds of errors in a field, such as forensic psychiatry, where a diagnostic decision can be decisive in the judgment of criminal responsibility. Moreover, discerning forensics from health cases represents an important issue in risk management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donato Morena
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Di Fazio
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele La Russa
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71100 Foggia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Delogu
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 336, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
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14
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Gallè F, Bianco L, Da Molin G, Mancini R, Sciacchitano S, Ferracuti S, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Napoli C. "Monkeypox: What Do You Know about That?" Italian Adults' Awareness of a New Epidemic. Pathogens 2022; 11:1285. [PMID: 36365036 PMCID: PMC9696019 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11111285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In the course of 2022, an epidemic of monkeypox (MPX) arose worldwide. In order to assess the level of knowledge of the Italian adults regarding the new emerging disease, its prevention and their level of worrying and the acceptance of a possible vaccination, a web questionnaire was spread nationwide. A total of 1352 individuals (mean age 54.5 ± 13.4, 52.4% males) completed the questionnaire. Only 26. 7% of the sample wereaware of the burden of the epidemic at the moment of the investigation; 47.1% were not able to identify the transmission route, nor the main symptoms (48.9%); and 54.2% were hesitant toward a possible MPXV vaccination, mainly because of a lack of confident in vaccines (38.5%). A low level of worrying about the disease was registered (mean score 2.3 ± 1.2 on a 5-point scale). In the regression analysis performed considering MPX knowledge as outcome, a lower level of knowledge was associated with higher age (OR 1.378, CI95% 0.998-1.904), working or studying in a nonhealthcare setting (OR 0.046, CI95% 0.033-0.066), being single (OR 0.624, CI95% 0.455-0.856) and having mass media as the main source of information (OR 0.332, CI95% 0.158-0.696). These findings indicate as of the time of this investigation, the communication about the MPXV epidemic was not effective in determining a good level of knowledge about the disease and its transmission among Italian adults. This highlights the need to improve risk communication strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Lavinia Bianco
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70121 Bari, Italy
| | - Rita Mancini
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Sciacchitano
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
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15
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D'Antonio F, Di Vita A, Zazzaro G, Canevelli M, Trebbastoni A, Campanelli A, Ferracuti S, de Lena C, Guariglia C, Boccia M. Cortical complexity alterations in the medial temporal lobe are associated with Alzheimer's disease psychosis. Neuropsychol Dev Cogn B Aging Neuropsychol Cogn 2022; 29:1022-1032. [PMID: 34294005 DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2021.1958139] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Psychosis is frequent in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and it is associated with a worse disease course. AD psychosis may represent a distinct AD phenotype, though its specific neurobiological underpinnings have yet to be identified. This study investigated neural underpinnings of AD psychosis using surface-based-morphometry.Data from 32 AD patients, 17 with psychosis (AD-P) and 15 without were analyzed. Average cortical complexity (fractal dimension, FD) was estimated for each theoretically motivated ROI and patient. First, we compared regional FD in AD-P and AD patients. Then we calculated the correlation coefficients between FD and the severity of misidentification and paranoid psychotic symptoms. AD-P showed decreased FD in ventral-visual-stream compared to AD, suggesting that perceptual processes might be pivotal in psychosis. A negative correlation was found between misidentification severity and FD in the entorhinal cortex suggesting that misidentification may be specifically associated with alterations in regions involved in high-level perceptual and contextualization processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizia D'Antonio
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Di Vita
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Zazzaro
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Canevelli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo de Lena
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Guariglia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Boccia
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Cognitive and Motor Rehabilitation and Neuroimaging Unit, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
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16
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Barchielli B, Cricenti C, Gallè F, Sabella EA, Liguori F, Da Molin G, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Giannini AM, Ferracuti S, Napoli C. Climate Changes, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Russian-Ukrainian War: What Is the Impact on Habits Change and Mental Health? Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:11929. [PMID: 36231229 PMCID: PMC9565033 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191911929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Climate Change, Natural Resources Depletion, COVID-19, and Wars are some of the great challenges of our time. The consequences will affect psychological well-being and could have a harmful impact on mental health. This study aimed to assess the level of preoccupation and fears surrounding issues of the 21st-century and the implication for psychological well-being of the general population from Central/Southern Italy among different age groups. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics, topics formulated ad-hoc about preoccupation, fears, habits, and willingness to change habits in the future related to the 21st-century challenges, and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21 (DASS-21) was administered online. A sample of 1831 participants (61% F; mean age 47.71 ± 17.30) was obtained. Results showed that young adults and older adults, respectively, reported greater and less psychological well-being. Young adults reported higher scores for preoccupation, changing habits, and willingness to change habits in the future, while older adults reported the lowest scores except for changing habits, also controlling for gender. Results for this variable, as well as correlations between the many variables described, rely on the specificity of age, and 21st-century challenges. Moreover, the main fears related to the 21st-century concerns were different based on both age and gender. In conclusion, the various stresses of the 21st-century discussed in this study have a relationship with personal well-being, and it is important to consider potential global mental health issues resulting from these stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Clarissa Cricenti
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Liguori
- Family Psychotherapy Academy, Via Raffaele Morghen 181, 80129 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70122 Bari, Italy
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro, 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy
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17
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Del Casale A, Ferracuti S, Alcibiade A, Simone S, Modesti MN, Pompili M. Neuroanatomical correlates of autism spectrum disorders: A meta-analysis of structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 325:111516. [PMID: 35882091 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111516] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders correlated to various neuroanatomical modifications. We aimed to identify neuroanatomical changes assessed in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through Activation Likelihood Estimate (ALE) meta-analysis. We included 19 peer-reviewed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies that analyzed cortical volume in patients with ASD compared to healthy control subjects (HCs). The between-group analyses comparing subjects with ASD to HCs showed a volumetric reduction of a large cluster in the right brain, including the uncus/amygdala, parahippocampal gyrus, and entorhinal cortex, and putamen. The anomalies are primarily found in the right hemisphere, involved in social cognitive function, particularly impaired in ASD. These results correlate with several clinical aspects of ASD. These volumetric alterations can be considered a major correlate of disease in the context of multifactorial etiology. Further studies on brain lateralization in ASD are needed, considering the clinical phenotype variability of these disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies; Faculty of Medicine and Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience; Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Sara Simone
- Faculty of Medicine and Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS); Faculty of Medicine and Psychology; Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
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18
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Mandarelli G, Iannone F, Ferracuti S, Grattagliano I, Benevento M, Solarino B, Ferorelli D, Catanesi R. Informed consent and biological agents in rheumatology and internal medicine. Eur J Clin Invest 2022; 52:e13805. [PMID: 35488744 PMCID: PMC9539695 DOI: 10.1111/eci.13805] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The need for highly effective therapies in rheumatologic diseases has led to the widespread and growing use of a heterogeneous class of molecules called biological agents. The increasing experience with biological agents has raised concerns about safety and efficacy issues that need to be discussed in the informed consent acquisition process. METHODS The authors performed a review of the literature on biological agents focusing on their most important characteristics concerning the informed consent procedures. RESULTS No studies specifically addressed the issue of informed consent in patients receiving biological agents. Several studies reported data about off-label use of biological agents usually with no obvious attention to informed consent shortcomings. CONCLUSION The reported association between biological agents and serious infections or malignancies, including reactivation of latent tuberculosis, needs specific disclosure in informed consent acquisition, together with information about the possible efficacy in clinical contexts often characterized by resistance to previous treatments. Ethical and clinical issues bound to the need for experimenting with new agents with potentially serious adverse effects deserve specific attention. Studies aimed at evaluating mental capacity to consent in subjects receiving biological agents are required.
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19
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Del Casale A, Ferracuti S, Barbetti AS, Bargagna P, Zega P, Iannuccelli A, Caggese F, Zoppi T, De Luca GP, Parmigiani G, Berardelli I, Pompili M. Grey Matter Volume Reductions of the Left Hippocampus and Amygdala in PTSD: A Coordinate-Based Meta-Analysis of Magnetic Resonance Imaging Studies. Neuropsychobiology 2022; 81:257-264. [PMID: 35158360 DOI: 10.1159/000522003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [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: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, research on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) focused on the description of different biological correlates of illness. Morphological changes of different brain regions were involved in PTSD neurophysiopathology, being related to trauma or considered a resilience biomarker. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to investigate the grey matter changes reported in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies on patients who have developed PTSD compared to exposed subjects who did not show a clinical PTSD onset. METHODS We meta-analysed eight peer-reviewed MRI studies conducted on trauma-exposed patients and reported results corrected for false positives. We then conducted global and intergroup comparisons from neuroimaging data of two cohorts of included subjects. The included studies were conducted on 250 subjects, including 122 patients with PTSD and 128 non-PTSD subjects exposed to trauma. RESULTS Applying a family-wise error correction, PTSD subjects compared to trauma-exposed non-PTSD individuals showed a significant volume reduction of a large left-sided grey matter cluster extended from the parahippocampal gyrus to the uncus, including the amygdala. CONCLUSIONS These volumetric reductions are a major structural correlate of PTSD and can be related to the expression of symptoms. Future studies might consider these and other neural PTSD correlates, which may lead to the development of clinical applications for affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, Rome, Unit of Risk Management, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Steven Barbetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paride Bargagna
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Zega
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Iannuccelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Federico Caggese
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Zoppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pasquale De Luca
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Berardelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Unit of Psychiatry, "Sant'Andrea" University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Del Casale A, Ferracuti S, Adriani B, Novelli F, Zoppi T, Bargagna P, Pompili M. Neural functional correlates of hypnosis and hypnoanalgesia: Role of the cingulate cortex. Am J Clin Hypn 2022; 64:53-61. [PMID: 34748460 DOI: 10.1080/00029157.2021.1895709] [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: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Hypnosis is a hetero-induced or self-induced altered state of consciousness that involves focused attention and reduced peripheral awareness. It is determined by response to suggestions and can be used in the management of various clinical conditions. Nowadays there is growing attention to the neurobiological correlates of hypnosis because of its future clinical applications. The greater attention is due to the wide range of applications that might stem from its knowledge. Functional neuroimaging studies show that hypnosis affects attention by modulating the activation of the anterior cingulate cortex and other brain areas, modifying the conflict monitoring and cognitive control. During hypnoanalgesia, several changes in brain functions occur in all the areas of the pain network, and other brain areas. Among these, the anterior cingulate cortex is significantly involved in modulating the activity of pain circuits under hypnosis, both in the affective, sensory-cognitive, and behavioral aspects. The study of the functionality of the cingulate cortices, mainly the anterior and medial portions, appears to be crucial for better understanding the hypnotic phenomena, related to both the neurocognitive and somatosensory aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Adriani
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Novelli
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Zoppi
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paride Bargagna
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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21
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Gallè F, Sabella EA, Di Muzio M, Barchielli B, Da Molin G, Ferracuti S, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Napoli C. Capturing the Features of Physical Activity in Old Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of an Italian Survey. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2022; 19:ijerph19116868. [PMID: 35682451 PMCID: PMC9180786 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19116868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The restriction measures adopted to control the COVID-19 pandemic had significant consequences on individuals’ lifestyles. This study is aimed at assessing the amount and type of habitual physical activity (PA) in older adults during the advanced phase of the pandemic and their possible relationships with sociodemographic aspects. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was administered online to elderly subjects living in the Apulia region, South Italy. A sample of 939 participants (57.1% F; mean age 75.9 ± 6.3) was obtained. In total, 68.8% of female respondents reported a decrease in PA during the pandemic, while 55.1% of men maintained their previous levels (<0.001). The total PASE score did not differ between gender groups (median value 91.7 in males vs. 90.0 in females; p = 0.067). However, differences were registered in leisure activities, particularly regarding walking (23.8 ± 14.8 in males vs. 20.2 ± 14.6 in females; p = 0.001). Higher PA levels were related with lower age (OR 0.253; 95% CI 0.192−0.333; p = 0.001). Since inactivity can affect elderly health and wellbeing, and considering the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on this habit, health promotion strategies to counteract the negative effects of the pandemic should include interventions aimed at increasing PA in this sub-group of the population, especially among women and elderly subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Marco Di Muzio
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa, 1015, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic, Clinical Psychology and Health, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Cesare Battisti 1, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy;
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22
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Parmigiani G, Tortora L, Meynen G, Mandarelli G, Ferracuti S. Virtual reality interventions for victims of crime: A systematic review. J Trauma Stress 2022; 35:804-812. [PMID: 35229354 PMCID: PMC9306974 DOI: 10.1002/jts.22810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In the forensic field, most studies employing virtual reality (VR) interventions have focused on offenders. The validity and safety of VR applications for victims of crime are still unclear. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic review on VR interventions for crime victims was performed to assess the efficacy, acceptability by patients, and cost-effectiveness of these interventions compared to in-person care. We identified 34 potentially eligible studies from 188 records obtained from database searches (Medline/Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus); four additional articles were identified via alternative sources. In total, nine articles were included for the qualitative synthesis. Patient satisfaction with VR interventions was found to be equivalent to face-to-face interventions. Both VR exposure and control groups found relief from posttraumatic symptoms, with differences either statistically insignificant or in favor of VR. Despite the increased costs linked to the technology required, VR appears to be a promising alternative to in vivo exposure, but further research is needed. Limitations of the review include the varied experimental protocols, which did not allow us to conduct a quantitative analysis and comparison of findings across different studies, and the generally poor quality of the studies included. Further research, preferably in larger groups, is needed to shed more light on the effectiveness of VR interventions for traumatized victims of crime.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leda Tortora
- School of Nursing and MidwiferyTrinity College DublinDublinIreland
| | - Gerben Meynen
- Willem Pompe Institute for Criminal Law and CriminologyUtrecht UniversityUtrechtThe Netherlands
- Faculty of HumanitiesVrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Section of Criminology and Forensic PsychiatryDepartment of Interdisciplinary MedicineUniversity of BariBariItaly
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences“Sapienza” University of RomeRomeItaly
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23
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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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24
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del Casale A, Paolini M, Gentile G, Borro M, Zocchi C, Fiaschè F, Padovano A, Zoppi T, Modesti MN, De Luca O, Pomes LM, Brugnoli R, Ferracuti S, Girardi P, Pompili M, Simmaco M. Dopamine DRD2 and DRD3 Polymorphisms Involvement in Nicotine Dependence in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Mental Disorders. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12040565. [PMID: 35455685 PMCID: PMC9033085 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12040565] [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: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients affected by mental disorders smoke more than the general population. The reasons behind this habit are genetic, environmental, etc. This study aims to investigate the correlations between some polymorphisms and the smoking habits and nicotine dependence in patients with psychiatric disorders. We recruited 88 patients with treatment-resistant mental disorders, including 35 with major depressive disorder, 43 with bipolar spectrum disorder, and 10 with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. We carried out a clinical and psychometric assessment on current smoking habits, years of smoking, number of daily cigarettes, and level of nicotine addiction. The patients performed a peripheral blood sample for DNA analyses of different polymorphisms. We searched for correlations between the measures of nicotine addiction and analysed genotypes. The expression of the T allele of the DRD2 rs1800497 and DRD3 rs6280 polymorphisms significantly correlated with a lower level of nicotine dependence and lower use of cigarettes. We did not find significant correlations between nicotine dependence and OPRM1 rs1799971, COMT rs4680 and rs4633 polymorphisms, CYP2A6 rs1801272 and rs28399433, or 5-HTTLPR genotype. Concluding, DRD2 rs1800497 and DRD3 rs6280 polymorphisms are involved in nicotine dependence and cigarette smoking habits in patients with treatment-resistant mental disorders
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via degli Apuli 2, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0633777774
| | - Marco Paolini
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Giovanna Gentile
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Clarissa Zocchi
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Federica Fiaschè
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Alessio Padovano
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Teodolinda Zoppi
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Martina Nicole Modesti
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Ottavia De Luca
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Leda Marina Pomes
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Brugnoli
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Viale dell’Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Risk Management, ‘Sant’Andrea’University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via degli Apuli 2, 00185 Rome, Italy;
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Unit of Psychiatry, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (M.P.); (C.Z.); (F.F.); (A.P.); (T.Z.); (M.N.M.); (R.B.); (M.P.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy; (G.G.); (M.B.); (O.D.L.); (L.M.P.); (M.S.)
- Unit of Laboratory and Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, ‘Sant’Andrea’ University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa, 00189 Rome, Italy
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Parmigiani G, Mandarelli G, Roma P, Ferracuti S. Validation of a new instrument to guide and support insanity evaluations: the defendant's insanity assessment support scale (DIASS). Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:115. [PMID: 35318308 PMCID: PMC8941181 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-01871-8] [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] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The insanity defense represents one of the most controversial and debated evaluations performed by forensic psychiatrists and psychologists. Despite the variation among different jurisdictions, in Western countries, the legal standards for insanity often rely on the presence of cognitive and/or volitional impairment of the defendant at the time of the crime. We developed the defendant's insanity assessment support scale (DIASS) based on a wide view of competent decision-making, which reflects core issues relevant to legal insanity in many jurisdictions. To assess the characteristics of the DIASS we asked 40 forensic experts (16% women; years of experience = 20.6 ± 12.9) to evaluate 10 real-life derived forensic cases with the DIASS; cases included defendants' psychiatric symptom severity, evaluated through the 24-itemBrief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). Exploratory factor analysis by principal axis factoring was conducted, which disclosed a two-factor solution explaining 57.6% of the total variance. The DIASS showed a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.86), and substantial inter-rater reliability (Cohen's kappa = 0.72). The capacities analyzed through the DIASS were mainly affected by mania/excitement and psychotic dimensions in nonresponsible and with substantially diminished responsibility defendants, while by hostility and negative symptoms in responsible defendants. The DIASS proved to be an effective psychometric tool to guide and structure insanity defense evaluations, in order to improve their consistency and reliability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- grid.7644.10000 0001 0120 3326Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Roma
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Tarsitani L, Della Rocca B, Pancheri C, Biondi M, Pasquini M, Ferracuti S, Ventriglio A, Mandarelli G. Involuntary psychiatric hospitalization among migrants in Italy: A matched sample study. Int J Soc Psychiatry 2022; 68:429-434. [PMID: 33719677 DOI: 10.1177/00207640211001903] [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] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immigrants in Europe appear to be at higher risk of psychiatric coercive interventions. Involuntary psychiatric hospitalization poses significant ethical and clinical challenges. Nonetheless, reasons for migration and other risk factors for involuntary treatment were rarely addressed in previous studies. The aims of this study are to clarify whether immigrant patients with acute mental disorders are at higher risk to be involuntarily admitted to hospital and to explore clinical and migratory factors associated with involuntary treatment. METHODS In this cross-sectional matched sample study, we compared the rates of involuntary treatment in a sample of first-generation immigrants admitted in a Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit of a large metropolitan academic hospital to their age-, gender-, and psychiatric diagnosis-matched native counterparts. Clinical, sociodemographic, and migratory variables were collected. The Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale-expanded (BPRS-E) and the Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) scale were administered. McNemar test was used for paired categorical variables and a binary logistic regression analysis was performed. RESULTS A total of 234 patients were included in the analysis. Involuntary treatment rates were significantly higher in immigrants as compared to their matched natives (32% vs. 24% respectively; p < .001). Among immigrants, involuntary hospitalization was found to be more frequent in those patients whose length of stay in Italy was less than 2 years (OR = 4.2, 95% CI [1.4-12.7]). CONCLUSION Recently arrived immigrants appear to be at higher risk of involuntary admission. Since coercive interventions can be traumatic and negatively affect outcomes, strategies to prevent this phenomenon are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Bianca Della Rocca
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Corinna Pancheri
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Pasquini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Italy
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27
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Canevelli M, Bersani FS, Sciancalepore F, Salzillo M, Cesari M, Tarsitani L, Pasquini M, Ferracuti S, Biondi M, Bruno G. Frailty in Caregivers and Its Relationship with Psychological Stress and Resilience: A Cross-SectionalStudy Based on the Deficit Accumulation Model. J Frailty Aging 2022; 11:59-66. [PMID: 35122092 DOI: 10.14283/jfa.2021.29] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies increasingly suggest that chronic exposure to psychological stress can lead to health deterioration and accelerated ageing, thus possibly contributing to the development of frailty. Recent approaches based on the deficit accumulation model measure frailty on a continuous grading through the "Frailty Index" (FI), i.e. a macroscopic indicator of biological senescence and functional status. OBJECTIVES The study aimed at testing the relationship of FI with caregiving, psychological stress, and psychological resilience. DESIGN Cross-sectional study, with case-control and correlational analyses. PARTICIPANTS Caregivers of patients with dementia (n=64), i.e. individuals a priori considered to be exposed to prolonged psychosocial stressors, and matched controls (n=64) were enrolled. MEASUREMENTS The two groups were compared using a 38-item FI condensing biological, clinical, and functional assessments. Within caregivers, the association of FI with Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Brief Resilience Scale (BRS) was tested. RESULTS Caregivers had higher FI than controls (F=8.308, p=0.005). FI was associated directly with PSS (r=0.660, p<0.001) and inversely with BRS (r=-0.637, p<0.001). Findings remained significant after adjusting for certain confounding variables, after excluding from the FI the conditions directly related to psychological stress, and when the analyses were performed separately among participants older and younger than 65 years. CONCLUSIONS The results provide insight on the relationship of frailty with caregiving, psychological stress, and resilience, with potential implications for the clinical management of individuals exposed to chronic emotional strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Canevelli
- Marco Canevelli, Francesco Saverio Bersani, Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185, Rome, Italy, ,
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Ferracuti S, Del Casale A, Romano A, Gualtieri I, Lucignani M, Napolitano A, Modesti MN, Buscajoni A, Zoppi T, Kotzalidis GD, Manelfi L, de Pisa E, Girardi P, Mandarelli G, Parmigiani G, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Pompili M, Bozzao A. Correlations between cortical gyrification and schizophrenia symptoms with and without comorbid hostility symptoms. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1092784. [PMID: 36684000 PMCID: PMC9846757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1092784] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Interest in identifying the clinical implications of the neuropathophysiological background of schizophrenia is rising, including changes in cortical gyrification that may be due to neurodevelopmental abnormalities. Inpatients with schizophrenia can show abnormal gyrification of cortical regions correlated with the symptom severity. METHODS Our study included 36 patients that suffered an acute episode of schizophrenia and have undergone structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to calculate the local gyrification index (LGI). RESULTS In the whole sample, the severity of symptoms significantly correlated with higher LGI in different cortical areas, including bilateral frontal, cingulate, parietal, temporal cortices, and right occipital cortex. Among these areas, patients with low hostility symptoms (LHS) compared to patients with high hostility symptoms (HHS) showed significantly lower LGI related to the severity of symptoms in bilateral frontal and temporal lobes. DISCUSSION The severity of psychopathology correlated with higher LGI in large portions of the cerebral cortex, possibly expressing abnormal neural development in schizophrenia. These findings could pave the way for further studies and future tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Risk Management, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Romano
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Neuroradiology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ida Gualtieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Martina Nicole Modesti
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Buscajoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Zoppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios D Kotzalidis
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenza Manelfi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora de Pisa
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Rossi-Espagnet
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Unit of Psychiatry, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bozzao
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Neuroradiology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Del Casale A, Modesti MN, Lai C, Ciacchella C, Veneziani G, Barchielli B, Ferracuti S, Napoli C, Pompili M. Calls to the anti-violence number in Italy during COVID-19 pandemic: correlation and trend analyses of violence reports during 2020. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2022; 57:2503-2510. [PMID: 35802171 PMCID: PMC9263036 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-022-02330-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We hypothesized that during the 2020 pandemic there has been a significant change along the year, depending on the SARS-CoV-2 impact on the population and varying difficulties implied in the norms that were adopted to embank the pandemic. Our objectives were to verify how the phenomenon of domestic violence has evolved and changed along 2020, and to clarify if these changes were correlated to the evolution of the pandemic. METHODS Though the analysis of the number of daily calls from women to the national anti-violence number and the parameters related to COVID-19 pandemic (daily cases, deaths, hospitalizations, and admissions in ICU), a positive correlation was found between daily deaths due to COVID-19 and the number of calls to the anti-violence number, while daily hospitalizations and admissions in ICU negatively correlated with calls of women reporting at the national anti-violence number. RESULTS The number of daily calls from women reporting at the national anti-violence number positively correlated with the number of quarantined people shifted of 30 days from the beginning of isolation at home, as well. We also analyzed temporal trends of daily calls from women to the national anti-violence number from 25th of February 2020 to 31st of December 2020. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the importance of an active anti-violence telephone service and may help in developing a strategy to improve anti-violence facilities, especially during crises, such as specific sources of psychological support for women who have survived violence episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy. .,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189, Rome, Italy.
| | - Martina Nicole Modesti
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Lai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Ciacchella
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Veneziani
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Parmigiani G, Barchielli B, Casale S, Mancini T, Ferracuti S. The impact of machine learning in predicting risk of violence: A systematic review. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1015914. [PMID: 36532168 PMCID: PMC9751313 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1015914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inpatient violence in clinical and forensic settings is still an ongoing challenge to organizations and practitioners. Existing risk assessment instruments show only moderate benefits in clinical practice, are time consuming, and seem to scarcely generalize across different populations. In the last years, machine learning (ML) models have been applied in the study of risk factors for aggressive episodes. The objective of this systematic review is to investigate the potential of ML for identifying risk of violence in clinical and forensic populations. METHODS Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic review on the use of ML techniques in predicting risk of violence of psychiatric patients in clinical and forensic settings was performed. A systematic search was conducted on Medline/Pubmed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Scopus. Risk of bias and applicability assessment was performed using Prediction model Risk Of Bias ASsessment Tool (PROBAST). RESULTS We identified 182 potentially eligible studies from 2,259 records, and 8 papers were included in this systematic review. A wide variability in the experimental settings and characteristics of the enrolled samples emerged across studies, which probably represented the major cause for the absence of shared common predictors of violence found by the models learned. Nonetheless, a general trend toward a better performance of ML methods compared to structured violence risk assessment instruments in predicting risk of violent episodes emerged, with three out of eight studies with an AUC above 0.80. However, because of the varied experimental protocols, and heterogeneity in study populations, caution is needed when trying to quantitatively compare (e.g., in terms of AUC) and derive general conclusions from these approaches. Another limitation is represented by the overall quality of the included studies that suffer from objective limitations, difficult to overcome, such as the common use of retrospective data. CONCLUSION Despite these limitations, ML models represent a promising approach in shedding light on predictive factors of violent episodes in clinical and forensic settings. Further research and more investments are required, preferably in large and prospective groups, to boost the application of ML models in clinical practice. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION [www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/], identifier [CRD42022310410].
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Casale
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Toni Mancini
- Department of Computer Science, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Oliva A, Grassi S, Zedda M, Molinari M, Ferracuti S. Forensic Value of Genetic Variants Associated with Anti-Social Behavior. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:2386. [PMID: 34943622 PMCID: PMC8700269 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11122386] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Insanity defense is sometimes invoked in criminal cases, and its demonstration is usually based on a multifactorial contribution of behavioural, clinical, and neurological elements. Neuroradiological evidence of structural alterations in cerebral areas that involve decision-making and moral reasoning is often accepted as a useful tool in these evaluations. On the other hand, the genetic predisposition to anti-social behavior is still controversial. In this paper, we describe two cases of violent crimes committed by young carriers of genetic variants associated with personality disorder; both the defendants claimed to be insane at the time of the crime. We discuss these cases and review the scientific literature regarding the relationship between legal incapacity/predisposition to criminal behavior and genetic mutations. In conclusion, despite some genetic variants being able to influence several cognitive processes (like moral judgement and impulse control), there is currently no evidence that carriers of these mutations are, per se, incapable of intentionally committing crimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Oliva
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.O.); (M.Z.)
| | - Simone Grassi
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.O.); (M.Z.)
| | - Massimo Zedda
- Department of Health Surveillance and Bioethics, Section of Legal Medicine, Fondazione Policlinico A. Gemelli IRCCS, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy; (A.O.); (M.Z.)
| | - Marco Molinari
- Neuro-Robot Rehabilitation Lab, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Via Ardeatina 306, 00179 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00165 Rome, Italy;
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Gallè F, Sabella EA, Roma P, Da Molin G, Diella G, Montagna MT, Ferracuti S, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Napoli C. Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccination in the Elderly: A Cross-Sectional Study in Southern Italy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1222. [PMID: 34835152 PMCID: PMC8618111 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [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: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Italy, at the end of 2020, a voluntary immunization plan against COVID-19 was introduced, involving elderly among the first target categories. The aim of this study was to assess, through an online questionnaire, the acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination in a sample of older adults from southern Italy. Of a total of 1041 respondents (41.7% males, mean age 76.6 ± 6.5), 965 (92.7%) were vaccinated or willing to be vaccinated against COVID-19, although less than half of the sample was favorable to vaccinations and agreed with mandatory immunization. Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination was found to be positively related with higher educational level (OR = 1.875, CI95% = 1.113-3.161; p = 0.018) and having social/mass media as a main source of information (OR = 2.415 CI95% = 1.358-4.296, p = 0.003). On the contrary, an inverse relationship was found between acceptance of COVID-19 vaccination and having fulfilled the questionnaire after the introduction of green pass (OR = 0.218, CI95% = 0.129-0.369; p < 0.001). Therefore, although this evidence needs to be further confirmed, it is possible to agree with previous studies reporting that compulsory measures, such as green pass implementation, must be accompanied by effective education and information strategies of the target population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Giusy Diella
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Maria Teresa Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Science and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
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Gallè F, Sabella EA, Roma P, Ferracuti S, Da Molin G, Diella G, Montagna MT, Orsi GB, Liguori G, Napoli C. Knowledge and Lifestyle Behaviors Related to COVID-19 Pandemic in People over 65 Years Old from Southern Italy. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2021; 18:ijerph182010872. [PMID: 34682618 PMCID: PMC8535846 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Control measures adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic had a considerable impact on human daily life and lifestyles. Adherence to the recommended measures is influenced by knowledge and attitudes towards the disease. This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of knowledge regarding COVID-19, the related control measures, and lifestyle behaviors adopted during the pandemic in a sample of elderly Italian people. METHODS A web-based questionnaire investigating socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of COVID-19, the related preventive measures, and lifestyle changes that occurred during the pandemic, were distributed to ≥65 years old people living in South Italy. RESULTS A satisfactory level of knowledge about COVID-19 and the related control measures has been found in the enrolled sample. However, a decrease in physical activity, as well as worsening sleeping and dietary habits, were found in roughly 60% of participants. Females were impacted greater by these lifestyle changes. CONCLUSIONS Participants in this study showed a good level of knowledge regarding COVID-19 and its prevention. Nevertheless, they reported an increase in unhealthy habits that may have important health consequences in the long term and should be addressed by public health interventions targeted at older people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina n. 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (S.F.)
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Giusy Diella
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Maria Teresa Montagna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza G. Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy; (G.D.); (M.T.M.)
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina n. 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy;
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Ferretti F, Carabellese F, Catanesi R, Coluccia A, Ferracuti S, Schimmenti A, Caretti V, Lorenzi L, Gualtieri G, Carabellese F, Pozza A. DSM-5 personality trait facets amongst child molesters: an exploratory comparison with other types of offenders. BMC Psychol 2021; 9:117. [PMID: 34362448 PMCID: PMC8349104 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-021-00619-1] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background DSM-5 provided a dimensional model of personality disorders which may be more clinically informative for the assessment and management of prisoners than a categorical one, as diagnoses of personality disorders alone cannot explain the type of violence. The role of DSM-5 personality facets is however understudied in child molesters, and no study compared these clinical features between individuals who have committed sex crime against children and those who have committed other types of crime. The present study compared DSM-5 personality trait facets between prisoners who had committed sex crime against children, prisoners who had committed property crime (i.e., robbery, fraud) and those who had committed crime against the person (i.e., homicide, assault or violence not implying a sexual element). A further aim was to explore which facets were associated with sex crime against children as compared with the other types of crime, controlling for socio-demographics (age, gender), psychiatric comorbidity (presence of any psychiatric diagnoses) and general psychopathy traits. Methods One hundred sixty-seven prisoners participated (91 had committed sex crime against children, 25 property crime, and 51 committed a crime against the person) and completed the Personality Inventory for the DSM-5 and the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. Results Prisoners who had committed sex crime against children reported higher Restricted Affectivity traits than those who had committed property crime and crime against the person and higher Irresponsibility traits than those who had committed property crime. The results of a multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that on the one hand being a man, having a higher age, and the presence of a psychiatric comorbidity were more likely to be related to sex crime than property crime, on the other hand higher Irresponsibility personality traits, being a man, and the presence of a psychiatric comorbidity were more likely to be related to sex crime against children than crime against the person. Conclusions The Irresponsibility facet might be specific to child molesters and can differentiate this group from offenders who have committed other crime types. This facet might be considered a key target of a tailored assessment and treatment planning during clinical practice with child molesters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Ferretti
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Carabellese
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Roberto Catanesi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Anna Coluccia
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Adriano Schimmenti
- Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, UKE-Kore University of Enna, Enna, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Caretti
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Lore Lorenzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Giacomo Gualtieri
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fulvio Carabellese
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Andrea Pozza
- Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Viale Mario Bracci 16, 53100, Siena, Italy.
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Del Casale A, Rossi-Espagnet MC, Napolitano A, Lucignani M, Bonanni L, Kotzalidis GD, Buscajoni A, Manelfi L, Perrone V, Gualtieri I, Brugnoli R, De Pisa E, Girardi P, Romano A, Ferracuti S, Bozzao A, Pompili M. Cerebral cortical thickness and gyrification changes in first-episode psychoses and multi-episode schizophrenia. Arch Ital Biol 2021; 159:3-20. [PMID: 34159573 DOI: 10.12871/00039829202111] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Cortical thickness (CT) and local gyrification index (LGI) in psychotic disorders may show modifications that relate to clinical course. This observational study aimed to analyse such variables in patients with schizophrenia, compared to healthy controls (HCs). We compared CT and LGI of 18 patients with first-episode psychosis with that of 21 with multi-episode schizophrenia and 16 HCs. CT corrected for false-positive cases (Family-Wise Error Rate) showed a reduction in the multi-episode group compared to HCs in left temporal and parietal, and right temporal, parietal, occipital, and hippocampal cortices. Family-wise corrected LGI was increased in the left inferior and middle frontal cortices, and in the right fusiform gyrus, cingulate, lingual, and parahippocampal gyri in first onset patients compared to HCs. Increased LGI was absent from later stages of psychosis, suggesting that specific CT and LGI alterations may underlie different stages of illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome; Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Via di Grottarossa 1035-1039, 00189 Rome, Italy -
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36
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Koukopoulos A, Mazza C, De Chiara L, Sani G, Simonetti A, Kotzalidis GD, Armani G, Callovini G, Bonito M, Parmigiani G, Ferracuti S, Somerville S, Roma P, Angeletti G. Psychometric Properties of the Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale Administered to Italian Women in the Perinatal Period. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:684579. [PMID: 34239465 PMCID: PMC8257936 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.684579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Literature stressed the importance of using valid, reliable measures to assess anxiety in the perinatal period, like the self-rated Perinatal Anxiety Screening Scale (PASS). We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Italian PASS version in a sample of Italian women undergoing mental health screening during their third trimester of pregnancy and its diagnostic accuracy in a control perinatal sample of psychiatric outpatients. Sample comprised 289 women aged 33.17 ± 5.08, range 19-46 years, undergoing fetal monitoring during their third trimester of pregnancy, with 49 of them retested 6 months postpartum. Controls were 60 antenatal or postnatal psychiatric outpatients aged 35.71 ± 5.02, range 22-50 years. Groups were assessed through identical self- and clinician-rating scales. Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Pearson's correlations and receiver operating characteristic were conducted for PASS. PCA and CPA confirmed four-factor structure with slight differences from the original version. Construct validity and test-retest reliability were supported. Cut-off was 26. The PASS correlated with principal anxiety scales. Despite small sample size, findings confirm reliability and validity of the Italian PASS version in assessing anxiety symptoms in the perinatal period. Its incorporation in perinatal care will improve future mother and child psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Koukopoulos
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Lucio Bini Centre, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Lavinia De Chiara
- Lucio Bini Centre, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Institute of Psychiatry, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychiatry, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Simonetti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Lucio Bini Centre, Rome, Italy
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Georgios D. Kotzalidis
- Lucio Bini Centre, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Armani
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
- APC Associazione di Psicologia Cognitiva, Rome, Italy
| | - Gemma Callovini
- Lucio Bini Centre, Rome, Italy
- Department of Mental Health, Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, “San Camillo de Lellis” National Health System Hospital, Rieti, Italy
| | - Marco Bonito
- Dipartimento Materno Infantile, San Pietro Fatebenefratelli Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Susanne Somerville
- Department of Psychological Medicine, King Edward Memorial Hospital, Subiaco, WA, Australia
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gloria Angeletti
- Lucio Bini Centre, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Sapienza University of Rome, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Biondi S, Casale S, Burrai J, Mazza C, Cavaggioni G, Ferracuti S, Giannini AM, Roma P. Personality and Lockdown: A Study on Italian Undergraduates During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:622366. [PMID: 34122161 PMCID: PMC8192707 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.622366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed at increasing our understanding of the psychological impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on undergraduate students, particularly with respect to the association between personality traits; defense mechanisms (DMs); depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (DASSs); and compliance with the government recommended health measures. A sample of 1,427 Italian undergraduate students were administered the Personality Inventory for the DSM-5-Brief Form; the Defense Style Questionnaire-40; and the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21. Compliance with the COVID-19 behavioral recommendations was measured through a 10-item survey measure. Results showed that immature DMs and internalizing personality traits (i.e., detachment, negative affect, psychoticism) were risk factors of DASSs. Furthermore, subjects with higher levels of DASSs appeared less compliant with the health measures recommended by the Italian government. Experts may use these results to identify and subsequently support (via the Internet) young subjects at greater risk of mental health problems as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Biondi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Casale
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Burrai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. d'Annunzio of Chieti Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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38
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Cartocci G, Boccia M, Pompili PM, Ferracuti S, Frati P, Fineschi V, Fiorelli M, Caramia F. Resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging study in mentally ill persons with diminished penal responsibility considered socially dangerous. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2021; 310:111259. [PMID: 33607421 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2021.111259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Cartocci
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maddalena Boccia
- Department of Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy; Cognitive and motor rehabilitation and neuroimaging unit IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Pieritalo Maria Pompili
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00185, Rome, Italy; Local Health Agency ASL Roma 5, Palombara Sabina, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Frati
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Fineschi
- Department of Anatomical, Histological, Forensic and Orthopaedic Sciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 336, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiorelli
- Department of Human Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Caramia
- Department of Human Neuroscience, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Italy
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39
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Gallè F, Veshi A, Sabella EA, Çitozi M, Da Molin G, Ferracuti S, Liguori G, Orsi GB, Napoli C, Napoli C. Awareness and Behaviors Regarding COVID-19 among Albanian Undergraduates. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:45. [PMID: 33807250 PMCID: PMC8067270 DOI: 10.3390/bs11040045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the adoption of restriction measures that have had notable consequences on the health and wellbeing of individuals. This survey was carried out on a sample of 905 Albanian undergraduates to assess their knowledge about COVID-19 and their health-related behaviors and communication changes during lockdown. The students were invited to complete a pre-validated questionnaire during lessons. The results show that the majority of the surveyed students were able to answer correctly about the main epidemiological features of the disease. The level of knowledge was proven to be proportional to the students' education level (enrollment year and age). No considerable relationship emerged with respect to diet or smoking. On the other hand, a relevant portion of the sample (37.6%) declared decreased physical activity (PA). Finally, a notable increase in the intensity and frequency of communication with their peers and with their parents was declared by 34.7% and 50.8% of the sample, respectively. Lifestyle variables were found to be mutually related, as were communication outcomes. The participants showed a satisfactory awareness regarding the COVID-19 epidemic. However, the registered reduction in PA may represent a public health issue and should be addressed with adequate policies. The use of electronic media seems to have increased communication habits in this population group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Gallè
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina n. 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Arjeta Veshi
- Fakulteti i Shkencave Psikologjike, Sociale dhe Politike, Universiteti Mesdhetar i Shqipërisë, Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta 52, 1023 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Elita Anna Sabella
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Morena Çitozi
- Fakulteti i Shkencave Juridike dhe Marrëdhënieve Ndërkombëtare, Universiteti Mesdhetar i Shqipërisë, Bulevardi Gjergj Fishta 52, 1023 Tirana, Albania;
| | - Giovanna Da Molin
- Inter-University Research Centre “Population, Environment and Health”, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Umberto I, 1, 70121 Bari, Italy; (E.A.S.); (G.D.M.)
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Giorgio Liguori
- Department of Movement Sciences and Wellbeing, University of Naples “Parthenope”, Via Medina n. 40, 80133 Naples, Italy;
| | - Giovanni Battista Orsi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy;
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Computer Control and Management Engineering “Antonio Ruberti”, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Ariosto 25, 00185 Rome, Italy; or
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Via di Grottarossa 1035/1039, 00189 Rome, Italy;
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40
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Mosca A, Del Casale A, Borro M, Gentile G, Pomes LM, Padovano A, Fiaschè F, Pinzone V, Rapinesi C, Zoppi T, Brugnoli R, Sani G, Kotzalidis GD, Girardi P, Ferracuti S, Simmaco M, Pompili M. PON1 polymorphisms can predict generalized anxiety and depressed mood in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity. Per Med 2021; 18:255-267. [PMID: 33728967 DOI: 10.2217/pme-2019-0141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) is a chronic condition with somatic, cognitive and affective symptoms that follow contact with chemical agents at usually non toxic concentrations. We aimed to assess the role of genetic polymorphisms involved in oxidative stress on anxiety and depression in MCS. Materials & methods: Our study investigated the CAT rs1001179, MPO rs2333227, PON1 rs662 and PON1 rs705379 polymorphisms in MCS. Results: The AG genotype of the PON1 rs662 and the TT and CT genotypes of the PON1 rs705379 were involved in anxiety and depression. Discussion: These results are in line with existing evidence of PON1 involvement in MCS and suggest a further role of this gene in the exhibition of anxiety and depression in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Mosca
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Casale
- Department of Dynamic & Clinical Psychology, & Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Marina Borro
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Gentile
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Leda Marina Pomes
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Padovano
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Fiaschè
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Vito Pinzone
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Rapinesi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Teodolinda Zoppi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Brugnoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- Institute of Psychiatry & Psychology, Department of Geriatrics, Neuroscience & Orthopedics, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario IRCCS "A. Gemelli", Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Georgios Demetrios Kotzalidis
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University; Unit of Risk Management, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Simmaco
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Laboratory & Advanced Molecular Diagnostics, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maurizio Pompili
- Department of Neuroscience, Mental Health, & Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine & Psychology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,Unit of Psychiatry, 'Sant'Andrea' University Hospital, Rome, Italy
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41
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Scarpazza C, Miolla A, Zampieri I, Melis G, Sartori G, Ferracuti S, Pietrini P. Translational Application of a Neuro-Scientific Multi-Modal Approach Into Forensic Psychiatric Evaluation: Why and How? Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:597918. [PMID: 33613339 PMCID: PMC7892615 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.597918] [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] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A prominent body of literature indicates that insanity evaluations, which are intended to provide influential expert reports for judges to reach a decision "beyond any reasonable doubt," suffer from a low inter-rater reliability. This paper reviews the limitations of the classical approach to insanity evaluation and the criticisms to the introduction of neuro-scientific approach in court. Here, we explain why in our opinion these criticisms, that seriously hamper the translational implementation of neuroscience into the forensic setting, do not survive scientific scrutiny. Moreover, we discuss how the neuro-scientific multimodal approach may improve the inter-rater reliability in insanity evaluation. Critically, neuroscience does not aim to introduce a brain-based concept of insanity. Indeed, criteria for responsibility and insanity are and should remain clinical. Rather, following the falsificationist approach and the convergence of evidence principle, the neuro-scientific multimodal approach is being proposed as a way to improve reliability of insanity evaluation and to mitigate the influence of cognitive biases on the formulation of insanity opinions, with the final aim to reduce errors and controversies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scarpazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessio Miolla
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zampieri
- Molecular Mind Laboratory, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Giulia Melis
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sartori
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Pietrini
- Molecular Mind Laboratory, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
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42
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Ferracuti S, Parmigiani G, Catanesi R, Ventriglio A, Napoli C, Mandarelli G. Involuntary psychiatric hospitalization in Italy: critical issues in the application of the provisions of law. Int Rev Psychiatry 2021; 33:119-125. [PMID: 32543254 DOI: 10.1080/09540261.2020.1772581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation in Italy raises some critical forensic issues. We analysed the sociodemographic, psychopathological, and behavioural characteristics of involuntarily hospitalised psychiatric patients, and the effectiveness of the juridical procedure of guarantee. Case files (n = 2796) related to involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation (IPH) at the Office of the Tutelary Judge of the Ordinary Court of Rome (Italy) between January 2013 and May 2016 were analysed. For each case file sociodemographic, clinical and procedural information were collected. The sample included 53.7% men, patients had a mean age of 41.8 ± 13.9. Most of the IPH proposal certificates reported more than one reason, among which the most frequent were symptoms referring to a psychotic dimension (54.8%), agitation (38.0%), and symptoms of bipolar and related disorders (26.3%) Female patients showed a higher prevalence of symptoms of the bipolar spectrum (F = 29.7%, M = 23.3%; p < 0.05), while male patients showed a higher prevalence of aggressive behaviour (F = 7.7%, M = 12.6%; p < 0.01). Over 85% of the IPH proposal certificates did not explicitly mention issues related to adherence to care, which is the second criterium requested for IH (treatment refusal) and up to 7.3% of the proposals were not properly motivated. However, only 0.8% cases were not validated by the Tutelary Judge. Possible issues in the IPH procedures emerged since a significant number of certifications showed poor concordance with law- criteria for involuntary psychiatric hospitalisation. Despite this evidence, the low rate of unvalidated procedures by the Tutelary Judge, suggests a possible limitation of this form of guarantee.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Catanesi
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Ventriglio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, Foggia, Italy
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Sciences and Translational Medicine, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, Section of Criminology and Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
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Scarpazza C, Finos L, Genon S, Masiero L, Bortolato E, Cavaliere C, Pezzaioli J, Monaro M, Navarin N, Battaglia U, Pietrini P, Ferracuti S, Sartori G, Camperio Ciani AS. Idiopathic and acquired pedophilia as two distinct disorders: an insight from neuroimaging. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:2681-2692. [PMID: 33507519 PMCID: PMC8500885 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00442-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Pedophilia is a disorder of public concern because of its association with child sexual offense and recidivism. Previous neuroimaging studies of potential brain abnormalities underlying pedophilic behavior, either in idiopathic or acquired (i.e., emerging following brain damages) pedophilia, led to inconsistent results. This study sought to explore the neural underpinnings of pedophilic behavior and to determine the extent to which brain alterations may be related to distinct psychopathological features in pedophilia. To this aim, we run a coordinate based meta-analysis on previously published papers reporting whole brain analysis and a lesion network analysis, using brain lesions as seeds in a resting state connectivity analysis. The behavioral profiling approach was applied to link identified regions with the corresponding psychological processes. While no consistent neuroanatomical alterations were identified in idiopathic pedophilia, the current results support that all the lesions causing acquired pedophilia are localized within a shared resting state network that included posterior midlines structures, right inferior temporal gyrus and bilateral orbitofrontal cortex. These regions are associated with action inhibition and social cognition, abilities that are consistently and severely impaired in acquired pedophiles. This study suggests that idiopathic and acquired pedophilia may be two distinct disorders, in line with their distinctive clinical features, including age of onset, reversibility and modus operandi. Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of pedophilic behavior may contribute to a more comprehensive characterization of these individuals on a clinical ground, a pivotal step forward for the development of more efficient therapeutic rehabilitation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scarpazza
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 25131, Padova, PD, Italy. .,Department of Psychosis Studies, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK.
| | - Livio Finos
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Sarah Genon
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behaviour (INM-7), Research Centre Jülich, Jülich, Germany
| | - Laura Masiero
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Bortolato
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Camilla Cavaliere
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Jessica Pezzaioli
- Department of Statistical Sciences, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 25131, Padova, PD, Italy
| | - Nicolò Navarin
- Department of Mathematics "Tullio Levi-Civita", University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Umberto Battaglia
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Pietro Pietrini
- Molecular Mind Lab, IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca, Lucca, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sartori
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Via Venezia 8, 25131, Padova, PD, Italy
| | - Andrea S Camperio Ciani
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Monaro M, Mazza C, Colasanti M, Ferracuti S, Orrù G, di Domenico A, Sartori G, Roma P. Detecting faking-good response style in personality questionnaires with four choice alternatives. Psychol Res 2021; 85:3094-3107. [PMID: 33452928 PMCID: PMC8476468 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-020-01473-3] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Deliberate attempts to portray oneself in an unrealistic manner are commonly encountered in the administration of personality questionnaires. The main aim of the present study was to explore whether mouse tracking temporal indicators and machine learning models could improve the detection of subjects implementing a faking-good response style when answering personality inventories with four choice alternatives, with and without time pressure. A total of 120 volunteers were randomly assigned to one of four experimental groups and asked to respond to the Virtuous Responding (VR) validity scale of the PPI-R and the Positive Impression Management (PIM) validity scale of the PAI via a computer mouse. A mixed design was implemented, and predictive models were calculated. The results showed that, on the PIM scale, faking-good participants were significantly slower in responding than honest respondents. Relative to VR items, PIM items are shorter in length and feature no negations. Accordingly, the PIM scale was found to be more sensitive in distinguishing between honest and faking-good respondents, demonstrating high classification accuracy (80–83%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Marco Colasanti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular and Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Alberto di Domenico
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University "G.d'Annunzio", Chieti, Pescara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Sartori
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Parmigiani G, Mandarelli G, Tarsitani L, Roselli V, Gaviano I, Buscajoni A, Biondi M, Girardi P, Ferracuti S. Perceived Stress and Life Events in Patients Affected by Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective and Bipolar Disorder: Is There a Role for Self-Reported Basic Symptoms? Psychopathology 2021; 54:136-143. [PMID: 33910198 DOI: 10.1159/000514926] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The stress-diathesis model of psychotic disorders describes, in vulnerable individuals, the role of psychosocial stress in the onset and exacerbation of psychotic symptoms. Another interesting approach to the study of vulnerability in the development of psychosis is represented by the basic symptoms concept. OBJECTIVE The present study aims at proposing an integration between these two models and investigating possible associations between psychotic symptoms, basic symptoms, perceived stress, and life events in a sample of patients affected by schizophrenia (SZ), schizoaffective (SA), and bipolar disorder with and without psychotic symptoms. METHODS 112 patients were recruited in two university hospitals. Severity of psychiatric symptoms (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale, PANSS), basic symptoms (Frankfurt Complaint Questionnaire, FCQ), perceived stress (Stress-related Vulnerability Scale, SVS), and life events (Paykel's interview for recent life events) were assessed. RESULTS Patients affected by bipolar disorder (both with and without psychotic symptoms) showed a higher number of independent life events (p < 0.01) and tended to report more frequently at least 1 life event in the previous 6 months (p < 0.01) than patients affected by SZ or SA disorder. No differences emerged between the study groups in perceived stress nor in measures of basic symptoms. In the whole sample, a logistic regression analysis showed that the SVS total score (p < 0.05) and PANSS total score (p < 0.001) were associated with the presence of psychotic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS In the study sample, life events and basic symptoms did not play a major role in influencing psychotic symptoms, compared to the subjective perception of stress and the severity of psychopathology. Taken together, these results can be informative for rehabilitation therapies aimed at enhancing resilience and coping strategies in this vulnerable group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Parmigiani
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Mandarelli
- Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Tarsitani
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Roselli
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gaviano
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Buscajoni
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Biondi
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neurosciences, University of Rome "Sapienza", Rome, Italy
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46
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D'Antonio F, Boccia M, Di Vita A, Canevelli M, Fabbrini A, Leodori G, Caramia F, Ferracuti S, Guariglia C, de Lena C, Aarsland D, Ffytche DH. Functional alterations in visual networks underlie differences in the phenomenology of visual hallucinations in Lewy body disease. Alzheimers Dement 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/alz.045102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maddalena Boccia
- Department of Psychology Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
- Cognitive and motor rehabilitation Unit IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
| | - Antonella Di Vita
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
- Department of Psychology Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Marco Canevelli
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Andrea Fabbrini
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Giorgio Leodori
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed Institute Pozzilli Italy
| | - Francesca Caramia
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Cecilia Guariglia
- Department of Psychology Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
- Cognitive and motor rehabilitation Unit IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia Rome Italy
| | - Carlo de Lena
- Department of Human Neuroscience Sapienza University of Rome Rome Italy
| | - Dag Aarsland
- Centre for Age‐Related Medicine Stavanger University Hospital Stavanger Norway
- Institute of Psychiatry Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London London United Kingdom
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Burrai J, Roma P, Barchielli B, Biondi S, Cordellieri P, Fraschetti A, Pizzimenti A, Mazza C, Ferracuti S, Giannini AM. Psychological and Emotional Impact of Patients Living in Psychiatric Treatment Communities during Covid-19 Lockdown in Italy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113787. [PMID: 33238610 PMCID: PMC7700212 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [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: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Most studies on well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic have focused on the mental health of the general population; far less attention has been given to more specific populations, such as patients with mental illness. Indeed, it is important to examine the psychiatric population, given its vulnerability. The present study aimed at assessing the psychological and emotional impact of isolation on patients in Residential Rehabilitation Communities, compared to healthy controls. A questionnaire was administered cross-sectionally on an online survey platform and both psychiatric patients and healthy controls accessed via a designed link. The results showed significant differences between psychiatric patients and controls on Anxiety, Stress, Worry, and Risk Perception variables. Psychiatric patients scored lower on Stress compared to healthy controls and higher on Anxiety, Perceived Risk of getting infected with COVID-19 and Worry about the emergency situation. The results showed that, during the Italian lockdown, psychiatric patients living in residential communities received unbroken support from peers and mental health professionals, maintained their usual medication treatment, and were informed of COVID-19 consequences. This finding provides insight into the differences between residential and healthy populations and highlights the importance of continuous support for psychiatric patients, especially during stressful situations such as a pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Burrai
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Benedetta Barchielli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via Degli Apuli 1, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Biondi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Cordellieri
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Angelo Fraschetti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 33, 66100 Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università 30, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Giannini
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Via dei Marsi 78, 00185 Rome, Italy
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Biondi S, Mazza C, Orrù G, Monaro M, Ferracuti S, Ricci E, Di Domenico A, Roma P. Interrogative suggestibility in the elderly. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241353. [PMID: 33196666 PMCID: PMC7668574 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241353] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Interrogative suggestibility (IS) describes the extent to which an individual behavioral response is affected by messages communicated during formal questioning within a closed social interaction. The present study aimed at improving knowledge about IS in the elderly (aged 65 years and older), in particular about its association with both emotive/affective and cognitive variables. The sample (N = 172) was divided into three groups on the basis of age: late adult (aged 55-64, N = 59), young elderly (aged 65-74, N = 63), and elderly (aged 75 and older, N = 50). Cognitive (i.e., Kaufman Brief Intelligence Test-2, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), emotive/affective (i.e., Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Marlowe-Crowne Social Desirability Scale, Penn State Worry Questionnaire) and suggestibility measures (i.e., Gudjonsson Suggestibility Scale-2) were administered. In order to identify differences and associations between groups in IS, cognitive and emotive/affective variables, ANOVAs tests and Pearson's correlations were run. Furthermore, moderation analyses and hierarchical regression were set to determine whether age, cognitive and emotive/affective variables predicted IS components (i.e., Yield and Shift). Finally, machine learning models were developed to highlight the best strategy for classifying elderly subjects with high suggestibility. The results corroborated the significant link between IS and age, showing that elderly participants had the worst performance on all suggestibility indexes. Age was also the most important predictor of both Yield and Shift. Results also confirmed the important role of non-verbal intelligence and memory impairment in explaining IS dimensions, showing that these associations were stronger in young elderly and elderly groups. Implications about interrogative procedures with older adults were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Biondi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Graziella Orrù
- Department of Surgical, Medical, Molecular & Critical Area Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Ricci
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Di Domenico
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Roma P, Monaro M, Colasanti M, Ricci E, Biondi S, Di Domenico A, Verrocchio MC, Napoli C, Ferracuti S, Mazza C. A 2-Month Follow-Up Study of Psychological Distress among Italian People during the COVID-19 Lockdown. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2020; 17:ijerph17218180. [PMID: 33167479 PMCID: PMC7663995 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has called for unprecedented measures, including a national lockdown in Italy. The present study aimed at identifying psychological changes (e.g., changes in depression, stress, and anxiety levels) among the Italian public during the lockdown period, in addition to factors associated with these changes. An online follow-up survey was administered to 439 participants (original sample = 2766), between 28 April and 3 May 2020. A paired sample t-test tested for differences in stress, anxiety, and depression over the period. Multivariate regression models examined associations between sociodemographic variables, personality traits, coping strategies, depression, and stress. Results showed an increase in stress and depression over the lockdown, but not anxiety. Negative affect and detachment were associated with higher levels of depression and stress. Higher levels of depression at the start of the lockdown, as well as fewer coping strategies and childlessness, were associated with increased depression at follow-up, whereas higher levels of stress at the start of the lockdown and younger age were associated with higher stress at follow-up. These results may help us to identify persons at greater risk of suffering from psychological distress as a result lockdown conditions, and inform psychological interventions targeting post-traumatic symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Roma
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (S.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Merylin Monaro
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy;
| | - Marco Colasanti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (S.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Eleonora Ricci
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Silvia Biondi
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (S.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Alberto Di Domenico
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.D.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Maria Cristina Verrocchio
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.D.D.); (M.C.V.)
| | - Christian Napoli
- Department of Medical Surgical Science and Translational Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00189 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefano Ferracuti
- Department of Human Neuroscience, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (P.R.); (M.C.); (S.B.); (S.F.)
| | - Cristina Mazza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-3461374688
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50
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Orrù G, Mazza C, Monaro M, Ferracuti S, Sartori G, Roma P. The Development of a Short Version of the SIMS Using Machine Learning to Detect Feigning in Forensic Assessment. Psychol Inj and Law 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12207-020-09389-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractIn the present study, we applied machine learning techniques to evaluate whether the Structured Inventory of Malingered Symptomatology (SIMS) can be reduced in length yet maintain accurate discrimination between consistent participants (i.e., presumed truth tellers) and symptom producers. We applied machine learning item selection techniques on data from Mazza et al. (2019c) to identify the minimum number of original SIMS items that could accurately distinguish between consistent participants, symptom accentuators, and symptom producers in real personal injury cases. Subjects were personal injury claimants who had undergone forensic assessment, which is known to incentivize malingering and symptom accentuation. Item selection yielded short versions of the scale with as few as 8 items (to differentiate between consistent participants and symptom producers) and as many as 10 items (to differentiate between consistent and inconsistent participants). The scales had higher classification accuracy than the original SIMS and did not show the bias that was originally reported between false positives and false negatives.
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