•The outbreak of COVID-19 is severely affecting mental health worldwide.•Individual response may vary according to background and specific features.•Temperament refers to early-appearing differences ...in emotional reactivity.•Adult attachment style modulates stress responsivity.•Temperament and attachment predict the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The outbreak of COVID-19 is severely affecting mental health worldwide, although individual response may vary. This study aims to investigate the psychological distress perceived by the Italian general population during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to analyze affective temperament and adult attachment styles as potential mediators. Through an online survey, we collected sociodemographic and lockdown-related information and evaluated distress, temperament, and attachment using the Kessler 10 Psychological Distress Scale (K10), the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego-Autoquestionnaire short version (TEMPS-A) and the Attachment Style Questionnaire (ASQ).
In our sample (n = 500), 62% of the individuals reported no likelihood of psychological distress, whereas 19.4% and 18.6% displayed mild and moderate-to-severe likelihood. Cyclothymic (OR: 1.24; p < 0.001), depressive (OR: 1.52; p < 0.001) and anxious (OR: 1.58; p = 0.002) temperaments, and the ASQ “Need for approval” (OR: 1.08; p = 0.01) were risk factors for moderate-to-severe psychological distress compared to no distress, while the ASQ “Confidence” (OR: 0.89; p = 0.002) and “Discomfort with closeness” were protective (OR: 0.92; p = 0.001). Cyclothymic (OR: 1.17; p = 0.008) and depressive (OR: 1.32; p = 0.003) temperaments resulted as risk factors in subjects with moderate-to-severe psychological distress compared to mild distress, while the ASQ “Confidence” (OR: 0.92; p = 0.039) and “Discomfort with closeness” (OR: 0.94; p = 0.023) were protective.
Our data indicated that a relevant rate of individuals may have experienced psychological distress following the COVID-19 outbreak. Specific affective temperament and attachment features predict the extent of mental health burden. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first data available on the psychological impact of the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic on a sizeable sample of the Italian population. Moreover, our study is the first to investigate temperament and attachment characteristics in the psychological response to the ongoing pandemic. Our results provide further insight into developing targeted intervention strategies.
It is known that psychosocial distress affects the morbidity and mortality of patients with cardiovascular disease of every age. The aim of this study was to produce novel information on how ...psychological distress can influence cardiovascular performance in patients after cardiac surgery undergoing multidisciplinary cardiac rehabilitation.
Patients (n = 57) admitted after cardiac surgery for valvular or coronary disease underwent, within 5 days of admission, the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R) self-report questionnaire to measure psychiatric symptoms and the 12-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) to assess the level of psychological distress. The Positive Symptom Distress Index (PSDI) was measured to indicate the amplitude of symptom distress. Cardiovascular performance was assessed by a 6 min walking test (6MWT) at admission and discharge, and oxygen consumption (VO2 max) was derived.
Within the SCL-90-R score, somatic symptoms (47.4%), depressive and anxiety symptoms (36.8% and 33.3%, respectively), symptoms of phobic anxiety (21.1%), and psychoticism (24.6%) were over-represented. As for the GHQ-12, 75.4% of the sample reported an abnormally negative perception of their health status. An inverse correlation was shown between the variation in 6MWT and SCL depression (
= 0.048), PSDI (
= 0.022), and the GHQ-12 (
= 0.040). Similarly, an inverse correlation was shown between the variation in the VO2 max, GHQ-12 (
= 0.041), and the PSDI (
= 0.023).
Post-cardiac surgery cardiac rehabilitation was associated with increased symptoms of psychological discomfort, as compared with the general population. The amplitude of psychological distress, depression, and hostility are associated with limited improvement in performance. These data strengthen the need for psychological support during cardiac rehabilitation programs.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most common cause of congenital infection in humans. There are no enough data on long-term outcome of newborns with congenital CMV (cCMV) infection, particularly for ...those asymptomatic at birth. For this reason, we performed this study to evaluate long-term audiological, visual, neurocognitive, and behavioral outcome in patients with symptomatic and asymptomatic cCMV infection treated with oral Valganciclovir (VGC). Thirty-six newborns with confirmed cCMV infection were evaluated: 12 (33.3%) symptomatic at birth and 24 asymptomatic (66.7%). No one had cognitive impairment. Cognitive assessment scales resulted abnormal in 4/35 patients (11.4%). 11/21 patients (52.4%) achieved abnormal scores in neuropsychological tests. The language evaluation gave pathological results in 6/21 (28.5%) patients. 6/35 patients (17.1%) developed SNHL, all symptomatic at birth except one. None of the 34 patients evaluated developed CMV retinopathy. Our study shows that both symptomatic and asymptomatic newborns with cCMV infection develop long-term sequelae, particularly in the behavioral and communicative areas, independently from the trimester of maternal infection.
To investigate the role of needleoscopic-assisted laparoscopy in terms of surgical impact and psychological outcomes in RR-BSO for BRCA1/2 patients.
Prospective monocentric trial conducted at the ...Division of Gynecologic Oncology, “Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli” IRCSS in Rome.
Between March 2016 and March 2018, 26 consecutive patients were prospectively enrolled in the study and underwent RR-BSO. Peri-operative surgical variables were collected.
The psychological interview was performed at the discharge and during the first post-operative follow-up visit (between 30 and 60 days after surgery).
We reported a median OT of 18.5 min (range, 15–37), a median EBL of 0 mL (0–20), and no conversion to laparoscopy or laparotomy.
The median VAS score was “at rest” of 2, 3, and 1; while under “Valsalva maneuver” was 4, 3, 2, respectively at 2, 4, and 24 h.
77% (20/26) of the whole population had a previous diagnosis of breast cancer.
All patients expressed great cosmetic satisfaction both at discharge and after 30/60 days, with an 84.6% of score 5 and a 15.4% of score 4.
The highest number of “score 5”, concerning the cosmetic outcomes, were clustered in the subgroup of breast cancer survivors with a 95% of score 5 versus 50% of score 5 in patients with no previous breast cancer (p = 0.0073).
Similarly, the maximal psychological advantage of the ultra-MIS approach was revealed in the breast cancer survivors (70% of score 5 versus 16% of score 5, p = 0.02).
The use of 2.4 mm instruments raises the possibility of decreasing post-operative incisional pain, reducing hospitalization, and ensuring better cosmetic and psychological outcomes without increasing complications.
The full psychosomatic benefit of ultra-MIS within BRCA mutation carriers is revealed in breast cancer survivors, probably due to the comparison with the mutilating and invasive previous breast surgery.
Post-traumatic growth (PTG) is defined as "positive psychological change experienced as a result of the struggle with highly challenging life circumstances". Diagnosis of cancer leads to many ...psychological challenges. The recent pandemic forced oncological patients to face other multiple stressors. Resilience is a target of interest for PTG. The aim of this study is to analyze relationships between cancer trauma, COVID-19 pandemic stress, PTG and resilience over time.
One hundred forty-six patients (124 females, 22 males) in active oncological treatment were enrolled from September 2020: 45.2% (
= 66) diagnosed with gynecological cancer, 23.3% (
= 34) with breast cancer, 15.1% (
= 22) with lung cancer, 16.5% (
= 24) with other cancers. We conducted a prospective longitudinal study on oncological patients evaluated at: diagnosis (T0), 6 (T1) and 12 months (T2) by means of the following self-administered tests: Distress Thermometer (DT), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Impact of Event Scale Revised (IES-R), Post-traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC).
DT decreased over time (T0 vs. T2,
< .001). HADS decreased from T0 to T2 (
< .001). The PTG subscales regarding new possibilities and appreciating life improved comparing T0 vs. T2 (
= .029;
= .013), as well as the total index of PTG (
= .027). The IES avoidance subscale score decreased over time (T0 vs. T1,
= .035).
For some patients, the cancer experience is characterized not only by psychological distress but also by the presence and growth of positive aspects, such as the tendency to positively reconsider the value and importance of life, health and social relationships.
The aim of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the consistency of longitudinal findings on intellectual functioning in DMD boys and their relationship to behavioral and neuropsychiatric ...difficulties. The cohort included 70 patients of age 3 to 17 years with at least two assessments using the Wechsler scales. CBCL and clinical observation of behavior were also performed. Changes in total intelligence quotient were interpreted as stable or not stable using the reliable-change method. On the first assessment 43/70 had normal quotients, 18 borderline, 5 mild, and 4 moderate intellectual disability, while 27/70 had no behavioral disorders, 17 had abnormal CBCL, and 26 patients had clear signs of attention deficits despite normal CBCL. The remaining seven were untestable. The mean total intelligence quotient change in the cohort was -2.99 points (SD: 12.29). Stable results on TIQ were found in 63% of the paired assessments. A third of the consecutive cognitive assessments showed a difference of more than 11 points with changes up to 42 points. Boys with no behavioral/attention disorder had smaller changes than those with attention (
= 0.007) and behavioral disorders (
= 0.002). Changes in IQ may occur in Duchenne and are likely to be associated with behavioral or attention deficits.
Background
Chiari malformation type 1 (CM1) is a rare condition where agreed classification and treatment are still missing. The goal of this study is to achieve a consensus on the diagnosis and ...treatment of CM1 in children.
Methods
A multidisciplinary panel formulated 57 provisional statements based on a review of the literature. Thirty-four international experts (IE) participated in a Delphi study by independently rating each statement on a 4-point Likert scale (“strongly disagree,” “disagree,” “agree,” “strongly agree”). Statements that were endorsed (“agree” or “strongly agree”) by < 75% of raters were re-formulated, or new statements were added, and another Delphi round followed (up to a maximum of three).
Results
Thirty-five IE were contacted and 34 agreed to participate. A consensus was reached on 30/57 statements (52.6%) after round 1. Three statements were added, and one removed. After round 2, agreement was reached on 56/59 statements (94.9%). Finally, after round 3, which took place during the 2019 Chiari Consensus Conference (Milan, Italy), agreement was reached on 58/59 statements (98.3%) about four main sections (Definition and Classification, Planning, Surgery, Isolated Syringomyelia). Only one statement did not gain a consensus, which is the “definition of radiological failure 24 month post-surgery.”
Conclusions
The consensus document consists of 58 statements (24 on diagnosis, 34 on treatment), serving clinicians and researchers following children with CM1. There is a clear need for establishing an international network and registry and to promote collaborative studies to increase the evidence base and optimize the long-term care of this patient population.
Summary
Purpose: To clarify the role of epilepsy and genetic background in determining the cognitive outcome of patients with Dravet syndrome.
Methods: In this retrospective study, we reviewed the ...clinical history and cognitive development of 26 patients who had been followed with standardized evaluations since seizure onset. The cognitive outcome was quantified as differential general quotient (dGQ) between ages 12 and 60 months. Statistical analysis correlated the dGQ with genotype and epilepsy course.
Key Findings: Epilepsy started at the mean age of 5.6 months. All patients experienced prolonged convulsive seizures, whereas absences and myoclonus were reported in 17. Cognitive outcome was poor in almost all patients; the mean dGQ was 33 points, varying from 6–77 points. The analysis of individual cognitive profiles identified seven patients in whom the dGQ was <20 points; the main clinical characteristic in this subset of patients was lack of early absences and myoclonus. The statistical analysis of the whole series failed to reveal significant differences in cognitive outcome with regard to the presence of SCN1A mutations and their type. In particular, mutation‐carrier patients with the best cognitive outcome harbored either missense or truncating mutations.
Significance: Dravet syndrome encompasses different epileptic and cognitive phenotypes that probably result from both genetic and epigenetic factors. In this series, early appearance of myoclonus and absences was associated with the worst cognitive outcome.
This study aimed at comparing implicit sequence learning in individuals affected by Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy without intellectual disability and age-matched typically developing children. A ...modified version of the Serial Reaction Time task was administered to 32 Duchenne children and 37 controls of comparable chronological age. The Duchenne group showed a reduced rate of implicit learning even if in the absence of global intellectual disability. This finding provides further evidence of the involvement of specific aspects of cognitive function in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and on its possible neurobiological substrate.
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