23 research outputs found
DYSPHORIA DIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR FEEDING AND EATING DISORDERS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Background: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) are severe psychiatric illnesses
which represent the main expression of Feeding and Eating Disorders (FED). Clinicians agree that emotional and behavioural
dysregulation play a crucial role in FED. Dysphoria could help us to better understand these components. Indeed, we define
dysphoria as a generic state of dissatisfaction and emotional instability, without any specific features. Among the multitude of
symptoms, we find that irritability, discontent, interpersonal resentment and surrender prevail. These dimensions correspond to the
four subscales of Neapean Dysphoria Scale - Italian version (NDS-I). Dysphoria role in FED has not yet been investigated. Using
this test, we can characterize dysphoria both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Accordingly, domain evaluation could
discriminate these disorders allowing us to assess possible differential phenomenological expressions.
Aims: The aim of this paper is to understand in which way the dimensional spectrum that composes dysphoria differs between
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders through an observational comparative study.
Subjects and methods: The enrolled sample (30 patients) is represented by patients with a history of FED (AN, BN or BED).
Patients were males and females between the ages of 13 and 45 with a good knowledge of Italian language. Patients with severe
cognitive impairment (MMSE <19) and civil incapacitation were excluded. Patients were recruited from the Psychiatric Service of
the Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital in Perugia (PG), and other residential and semi residential structures specialized in
FED treatment (FED specialized center at Palazzo Francisci in Todi (PG), Nido delle Rondini in Todi (PG), BED (Binge Eating
Disorders) center in Città della Pieve (PG) and ambulatory services for FED in Umbertide (PG)). We administered them the Neapen
Dysphoria Scale – Italian Version (NDS-I), a specific dimensional test for dysphoria. Starting from the dataset, with the aid of the
statistical program SPSS 20, we have carried out a comparison between disorders groups selected and NDS-I total score and
subscales (irritability, discontent, interpersonal resentment, surrender). For this we have used the Mann-Whitney U test, a
nonparametric test with 2 independent samples, by setting a significance level p<0.05.
Conclusions: This study allowed us to better understand and characterize the most common Eating Disorders. Beyond that,
despite the small sample size, we found in our analysis statistically significant difference in the expression of various dysphoria
dimension spectrum inside our 3 groups
DYSPHORIA DIMENSIONAL MODEL FOR FEEDING AND EATING DISORDERS: A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Background: Anorexia Nervosa (AN), Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and Binge Eating Disorder (BED) are severe psychiatric illnesses
which represent the main expression of Feeding and Eating Disorders (FED). Clinicians agree that emotional and behavioural
dysregulation play a crucial role in FED. Dysphoria could help us to better understand these components. Indeed, we define
dysphoria as a generic state of dissatisfaction and emotional instability, without any specific features. Among the multitude of
symptoms, we find that irritability, discontent, interpersonal resentment and surrender prevail. These dimensions correspond to the
four subscales of Neapean Dysphoria Scale - Italian version (NDS-I). Dysphoria role in FED has not yet been investigated. Using
this test, we can characterize dysphoria both in quantitative and qualitative terms. Accordingly, domain evaluation could
discriminate these disorders allowing us to assess possible differential phenomenological expressions.
Aims: The aim of this paper is to understand in which way the dimensional spectrum that composes dysphoria differs between
Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating Disorders through an observational comparative study.
Subjects and methods: The enrolled sample (30 patients) is represented by patients with a history of FED (AN, BN or BED).
Patients were males and females between the ages of 13 and 45 with a good knowledge of Italian language. Patients with severe
cognitive impairment (MMSE <19) and civil incapacitation were excluded. Patients were recruited from the Psychiatric Service of
the Santa Maria della Misericordia Hospital in Perugia (PG), and other residential and semi residential structures specialized in
FED treatment (FED specialized center at Palazzo Francisci in Todi (PG), Nido delle Rondini in Todi (PG), BED (Binge Eating
Disorders) center in Città della Pieve (PG) and ambulatory services for FED in Umbertide (PG)). We administered them the Neapen
Dysphoria Scale – Italian Version (NDS-I), a specific dimensional test for dysphoria. Starting from the dataset, with the aid of the
statistical program SPSS 20, we have carried out a comparison between disorders groups selected and NDS-I total score and
subscales (irritability, discontent, interpersonal resentment, surrender). For this we have used the Mann-Whitney U test, a
nonparametric test with 2 independent samples, by setting a significance level p<0.05.
Conclusions: This study allowed us to better understand and characterize the most common Eating Disorders. Beyond that,
despite the small sample size, we found in our analysis statistically significant difference in the expression of various dysphoria
dimension spectrum inside our 3 groups
EATING DISORDERS: THE ROLE OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND THE EMOTION DYSREGULATION
Background: The present retrospective case-control study is aimed at evaluating the presence of childhood traumatic factors
and the difficulty in regulating emotions, within a sample of patients with eating disorders compared to the group of healthy controls.
Subjects and methods: We included 65 people assessed for eating disorders, 40 patients and 25 healthy controls, who were given
two tests: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) to investigate the presence of traumatic events and the
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess the emotional regulation.
Results: People with eating disorders showed higher average scores, and therefore greater severity than the control group, in all
the domains explored, both considering traumatic experiences and emotional dysregulation. The domain emotional neglect showed
the closest correlation with eating disorders (average scoring 15.9 vs 9.9 of healthy controls), followed by emotional abuse (12.2 vs
7.8), physical neglect (8.2 vs 6.6), physical abuse (8.3 vs 6.6) and sexual abuse (7.2 vs 5.6). In the same way, the emotional
dysregulation was greater among people with eating disorder than healty controls, concerning every items explored by DERS, as
clarity (average scoring 14.8 vs 11.4), awareness (17.1 vs 11.7), goals (16.3 vs 12.9), strategy (22.0 vs 14.7), non acceptance (17.4
vs 12.1) and impulse (16.5 vs 11.4).
Conclusions: Childhood traumatic experiences and emotional dysregulation result significantly higher in people with eating
disorders than healthy controls
EATING DISORDERS: THE ROLE OF CHILDHOOD TRAUMA AND THE EMOTION DYSREGULATION
Background: The present retrospective case-control study is aimed at evaluating the presence of childhood traumatic factors
and the difficulty in regulating emotions, within a sample of patients with eating disorders compared to the group of healthy controls.
Subjects and methods: We included 65 people assessed for eating disorders, 40 patients and 25 healthy controls, who were given
two tests: the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) to investigate the presence of traumatic events and the
Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) to assess the emotional regulation.
Results: People with eating disorders showed higher average scores, and therefore greater severity than the control group, in all
the domains explored, both considering traumatic experiences and emotional dysregulation. The domain emotional neglect showed
the closest correlation with eating disorders (average scoring 15.9 vs 9.9 of healthy controls), followed by emotional abuse (12.2 vs
7.8), physical neglect (8.2 vs 6.6), physical abuse (8.3 vs 6.6) and sexual abuse (7.2 vs 5.6). In the same way, the emotional
dysregulation was greater among people with eating disorder than healty controls, concerning every items explored by DERS, as
clarity (average scoring 14.8 vs 11.4), awareness (17.1 vs 11.7), goals (16.3 vs 12.9), strategy (22.0 vs 14.7), non acceptance (17.4
vs 12.1) and impulse (16.5 vs 11.4).
Conclusions: Childhood traumatic experiences and emotional dysregulation result significantly higher in people with eating
disorders than healthy controls
PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITY IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A GENERAL HOSPITAL
Background: Candidates for bariatric surgery undergo a multidisciplinary evaluation in the pre-operative phase, including a
psychiatric visit aimed at the screening for psychiatric comorbidities, including feeding and eating disorders (FEDs), which are
shortcomings to the intervention or predictors of worse prognosis. The presence of FEDs, such as Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and
Bulimia Nervosa (BN), is associated with higher rates of other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, there is evidence of the
association between obesity and Depressive Disorders, as well as B and C Cluster Personality Disorders. The aim of this study was
to evaluate the presence of psychiatric comorbidities among a population of candidates for bariatric surgery.
Subjects and methods: Subjects were recruited at the outpatient service of the Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and
Rehabilitation of the General Hospital/University of Perugia after being referred by surgeons. Psychiatric comorbidities were
investigated by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders. Subjects underwent specific assessment with scales
for the evaluation of FEDs, namely Binge Eating Scale, Obesity Questionnaire, Bulimia Test-Revised and Body Shape Questionnaire.
Results: The sample consisted of 101 subjects: 43 (42.6%) were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder, including
FEDs. In particular, 30 subjects (29.7%) presented at least one FED, among which the most frequent were FED not otherwise
specified (24.1%) and BED (6.8%). Moreover, 26 subjects (25.7%) were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder other than
FEDs, such as Personality Disorders (17.1%), with a higher prevalence of B and C Cluster Disorders. Depressive Disorders were
detected in 5% of the sample.
Conclusions: Subjects undergoing bariatric surgery often display psychiatric comorbidities, more frequently one or more FEDs.
The systematic screening of these conditions should be implemented in the clinical practice in order to provide early intervention
strategies and adequate monitoring
PSYCHIATRIC COMORBIDITY IN BARIATRIC SURGERY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY IN A GENERAL HOSPITAL
Background: Candidates for bariatric surgery undergo a multidisciplinary evaluation in the pre-operative phase, including a
psychiatric visit aimed at the screening for psychiatric comorbidities, including feeding and eating disorders (FEDs), which are
shortcomings to the intervention or predictors of worse prognosis. The presence of FEDs, such as Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and
Bulimia Nervosa (BN), is associated with higher rates of other psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, there is evidence of the
association between obesity and Depressive Disorders, as well as B and C Cluster Personality Disorders. The aim of this study was
to evaluate the presence of psychiatric comorbidities among a population of candidates for bariatric surgery.
Subjects and methods: Subjects were recruited at the outpatient service of the Section of Psychiatry, Clinical Psychology and
Rehabilitation of the General Hospital/University of Perugia after being referred by surgeons. Psychiatric comorbidities were
investigated by means of the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Disorders. Subjects underwent specific assessment with scales
for the evaluation of FEDs, namely Binge Eating Scale, Obesity Questionnaire, Bulimia Test-Revised and Body Shape Questionnaire.
Results: The sample consisted of 101 subjects: 43 (42.6%) were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder, including
FEDs. In particular, 30 subjects (29.7%) presented at least one FED, among which the most frequent were FED not otherwise
specified (24.1%) and BED (6.8%). Moreover, 26 subjects (25.7%) were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric disorder other than
FEDs, such as Personality Disorders (17.1%), with a higher prevalence of B and C Cluster Disorders. Depressive Disorders were
detected in 5% of the sample.
Conclusions: Subjects undergoing bariatric surgery often display psychiatric comorbidities, more frequently one or more FEDs.
The systematic screening of these conditions should be implemented in the clinical practice in order to provide early intervention
strategies and adequate monitoring
DOES POST-TRAUMATIC SPECTRUM COMORBIDITY INFLUENCE SYMPTOM SEVERITY IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS? A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A REAL-WORLD SETTING
Background: The present cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between post-traumatic spectrum comorbidity and
the severity of symptoms in subjects diagnosed with Bipolar Disorders (BD).
Subjects and methods: In- and outpatients diagnosed with BD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) were consecutively recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Psychopathology
was evaluated by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Sociodemographic, clinical and psychopathological characteristics of BD subjects
with and without sub-threshold PTSD were compared by means of bivariate analyses (p<0.05).
Results: BD subjects with post-traumatic spectrum comorbidity (n=24.49%) presented a significantly higher number of
hospitalizations when compared to those who did not present the co-occurrence of the two conditions (2.67±2.3 versus 1.65±2.32,
p=0.039). As for treatment features, subjects with subthreshold PTSD were more frequently prescribed benzodiazepines at the
moment of evaluation or in the past (n=18, 100% versus n=22.55%, p=0.032). When assessing differences in terms of
psychopathological characteristics, subjects with subthreshold PTSD showed higher HAM-D total score (16.22±9.06 versus
10.22±7.23, p=0.032) and higher PANSS negative symptom scale score (16.06±6.92 versus 11.41±4.68, p=0.017).
Conclusions: Findings from the present study suggest that subthreshold PTSD may underpin higher symptom severity and worse
outcomes when occurring as a comorbid condition in BD
EUROTROPISM AND NEUROPSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS IN PATIENTS WITH COVID-19
Background: The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the Severe Acute Respiratory
Syndrome-CoronaVirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Beyond the most common clinical features of COVID-19, mainly represented by
respiratory symptoms, other systems may be interested by the infection. Among these, through a neurotropic pathway, the central
nervous system (CNS) may be affected by the virus, leading to developing neuropsychiatric symptoms. Particularly, this study
focuses on neurological symptoms determined by the Sars-CoV-2 infection, as well as on the underlying pathogenetic processes.
Methods: For the present review, we followed a narrative approach. A literature search was carried out concerning the
neurological consequences of COVID-19. Papers were screened, focusing on the clinical manifestations interesting the CNS and on
their possible role in the early diagnosis of the disease.
Results: We display the most significant neurological clinical manifestations of COVID-19. Common neurological manifestations
(ageusia, anosmia, and encephalitis) are first described. Subsequently, we provide a focus on delirium and its possible pathoge netic
and clinical correlates. Delirium is not only a possible resultant of the COVID-19 neurotropism, but it may also be precipitated by a
number of environmental factors that assume further relevance during the pandemic.
Conclusions: Neuropsychiatric symptoms, and particularly delirium, can help identifying the infection at an early stage. Tailored
treatments should be identified in order to prevent complications
DOES POST-TRAUMATIC SPECTRUM COMORBIDITY INFLUENCE SYMPTOM SEVERITY IN BIPOLAR DISORDERS? A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY IN A REAL-WORLD SETTING
Background: The present cross-sectional study investigates the relationship between post-traumatic spectrum comorbidity and
the severity of symptoms in subjects diagnosed with Bipolar Disorders (BD).
Subjects and methods: In- and outpatients diagnosed with BD according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5) were consecutively recruited. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected. Psychopathology
was evaluated by means of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), and the
Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Sociodemographic, clinical and psychopathological characteristics of BD subjects
with and without sub-threshold PTSD were compared by means of bivariate analyses (p<0.05).
Results: BD subjects with post-traumatic spectrum comorbidity (n=24.49%) presented a significantly higher number of
hospitalizations when compared to those who did not present the co-occurrence of the two conditions (2.67±2.3 versus 1.65±2.32,
p=0.039). As for treatment features, subjects with subthreshold PTSD were more frequently prescribed benzodiazepines at the
moment of evaluation or in the past (n=18, 100% versus n=22.55%, p=0.032). When assessing differences in terms of
psychopathological characteristics, subjects with subthreshold PTSD showed higher HAM-D total score (16.22±9.06 versus
10.22±7.23, p=0.032) and higher PANSS negative symptom scale score (16.06±6.92 versus 11.41±4.68, p=0.017).
Conclusions: Findings from the present study suggest that subthreshold PTSD may underpin higher symptom severity and worse
outcomes when occurring as a comorbid condition in BD