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Introduction. World Health Organization describes “long COVID” as a syndrome that occurs within 3 months from the beginning of SARS-CoV-2 infection. The symptoms, which last for at least 2 months, may be episodic, even recurrent, or lasting. The clinical manifestations of long COVID are heterogeneous (fatigue, difficulty breathing, myalgias, joint pain, etc). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence and intensity of psychological symptoms in a population of patients who have recovered from COVID. Methods and materials. In 2020, at the Respiratory Rehabilitation and Tisiopneumological Prevention Unit of ASL Umbria 1 Perugia, a clinical and functional evaluation pathway was activated for individuals who had recovered from COVID, at least one month after the molecular test turned negative, but continued to complain symptoms consistent with long COVID. The psychological assessment was conducted through clinical interviews, supplemented by the administering of three questionnaires: GAD-7, PHQ-9, IES-R. Results. Between June 2020 and December 2021, 152 people were evaluated, whom 73% had required hospitalization for COVID. Processing of the results of the questionnaires showed that: 53% of patients had anxious symptoms, 47% had depressive symptomatology, and 20% of patients had symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Conclusions. The observed psychological symptoms encountered were correlated with SARS-CoV-2 infection, which is in line with the existing literature. In our study, hospitalization, as an expression of a more severe form of the disease, was not associated with an increased risk of developing psychological symptoms. Conversely, the most significant psychological discomfort emerged in subjects who had experienced a slighter form of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the study is to refine the decision criteria for the interpretation of the CBA 2.0 Primary Scales Battery and to develop algorithms for the identification of depressive problems. Another objective of the study is to verify whether there are significant differences between the scores on the different primary indexes of the CBA-2.0 Battery Scales of the normative sample and clinical samples that are homogeneous for diagnostic classification. For this purpose, 53 subjects with major depressive disorder (F32.0), 30 with persistent depressive disorder (F34.1), 268 patients with other disorders (anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and trauma) and 90 healthy subjects were recruited. The statistical analyses showed that the average of the scores of the clinical groups, considered together, is significantly higher than the normative sample for the STAI-X1, STAI- X2, EPQ / RN, QPF / R, IP-2, QD, MOCQ / R-3 and STAI-X1-R indices and that depressed patients show, compared to other clinical groups, higher QD values and significantly lower EPQ / RE, QPF / R and IP-4 values. Therefore, the ability of the QD-Depression Questionnaire to discriminate not only between patients with depressive disorders and normal subjects but also between depressed patients and those with other forms of psychopathology is confirmed. The sensitivity and specificity analysis suggests lowering the alarm cut-offs: a raw total score of 10 for males and a raw total score of 13 for females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper outlines the indications of good clinical practice for the treatment of depression on the basis of the latest update of the guidelines of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and of the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments (CANMAT), documents that are a benchmark worldwide. Therefore, they will be used to draw indications for the Italian context. We will focus on the role played by cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), in its various forms, in the treatment of depression at different levels of severity, compared to other treatments and in different phases of treatment. We will define depression, its different levels of severity, and the various forms of CBT considered. We will then describe the methods used to select a particular intervention, not necessarily psychological, depending on the severity of depression or other factors such as cost-benefit to the health system or patient preference. Below we will describe the scientific data on the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioural interventions compared with others, and recommendations for each level of severity or phase of treatment. We will conclude that the effectiveness of CBT for depression is well established and is often one of the first interventions suggested for this framework. The milder the framework, the more CBT is recommended; the more the framework worsens, or it is in the acute phase, the more it is suggested to be combined with other treatments. Finally, we will reflect on ideas for adapting methods and procedures to the Italian context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Questo studio esplora la connessione tra il Disturbo dello Spettro Autistico (ASD) di livello 1 in assenza di disabilità cognitiva e la depressione negli adulti. Gli adulti con ASD hanno un rischio 4 volte maggiore rispetto alla popolazione generale di sviluppare depressione, a causa di fattori come deficit nella Teoria della Mente, isolamento sociale, disturbi del sonno e ideazione suicidaria. Mentre alcune terapie cognitivo-comportamentali e quella basata sulla mindfulness possono aiutare, le sfide diagnostiche e la sensibilità ai farmaci complicano la gestione. L'obiettivo di questa revisione sistematica è (1) valutare in che misura è diffusa la sintomatologia depressiva tra gli adulti con autismo ad alto funzionamento e (2) identificare i fattori di rischio e protettivi specifici associati allo sviluppo della depressione negli adulti con autismo ad alto funzionamento. Metodi: Questa revisione sistematica, in linea con le linee guida PRISMA, ha analizzato la comorbilità della depressione negli adulti con autismo ad alto funzionamento; alla fine della revisione sono stati inclusi 18 articoli nell’analisi. Discussioni: Gli adulti con Disturbo dello Spettro Autistico (ASD) hanno un alto rischio di depressione. La depressione può essere influenzata dai tratti autistici, complicando il quadro. Alcuni fattori di rischio includono le difficoltà nelle funzioni esecutive, problemi di Teoria della Mente e riconoscimento facciale, isolamento sociale e difficoltà sociali, disturbi del sonno e un rischio aumentato di suicidio. Sono necessarie ulteriori ricerche per comprendere i fattori protettivi e i trattamenti efficaci per la depressione in individui con ASD.

The relationship between spirituality and religiosity and the psycho-physical well-being of individuals represents an emblematic area of interest. Several studies show how spirituality and religiosity and psycho-physical well-being are related to mental health, in particular to depressive symptoms. From a clinical perspective, these dimensions are operationalised in «spiritual and religious coping», a complex and multidimensional series of strategies that are activated when patients draw on their faith to cope with harmful events. Data show a lack of clarity of the clinical adaptation of spirituality and religiosity, through cognitive-behavioural protocols. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyse the current cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy protocols, which integrate patients' spiritual and religious beliefs. The research was conducted using the following search engines: «PubMed», «Scopus» and «PsycInfo». Results show a protective effect of spiritual and religious dimensions on depressive psychopathology and depressive symptoms in comorbidities. The protocol demonstrates the moderate efficacy of cognitive-behavioural therapy, associated with spiritual and religious dimensions by analysing and modifying irrational or dysfunctional beliefs in depressive symptoms. Evidence shows the value of spirituality and religiosity in determining a protective effect on mental health and the possibility of effectively integrating spiritual dimensions into cognitive-behavioural psychotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The migrant and refugee population present a high risk of developing mental disorders due to the difficulties associated with abandoning their own nation and culture and following often very dramatic migratory journeys. The experience of migration can be complex and stressful, linked to events before departure, during the journey and transit and after arrival. We present the case of the application of a cognitive behavioral approach to a young migrant from Cameroon, with strong symptoms of discomfort and serious difficulties in entering the Extraordinary Reception Center (CAS). The approach to the treatment involved the use of Protect, Beck Depression Inventory and List of Migration Experiences (LiMes). These tests are associated with clinical interviews where the presence of a post-traumatic stress disorder in comorbidity with a depressive syndrome emerged. The intervention was developed in different phases: psychoeducation, relaxation, cognitive restructuring, and narrative exposition technique. At the end of therapy, the interviews and the re-administered tests showed a clear general improvement in the migrant's state of health. There were no flashbacks, their ability to concentrate increased, their sleep was regularised and social relationships resumed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Work-related psychosocial risks have been identified as significant occupational health and safety risks; the occupational physicians must assess and monitor the health status of workers in order to verify that work is not a source of harm to exposed operators. The aim of the study was to investigate the outcomes related to anxiety and depression traits in workers exposed to stress-related work. Methods. A questionnaire was administered to a large population of Italian public administration workers; the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale questionnaire was used to measure depression, the Self rating Anxiety Scale was used to measure anxiety, the UK Management Standards Indicator tool questionnaire was used to assess work adjustment. A descriptive analysis, a multivariate analysis, as well as logistic regression models were used to assess the health outcomes related to stress. Results. A total of 292 workers participated in the study; 100% of participants had a Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale score over the cut-off; 41.78% had a Self rating Anxiety Scale score over the cut-off; the results support a correlation between the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies - Depression Scale results and the UK Management Standards Indicator tool results; and a correlation between Self-rating Anxiety Scale results and the UK Management Standards Indicator tool results. Conclusions. The Demand, Management, Support and Relationship results were associated with mental health outcomes, and it could be a useful tool in occupational medicine, to identify workers at risk for negative mental health outcomes, becoming an essential tool in workers' health assessment and for prevention of mental health disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Il presente commento ha l’obiettivo di evidenziare vantaggi e limiti dell’approccio scientifico basato sulle evidenze nel campo del trattamento psicoterapeutico. Pur riconoscendo l’importanza che le linee-guida ai trattamenti psicologici siano basate su solide evidenze scientifiche, permane la difficoltà relativa alla loro applicazione nei contesti di cura. Tali limiti sono ascrivibili soprattutto all’utilizzo dei disegni di ricerca sperimentali controllati (Randomized Controlled Trials, RCT), che si adattano parzialmente a trattamenti terapeutici non manualizzati rivolti a pazienti con condizioni psicopatologiche complesse. Gli studi metanalitici sul trattamento dell’ansia e della depressione inoltre sottolineano come la qualità metodologica degli studi di efficacia con RCT abbiano un livello di evidenza limitato. La ricerca in psicoterapia e le linee-guida ai trattamenti per ansia e depressione deve muoversi maggiormente verso la prospettiva della personalizzazione dell’intervento clinico.

In questo breve articolo ci proponiamo di contribuire al dibattito in corso nella Consensus Conference sulle terapie psicologiche per ansia e depressione, attraverso la presentazione di alcuni dati relativi ad un lavoro di ricerca, recentemente effettuato, su un campione di psicoterapeuti sistemico-relazionali che si sono specializzati presso il Centro Studi di Terapia Familiare e Relazionale di Roma nell’arco temporale di 10 anni, tra il 2012 e il 2022.

Il documento in discussione interroga tutta la comunità scientifica e in particolare quella dedicata alla tutela della salute fisica e mentale. Quale il metodo scelto che risponde a criteri realmente scientifici? Quali le implicazioni etiche e deontologiche? Quanta l’attenzione all’età evolutiva indispensabile per una corretta prevenzione e tutela dei futuri cittadini? Quale la comprensione raggiunta circa i processi patologici indagati? Quale l’efficacia dello strumento definito ‘Consensus Conference’ per informare e raggiungere i Cittadini? L’autrice processa con attenzione questi aspetti presenti nel testo e restituisce alla comunità scientifica coinvolta nuovi quesiti indispensabili per un approccio laico (privo di connotazioni e di pregiudizi di scuola psicologica specifica), ma coerente con il metodo scientifico, indispensabile alla crescita collettiva della conoscenza. Il suo sforzo nel commentarlo mira non tanto a segnalare cosa condivide o meno o entrare nel merito di contenuti specifici, ma a segnalare passaggi cruciali in cui confusione tra livello epistemologico, teorico e tecnico generano slittamenti, e intrecci di livelli rischiando di allontanare anziché avvicinare la meta che si propone.

In questo breve articolo ci proponiamo di contribuire al dibattito in corso nella Consensus Conference sulle terapie psicologiche per ansia e depressione, attraverso la presentazione di alcuni dati relativi ad un lavoro di ricerca, recentemente effettuato, su un campione di psicoterapeuti sistemico-relazionali che si sono specializzati presso il Centro Studi di Terapia Familiare e Relazionale di Roma nell'arco temporale di 10 anni, tra il 2012 e il 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Il documento in discussione interroga tutta la comunità scientifica e in particolare quella dedicata alla tutela della salute fisica e mentale. Quale il metodo scelto che risponde a criteri realmente scientifici? Quali le implicazioni etiche e deontologiche? Quanta l'attenzione all'età evolutiva indispensabile per una corretta prevenzione e tutela dei futuri cittadini? Quale la comprensione raggiunta circa i processi patologici indagati? Quale l'efficacia dello strumento definito 'Consensus Conference' per informare e raggiungere i Cittadini? L'autrice processa con attenzione questi aspetti presenti nel testo e restituisce alla comunità scientifica coinvolta nuovi quesiti indispensabili per un approccio laico (privo di connotazioni e di pregiudizi di scuola psicologica specifica), ma coerente con il metodo scientifico, indispensabile alla crescita collettiva della conoscenza. Il suo sforzo nel commentarlo mira non tanto a segnalare cosa condivide o meno o entrare nel merito di contenuti specifici, ma a segnalare passaggi cruciali in cui confusione tra livello epistemologico, teorico e tecnico generano slittamenti, e intrecci di livelli rischiando di allontanare anziché avvicinare la meta che si propone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tinnitus attracts the interest of researchers because there is no certain and effective cure. It therefore represents a meeting point for medicine, neuroscience, and clinical and health psychology. Even if there are no treatments capable of definitively curing tinnitus, certain methodologies can positively influence its progress. Over the last decade, the use of neurofeedback, which uses the detection of electroencephalographic waves (EEG), has shown its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms. An innovative type of neurofeedback is the Neuroptimal® (NO) Dynamic Neurofeedback method. We recruited adults with tinnitus using the internet, newsletters, and word of mouth for this purpose. Subjects who responded positively to the request were assigned to an experimental group or a control group at random. The study lasted a total of five months. Twenty NO training sessions per subject were conducted on a once-a-week basis. Measures were used to assess the severity of tinnitus using the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI) and a daily monitoring board, depression using the BDI-II, anxiety using the STAI-X2, and subjective satisfaction and quality of life with Satisfaction Profile (SAT-P). The control group was assigned to the waiting list, without NO training, and subjected to testing in the same way. The results indicate that the THI shows a constant reduction in the experimental group and a non-variation of the disturbance in the control group and the ANOVA is significant (p = 0.044). Differences in scores to the BDI-II are significant (p = 0.017), as well as to the STAI X2 (p = 0.048). The Satisfaction Profile indicates an improvement, with a statistically significant difference, in physical functionality (p = 0.002) and in the domain of sleep, nutrition and leisure (p = 0.030). It can be concluded that the Neurofeedback Dynamic Neuroptimal® method can promote a state of wellbeing evident in fewer depressive symptoms, less anxiety and greater satisfaction with physical functionality and quality of sleep, nutrition and leisure as well as promoting the reduction of tinnitus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article will illustrate the evaluation model for taking charge of the adolescent patient and for the construction of the ‘joint’ therapeutic project, which actively involves both the teenager and his/her family, implemented at the Ambulatory for Anxiety and Mood Disorders in Adolescence of the Sant’Andrea University Hospital in Rome, managed by Dr. Cinzia Sarlatto and her team of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists and psychotherapists in training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

La ricerca scientifica sugli effetti psicologici della lavanda è iniziata solo di recente. Tuttavia c'è una lunga tradizione del suo uso che dimostra come, in particolare l’olio essenziale di lavanda, abbia una notevole influenza sugli stati psicologici. In particolare esaminiamo alcuni recenti studi che hanno mostrato gli effetti dell’olio essenziale di Lavanda angustifolia su ansia, depressione e qualità del sonno in pazienti adulti o anziani sani, in donne in condizioni post – partum o in gravidanza e in pazienti in emodialisi in TI, pazienti con GAD o MADD. Le somministrazioni analizzate prevedevano inalazione, massaggio o ingestione, nello specifico abbiamo raccolto dati degli ultimi studi effettuati sulla somministrazione di Silexan®. Evidenziamo i benefici dell’olio essenziale di Lavanda e la quasi mancanza di effetti collaterali rispetto agli psicofarmaci usati per ansia, depressione e disturbi del sonno.

The paper explores the phenomenology of major depression and suicidal ideation in children, offering a brief overview of relevant findings in psychiatry, with particular reference to statistical evidence, and outlining psychoanalytic models, including Jungian as well as the post-Kleinian and Bionian vertices. Bowlby's seminal contribution to the understanding of mourning processes in relation to Freud's theory is also considered. The case of an eight-year-old boy is examined, with particular attention to a series of drawings that the patient produced over the two years of his psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The therapy was interrupted abruptly by his parents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

C.G. Jung postulates the child motif as the central symbol of the unfolding self towards wholeness. From the 'abandoned child' and the 'invincibility of the child', Jung derives the 'divine child' as hero. It is about the victory of consciousness over the unconscious, about the 'overcoming of the darkness monster'. But in this ego-psychological approach, there is no 'evil', no destructive child. The author is surprised that there is no concept of destructiveness per se, in the Kantian sense, in either psychoanalysis or analytical psychology. In Jung, 'evil' exists as a shadow dynamic that needs to be integrated. This paper is about destructiveness that cannot be integrated. The author's hypothesis is that some patients have the unconscious belief that they are a discarded child and were born as a 'bad' destructive child or have acquired this unconscious belief in the course of their development. Both possibilities are explored with regard to their treatability using clinical vignettes from the therapy of a child, an adolescent and an adult patient. With regard to collective destructiveness, an attempt is also made to highlight some characteristic beliefs of increasingly radicalized political and social groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Models of counselling and psychotherapy indicated for diagnoses of depression include brief, goal-oriented interventions such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), and are favoured by state funded mental health services. Whilst effective in addressing low mood these modalities provide little scope to consider the effect of structural and social inequalities that contribute to the known determinants of poor mental health, which have been exacerbated as a result of Covid-19. Using a fictional case study, this article seeks to explore the impact of oppressive, gendered, societal discourse on Simone's mental wellbeing during the Covid-19 outbreak. Using Narrative Therapy Principles, this article considers how Simone might use this therapeutic framework to reframe and re-author her experience, asking the question 'what's happened to me?' instead of 'what's wrong with me?' With the psychosocial legacy of Covid-19 predicted to be far reaching, opportunities exist for providers of counselling and psychotherapy to review the availability of therapeutic modalities that acknowledge the role and impact of social inequality and oppression on the lives of our clients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Veterinary students suffer from increased psychological stress compared to the general public and are increasingly affected by manifest mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety disorders, as well as an increased prevalence of suicidal thoughts. Additionally, veterinary students tend to ignore signs of mental distress and do not seek support for their mental health issues. This impaired mental health is also evident in fully trained veterinarians, who, among other things, have the highest suicide rates of all medical professions. In our survey, we examined a total of 428 veterinary students at the two veterinary faculties of the Universities of Zurich and Bern. The survey was carried out across all six years of the curriculum as a cross-sectional survey using standardized questionnaires on resilience, sense of coherence and depression. In all years, the students showed increased levels of depression compared to the general public, and the salutogenic parameters of resilience and sense of coherence were also reduced. The constellation with increased depression, reduced resilience and reduced sense of coherence was particularly accentuated in the second and third year. The increased affective stress on students presents itself as a consistent condition, which - if you look at studies on fully trained veterinarians - continues into their working life together with a reduced ability to cope. The low number of participants in the higher years of study and the high number of female study participants could limit the generalizability of the results. In addition, the data was collected in spring 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have influenced the results. Active counteracting, for example by integrating the teaching of protective behavior such as mindful self-compassion and resource-oriented behavior such as mind-body techniques, therefore appears to be recommended in the veterinary training curriculum from the first semester onwards. Various measures to support students have been introduced since 2021, such as events on learning strategies, a mentoring system and seminars on mental health.

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Il presente commento ha l'obiettivo di evidenziare vantaggi e limiti dell'approccio scientifico basato sulle evidenze nel campo del trattamento psicoterapeutico. Pur riconoscendo l'importanza che le linee-guida ai trattamenti psicologici siano basate su solide evidenze scientifiche, permane la difficoltà relativa alla loro applicazione nei contesti di cura. Tali limiti sono ascrivibili soprattutto all'utilizzo dei disegni di ricerca sperimentali controllati (Randomized Controlled Trials, RCT), che si adattano parzialmente a trattamenti terapeutici non manualizzati rivolti a pazienti con condizioni psicopatologiche complesse. Gli studi metanalitici sul trattamento dell'ansia e della depressione inoltre sottolineano come la qualità metodologica degli studi di efficacia con RCT abbiano un livello di evidenza limitato. La ricerca in psicoterapia e le linee-guida ai trattamenti per ansia e depressione deve muoversi maggiormente verso la prospettiva della personalizzazione dell'intervento clinico. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several psychiatric disorders are associated with alterations in the functional connectivity of brain networks. A network that is particularly involved in a dysfunctional way in psychopathology seems to be the default mode network (DMN), a network closely related to resting-state. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuro-modulation technique that seems to influence psychiatric symptoms and functional connectivity. At the same time, several studies have reported that cognitive behavioural psychotherapy (CBT) can influence functional connectivity. Starting from these premises, the aims of this paper are i) to explore the effects of tDCS and CBT, independently, on functional connectivity in the context of psychopathology and ii) to explore the possibilities of integrating tDCS into CBT, by reviewing studies considering both interventions in an integrated way. Given the strong involvement of DMN in various psychiatric disorders, a parallel objective was to investigate whether there were any functional connectivity studies on this network in literature regarding the integrated intervention of tDCS and CBT. Exploring scientific literature, as far as we know, few studies have emerged in which tDCS and CBT are administered concomitantly. Published studies have been carried out exclusively on depression, but available data do not allow, at the present time, consistent conclusions to be drawn. From a careful analysis of literature, no functional connectivity study (e.g. of the DMN) in relation to integrated interventions of tDCS and CBT has been published. Therefore, future studies of this kind will be needed. In general, future research on the possibility of integration between neurophysiology and psychotherapy could help to clarify certain psychopathogenetic mechanisms and individual differences in treatment response. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In recent decades there has been a progressive increase in the elderly population worldwide. Parallel to the lengthening of life expectancy, chronic degenerative diseases have increased in people over 60. By examining several studies on the health of the elderly, it was found that in addition to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, depression is the mental illness that frequently occurs in this population. It is often underdiagnosed and untreated and causes psychological, social, and disability malaise. New epidemiological data show the impact of late-life depression in terms of mortality and social isolation. Consequently, the scientific literature underlines the urgency of evidence-based psychotherapeutic protocols in old age. Therefore, the study aims to analyze clinical manifestations of late-life depression, paying attention to the differential diagnosis between depression in old age and dementia. Finally, the present study examines the current protocols used in cognitive-behavioral therapy in late-life depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covid-19 has originally spread in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease causes respiratory impairments and many other complications, such as fatigue, fever, muscle soreness and, in some cases, diarrhea and nausea, and can lead to death. The correlation between infectious diseases and psychological distress has already emerged during other epidemics, for example during SARS (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome) and Ebola. We conducted this systematic review to investigate the short-term psychological consequences of Covid-19 on the general population. Through a thematic analysis procedure, recurring themes have been identified. The most significant results concern the impact of social media, anxiety, and depression. In particular, fake news reported by the media increase the level of anxiety experienced by the population, and factors like being young or being old, being a student, being single or widow, along with a low level of education, further exacerbate anxiety symptoms. On the other hand, following the guidelines proposed by the government and having clear and comprehensible information were identified as protective factors. Our findings highlighted the need to monitor the high-risk population and to investigate the long-term effects of the pandemic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The author, starting from personal cues, hypothesizes secret resonances between Jung and Winnicott, so different but linked by a deep search. Starting from Jung's first dream, recorded in his diary Memoirs, Dreams, Reflections, and from a poem by Winnicott, The Tree, the author ventures into open questions about Jung's position as described in the Memoirs and Winnicott's position in his review of Jung's diary. The exchanges of letters between Winnicott and Fordham are also considered. The author proposes a deeper and more emotional reading of a common departure of the two masters from the fact of having had depressed mothers and the process of each of them starting from this situation so significant for both. The two differ immensely, but it seems to the author that Jung may have somehow "helped" Winnicott to face and recognize the presence of a unitary continuum of being, on which Winnicott reflected in his last works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Psychopathological conditions related to the umbrella-term "depression" are various and often associated with significant impairments of the individual's quality of life. These also cause important costs from the individual, social and economic points of view. Fortunately, professionals operating in the field of mental health have been early involved in the development of interventions, psychological and not, that aim to treat these conditions. Moreover, the efficacy of these interventions has been a target of empirical investigations conducted by the scientific community. These efforts produced an important number of information that the clinician, that want to treat individual suffering from depression, should know and consider in order to provide an optimal intervention. In the attempt to divulgate the principal conclusions that can be drawn from a deepen examination of such material, different institutions developed guidelines with the aim to increase the capacity of clinicians to take informed clinical decisions. In our contribution, we present a summary, not exhaustive, of some relevant aspects of international guidelines related to the the clinical psychologist's practices. In addition, some scientific contributions are illustrated, that reported some empirical evidence recently produced that appear particularly relevant in order to formulate useful indications for clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This case study describes the conceptualization and the cognitive-behavioral treatment planning within the model of the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for a 21-year-old patient affected by depression and anxiety, with a family story made by parents neglect. The treatment proposed the use of the ACT Matrix (Polk, Schoendorff, Webster, & Olaz 2016), as an instrument for the conceptualization and the therapy to help the patient in increasing the psychological flexibility, and live a life toward her values. At the same time we start an initial training of Mindfulness (Preziosi, 2016; Kabat-Zinn, Segal, Teasdale, & Williams, 2010) to increase the willingness of the patient in accepting the physical sensations and the disturbing thoughts. Since the patient felt feelings of worthlessness I widely used a cognitive-behavioral approach based on the Compassion Focused Therapy (Gilbert, 2012). At the end of the treatment the patient reported a significant reduction of the depression and anxiety symptoms, with important repercussions in terms of mood, of the physical well-being and of the family relationships. The results were kept three months apart as can be seen from the follow up, showing that the cognitive-behavioral therapy of third wave, in particular ACT, it is widely effective in the treatment of depressive and anxious symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In old age, the most frequently-occurring conditions that involve psychic suffering and that often acquire psychopathological connotations are maladjustment, anxieties and fears, depression and cognitive decline. These are existential and clinical areas that Professor Marcello Cesa-Bianchi has dealt with many times in his long scientific career. His early works include in particular the maladjustment of the elderly detected and analysed in different experiential contexts. Whereas anxieties, fears and depression - in addition to maladjustment - also occur in other periods of life, in old age they acquire specific characteristics. Furthermore, the ageing process involves the risk of the onset of dementia, in its various forms. Cognitive decline - without of course ignoring its clinical manifestations and still unknown etiology - is considered in its multidimensionality and hypercomplexity, highlighting above all the emotional, relational and creative dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aiming to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the Italian government declared a total lockdown imposing a forced home confinement which in turn caused significant changes in daily living, including economic, physical and mental health impacts. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of restrictions on psychological well-being and changes in lifestyle and health habits. Participants were 419, with a mean age of 41,12 years. The 76,6% reported moderate or high levels of perceived stress. People with highest stress reported significantly lower mental health levels, such as the presence of depression, somatization, anxiety, insomnia and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Significant impact on mental health was given by the discomfort felt for living with other people or living alone. Participants living alone exhibited elevated depressive symptoms. Maladaptive unhealthy behaviour with negative changes in smoking and alcohol intake, eating pattern and physical activity were associated with higher depression, anxiety and posttraumatic symptoms in the course of the pandemic. As limitations: the sample included a large number of women and people with a high education level and the use of an online survey could have limited the participation of people unfamiliar with technological devices. People, during the lockdown, were strongly aff ected by stress and exhibit a presence of maladaptive unhealthy behavior associated with psychological problems which could be potential risk factors for possible long-term mental health eff ects. Results provide evidence that suggests the implementation of future health-promotion strategies in order to manage mental health outcomes due to lockdown measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This is a quantitative study of an 11-year-old boy diagnosed with major depression who in all but one session made a sandplay. A computerized system was used to analyse the written verbalizations on four dimensions of positive and negative: emotions, contracts (psychosocial agreements, relationships, etc.), performance (behaviour) and rewards. It was hypothesized that the verbalizations made by the patient (recorded by the therapist) would become more positive and less negative during the course of therapy. The positive and negative values of the four dimensions were correlated with the session number. This was supported on two (performance & contract) of the four positive dimensions (statistically significant). The hypothesis that the negative dimensions would become less negative was supported on all four dimensions (statistically significant). Thus, six of the eight hypotheses were supported. This uninvestigated area of research illustrates verbal interactions between patient and therapist were an important aspect of sandplay therapy. Through reanalysing the sessions for quantitative content, written recording of direct quotes and observation of behaviour, data was entered into a valid and reliable coding system to quantitatively analyze the verbalizations. This analysis of verbalizations of the patient and observations made by the therapist indicates sandplay therapy is multifaceted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The so-called 'crisis in masculinity' in the post-industrial/post-feminist world is not a new idea but in recent years it does seem to have forced its way back onto the agenda due to a lack of traditional employment, such as coal mining, thus robbing generations of men of their cultural identities. This collective 'crisis' has emerged through media attention on a succession of well-known men in the arts and sports worlds such as Bruce Springsteen, Stormzy, Professor Green and Rio Ferdinand, who share in common a strong sense of masculine identification. In addition, all have openly discussed the healing and relief experienced by embracing the vulnerable, emotional aspects of themselves, or what has been historically characterized as the anima archetype in Jungian psychology. This essay will recount some of their stories of struggle as they have bravely spoken up about their mental health issues, perhaps diminishing, by example, the erroneous notion of depression as a 'woman's problem'. As noted, in recent times we have witnessed a proliferation of famous men speaking out about their emotional difficulties, often in the context of loss and depression, thus providing potential role-modelling for a more expanded view of contemporary masculinity. This paper attempts to consider the tendency amongst a particular type of modern man who is both traditionally macho and simultaneously emotionally articulate with the capacity to open up about the experiences of their inner worlds and the environmental pressures they face in a fast-paced and ever-changing world. Beginning with some brief stories about the men listed above, the primary focus will be on the work of the UK cross-dressing artist and Turner Prize winner (2003) Grayson Perry (b. 1960), by studying his unusual and highly creative clarion call to challenge modern men to recalibrate their emotional behaviour and to speak openly about loss and emotional difficulty. As readers will see, he has developed a unique method that includes filmed, televised interactional interviews with various individuals and groups and he then produces art pieces that embody what has transpired through his engagement with their suffering and real-life dilemmas. This highly creative process offers a double or even triple containment for those struggling with all-too-human pain via the holding interview with him directly; the artwork that he creates as a result; and then through the recording on film that is shared with television audiences who are deeply affected by what they witness and who perhaps find a form of healing via identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The massive forced migration is a phenomenon that has raised socio-economic questions in the last years respect to the problems of the flowes containment and social and employment integration of the emigrants in the countries destination. The causes of the forced migration are originated from the poverty, war conflicts, tortures, persecutions different types of violence happening at the country of provenience, growing up between rich and poor and in the public debts which wipes the economic wealth of some nations. This aspects impact on migrants health leave indelible sequelae. In the last years, indeed, the scientific landscape has extended the focus of interest on psychological aspect of the migrant. The traumatic experiences suffered by the migrants can be observed in 3 moments: before, during and after the migration traveling. These experiences cause typical and distinctive psychological sequelae, same as depression, anxiety and somatization as the much more relevant symptomology. Therefore, the necessity to promote the psychological wellness of the migrants in the host country arises in the recent years. The aim of the review was to assessed the efficacy of the main psychological treatments applied to the migrants through a thoroughly and qualitative analyses of the literature. The preliminary collection of data was focused on studies that provided psychological interventions with a pre-treatment and post-treatment assessment at least of the depression, anxiety and somatization. The selection included studies of the three kinds: randomized-controlled design, almost experimental, observative. The review was conducted including 52 studies. The psychological interventions have been classified in 5 categories of treatment (cognitive-behavioural therapy, narrative exposure therapy, dynamic therapy, combined psychological treatments, psychological treatments combined with pharmacological treatments). There were calculated the significative and non-significative results for each category of treatment referring to each outcome: depression, anxiety and somatization. The qualitative results of the review showed that the cognitive-behavioural therapy had a significative effect on the depression at 61% of the cases, on anxiety at 50% of the cases, and had no effects on the somatization. The narrative exposure therapy had significative effects on the depression at 57% of the cases), it had effects on somatization at 50% of the cases and had no effects on anxiety. The dynamic therapy had significative effects on the depression at 50% of the cases, on the anxiety at 50% of the cases, and the same size effect on somatization at 50%. The combined psychological treatments had a significative effect over the depression at 46% of cases and had a significative effect over the anxiety and somatization, both at 60% of cases. The psychological treatments combined with pharmacological treatments had a significative effect over the depression at 61% of cases, over the anxiety at 36% of cases and over the somatization at 39% of cases. Therefore, the qualitative observation showed the probability to have a significative effect post-treatment over the anxiety lower than 50% comparing to somatization. Specifically, concerning the individual treatments, the effects of the cognitive-behavioural therapy on the anxiety seemed to be due to the fortuity. At the same time, it seemed to influence the somatization, indeed the effect is verified on the depression. Regarding the narrative exposure therapy, the probability to verify a significative effect on the depression is caused by the fortuity, same as for the dynamic therapy and for the combined psychological treatments. Also, it seemed to cause no effect on depression and anxiety. Lastly, concerning the psychological treatments combined with pharmacological treatments, there were find significative effects of efficacy on the depression, but no effects on anxiety and somatization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Italian Journal of Nursing (IJN) / Giornale Italiano di Infermieristica is the property of Collegio IPASVI MI-LO-MB - Ordine Professioni Infermieristiche MI-LO-MB and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The general purpose of this work is to explore how individual and relational variables can affect the well-being and the body perception of women with breast cancer, differentiating psychological patterns of cognitive, emotional and relational processes. This exploratory study investigates individual (body image, anxiety, depression, personality, coping, resilience) and relational (dyadic coping and emotional closeness to the partner) variables of 30 subjects (15 patients and 15 partners). The analysis show two different profiles: low levels of altered body perception correspond to a general overall well-being and a better couple behaviour; otherwise anxiety, depression and worst dyadic relationship are associated with deteriorated body perception. The findings suggest the importance of relational components on the overall well-being of women with Breast cancer and their partners and support the idea of a dyadically oriented perspective in studying breast cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: According to the World Health Organization, depression is currently the leading cause of disability, which is of great concern worldwide; however there is much dispute about depression and its causes. This article raises the hypothesis that depression could be related to an increase or inflation of ego‐consciousness, which, in turn, is inseparable from the development of modernity. The ‘hero’, symbol of this historical process of self‐consciousness and autonomy, stands now wearied and disoriented. The paper outlines how, in this cultural scene, certain ideas from Carl Jung's and James Hillman's depth psychologies may be useful in addressing the issue: the rediscovery of figures of the other through the analysis of the unconscious (Jung) and associating with others in groups imbued with communal sense (Hillman) could help the depressed individual to mitigate his or her inflated ego‐consciousness. These are two complementary ways of experiencing the conglomerate nature of the self, thus promoting the process of individuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of La Medicina del Lavoro is the property of Mattioli 1885 SpA and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective: The Ways of Responding (WOR) instrument measures compensatory skills, a central construct in some theories of the mechanism of cognitive therapy for depression. However, the instrument is time-consuming and expensive to use in community settings, because it requires trained independent judges to rate subjects' open-ended written responses to depressogenic scenarios. The present study evaluated the reliability and validity of a self-report version of the WOR (WOR-SR) in a community mental health sample with depressive symptoms (N= 467). Method: Subjects completed the WOR-SR, a modified version of the original WOR, and other measures of depressive symptoms, dysfunctional cognitions, functioning, quality of life, and interpersonal problems at multiple time points. Results: An exploratory factor analysis confirmed the two-factor structure of the WOR-SR. The positive and negative subscales both demonstrated excellent internal consistency (Cronbach's alphas = .91) and moderate convergent validity with other measures. Conclusion: The WOR-SR is a reliable and valid measure of compensatory skills in patients receiving treatment for depression at community mental health centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Robert Schumann fought throughout his life against mental illness, on which nature many hypotheses were made: manic-depressive psychosis, syphilis, alcoholism. The intent of the article is to show how this great musician managed to contain his inner world, always on the brink of disintegration, through his extraordinary ability as a composer, trying to hold together the contrasting and fragmented internal voices in harmony between each of them. In this way his mind reflects integration rather than a chaotic war of not integrated or disintegrated voices or objects. Schumann's fascination with counterpoint and fugue, which he resorted to in the most critical moments of his mental illness, suggests that the composer seeks in the breakdown an organizing principle - guaranteed by the formal characteristics of this type of composition - that could contain the fragmentation of his mind. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article describes the cognitive and emotional components that characterize pain and the comorbidities often found in patients with chronic pain. In particular, it focuses on the psychological factors that influence the perception of pain, in particular emotions and the concept of catastrophization. Finally, the article offers suggestions for analyzing psychological factors of pain in the clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background:While the general effectiveness of psychodynamic inpatient psychotherapy has been established, very few studies have specifically investigated the effectiveness of psychodynamic inpatient treatment of depression, though depressed patients represent the largest group of inpatients. Method :This study investigated two naturalistic samples of depressed patients regarding treatment outcome as well as clinical and treatment characteristics. Patients were treated in a psychoanalytical psychosomatic hospital unit. Data was collected from 2000 to 2002 (N=234) and from 2008 to 2010 (N=514). Data was acquired at admission and discharge. Results:The findings reveal high pre-post effect sizes for symptom reduction (SCL-90-R), general functioning (GAF) and medium changes of interpersonal problems (IIP). The improvement on the IIP was significantly higher for patients with comorbid personality disorder. Based on therapist ratings, the sample treated from 2008-2010 showed higher levels of impairment on several levels: chronic, complex, functional (GAF) and structural (OPD). Conclusion:Findings indicate that patients show substantial short-term benefit following psychoanalytic inpatient psychotherapy, as practiced under naturalistic conditions. Open questions remain regarding the long-term nature of these benefits and the possible influence of placebo-effects. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Patients with eating disorders (ED) often suffer from co-morbid depression, which may complicate the ED treatment. Previous studies have found that ED interventions seem to have limited capacity to reduce depressive symptoms. Several studies of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), have found that when patients have been treated for depression, co-morbid symptoms have diminished. As depression and EDs are commonly co-occurring conditions, this pilot study aimed to examine the effect of an IPT treatment for these conditions, with the focus on the depressive symptoms. Method: In this multi-centre study, 16 patients with EDs and co-occurring major depression received 16 weeks of depression-focused IPT. Results: Significant improvements with substantial effect sizes were found for both depression (d = 1.48) and ED (d = .93). Symptom reduction in the two syndromes were strongly correlated (r = .625, p = .004). Patients with a restrictive ED did not improve on either depression or ED symptoms. Conclusion: These findings point to the usefulness of IPT for concurrent depression and ED with a bingeing/purging symptomatology. Working with negative affect and problem-solving related to current interpersonal problems may alleviate general psychological distress among these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: Several randomized controlled trials have identified early response to psychotherapy as a predictor for later treatment outcome among patients with depressive disorders. However, supporting evidence under routine conditions is rare. This study evaluated the predictive value of early improvement for final outcomes in psychotherapy among depressive patients in the naturalistic setting of a German university outpatient clinic.Method:We used the method of percent symptom reduction to classify 639 patients with major depression or dysthymic disorder who underwent an average of 40.0 sessions (SD = 16.3) of naturalistic cognitive–behavioral therapy (CBT) as having either an early response or an early nonresponse.Results:Early response was a good predictor for final response and remission regarding depressive symptoms (OR = 8.75 andOR = 5.32, respectively), as well as overall psychological distress (OR = 3.95 andOR = 3.16, respectively). Early nonresponse was distinctly associated with later deterioration of both depressive (OR = 9.56) and general psychological symptomatology (OR = 4.92).Conclusions: Early response to psychotherapy has high predictive qualities for positive later treatment outcome in depressive patients under routine CBT. Therefore, early treatment effects should be considered in clinical decision-making and treatment planning in everyday clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]