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Turan Ş, Özulucan MT, Karataş U, Kavla Y, Koyuncu O, Durcan E, Durcan G, Bağhaki S. The effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy and mastectomy on psychopathology, body image, and quality of life in adults with gender dysphoria who were assigned female at birth. Qual Life Res 2024; 33:1937-1947. [PMID: 38656406 PMCID: PMC11176246 DOI: 10.1007/s11136-024-03664-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Individuals with gender dysphoria (GD) may request hormone therapy and various surgical operations to change their physical characteristics. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two treatments, mastectomy and gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT), on adults with GD who were assigned female at birth (GD AFAB). METHODS In this cross-sectional study, we gathered data from a total of 269 individuals in three groups: (a) untreated group (n = 121), (b) GAHT group (n = 84) who had been receiving treatment for at least 6 months, and (c) GAHT-MAST group (n = 64) who had been using GAHT for at least 6 months and had undergone mastectomy at least 3 months prior. All participants were asked to complete the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised (SCL-90-R), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the World Health Organization's Quality of Life Questionnaire- Brief Form, Turkish Version (WHOQOL-BREF-Tr). RESULTS We found that individuals in the untreated group had higher psychopathological symptoms and body uneasiness scores, and lower quality of life scores compared to both GAHT and GAHT-MAST groups. There was no difference in psychopathology between the GAHT-MAST group and the GAHT group, but body uneasiness scores were lower, and quality of life scores were higher in the GAHT-MAST group. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that individuals receiving GAHT improved mental health, body satisfaction, and overall quality of life. Combining mastectomy with GAHT may further enhance these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Şenol Turan
- Department of Psychiatry, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye.
| | - Mahmut Taha Özulucan
- Graduate School of Health Science, Neuroscience PhD Program, Koç University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Uğur Karataş
- Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Yasin Kavla
- Department of Psychiatry, Hınıs State Hospital, Erzurum, Türkiye
| | - Oğuzhan Koyuncu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Emre Durcan
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gizem Durcan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Semih Bağhaki
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Türkiye
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Tempia Valenta S, Campanile G, Albert U, Marcolini F, Faedi G, De Ronchi D, Atti AR. Beyond the surface: Understanding obsessive symptoms and body perceptions, from shape concerns to fear of blushing. Compr Psychiatry 2024; 132:152481. [PMID: 38552348 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2024.152481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent reclassifications have expanded the understanding of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCDs), now incorporated into a broader category known as Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Related Disorders (OCRDs). This study sought to assess obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness among outpatients seeking treatment for Eating Disorders (ED). Additionally, we aimed to explore associations and potential mediation effects between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness. This investigation extended beyond concerns related solely to body shape and weight, encompassing fears associated with specific body components (such as facial features, abdominal region, and limbs) or functions (including sweating, blushing, emitting noises, and releasing odors). METHODS Psychometric assessments included the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory-Revised (OCI-R) and the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT). Statistical analyses involved bivariate correlations, linear regression, and mediation analysis to explore the associations and potential mediation effects between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and different manifestations of body uneasiness. RESULTS The sample (N = 210) demonstrated substantial obsessive-compulsive symptoms and notable body discomfort. OCI-R scores positively correlated with various dimensions of body dissatisfaction, including shape, weight, and specific body components or functions. Linear regression revealed significant associations between OCI-R scores and overall body uneasiness (BUT-A) as well as concerns about body components or functions (BUTB). Mediation analysis indicated that BUT-A mediated the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and BUTB. CONCLUSION This study offers new insights into the comprehensive landscape of OCRDs. It specifically emphasizes the association between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body uneasiness, embracing not only concerns about body shape and weight but also extending to body components and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Tempia Valenta
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - G Campanile
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - U Albert
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - F Marcolini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - G Faedi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - D De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - A R Atti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Marfoli A, Mameli F, Aiello EN, Ruggiero F, Sandi AD, Mellace D, Curti B, Vimercati R, Poletti B, Ticozzi N, Chieffo D, Santangelo G, Barbieri S, Priori A, Ferrucci R. Does botulinum toxin affect psycho-social aspects in dystonia? J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2024:10.1007/s00702-024-02785-z. [PMID: 38832965 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-024-02785-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Dystonia is a movement disorder in which sustained muscle contractions give rise to abnormal postures or involuntary movements. It is a disabling and disfiguring disorder that affects activities of daily living and gives people a bizarre appearance often associated with psychological morbidity, embarrassment and social avoidance. Intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin (BoNT) is the most effective treatment for motor symptoms in focal dystonia, but little is known about its impact on the psycho-social dimension. The main aim of this study was to evaluate psycho-social changes in patients with focal dystonia after starting BoNT treatment using self-reported scales. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) assessing body self-image, satisfaction with physical aspects, social avoidance, self-reported depression, and self-distress were completed by 11 patients with dystonia and 9 patients with hyperhidrosis as a control group before BoNT (T0). VAS was then performed after four weeks (T1) to assess whether BoNT induced changes in the psychosocial dimension. Our results showed that only depressive symptoms and rumination about body defects improved in patients with dystonia after BoNT treatment, while improvement in self-distress and satisfaction with physical aspects was also found in hyperhidrosis. Individuals with hyperhidrosis experience poorer psychological well-being and suffer from higher levels of distress compared to dystonic patients. This suggests that individuals with this disabling condition are more vulnerable to social impact than dystonic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Mameli
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Fabiana Ruggiero
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Angelica De Sandi
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Vimercati
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Poletti
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicola Ticozzi
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Sergio Barbieri
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, University Research Centre Aldo Ravelli, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Ferrucci
- University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
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Mears K, Rai D, Shah P, Cooper K, Ashwin C. A Systematic Review of Gender Dysphoria Measures in Autistic Samples. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02896-4. [PMID: 38831234 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02896-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
This systematic review investigated how studies have measured gender dysphoria (GD) in autistic samples and the impact of using different measures on study results. The literature search identified 339 relevant papers, with 12 of them meeting the inclusion criteria. Results showed that seven different measures of GD characteristics have been used with autistic samples and that the studies consistently reported a greater number of GD characteristics and a greater severity of GD in autistic compared to non-autistic samples. Methodological common practices were found in recruiting participants from clinical settings rather than the general population, having more autistic males than females in the samples, for studies being conducted in Europe, North America, and Oceania, and using single-item measures of GD for samples of autistic children. Issues were identified with study designs and measures of GD, suggesting a need for a more standardized multi-item self-report measure of GD for use in clinical and non-clinical samples across different ages and cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Mears
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Applied Autism Research, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 5LS, UK.
| | - Dheeraj Rai
- Centre for Academic Mental Health, Avon and Wiltshire Partnership NHS Mental Health Trust, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Punit Shah
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Applied Autism Research, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 5LS, UK
| | - Kate Cooper
- Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Chris Ashwin
- Department of Psychology, Centre for Applied Autism Research, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 5LS, UK
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Boucher JD, Bourgin J, Lassiaz J, Propice K, Metral M. The impact of weight and negative body image on the body schema in undergraduate women. Exp Brain Res 2024; 242:1373-1385. [PMID: 38565782 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06827-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Alterations of the sensory-motor body schema question the origins of such distortions. For example, in anorexia nervosa where patients think they are broader than they really are (body image) but act as if it was really the case (body schema). To date, the results of studies about what hinders the updating of the body schema so much (weight, body image) have been contradictory. METHODS We therefore conducted two studies that aimed to assess the impact of weight and body image problems on body schema in 92 young women without anorexia nervosa. For this purpose, we used a new body schema assessment tool (SKIN) that is sensitive enough to detect fine alterations of body schema in seven different body parts. RESULTS In Study 1, the thinness or overweight of the young women had a major impact on their tactile perception, especially because the assessed body part was a sensitive area for body dissatisfaction in young women (e.g., belly, thigh). In Study 2, the level of body dissatisfaction of the participants in its attitudinal and perceptual dimension also had a negative impact on their body schema, again in interaction with weight and body part. CONCLUSIONS These results imply that body dissatisfaction and thinness are predictors of massive body schema distortions. An oversized body schema could maintain various weight-control behaviors, thus risking the development, maintenance, or relapse of an eating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-David Boucher
- Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LIP/PC2S, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jessica Bourgin
- Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LIP/PC2S, 38000, Grenoble, France
- Univ. Grenoble Alpes, Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, CNRS, LPNC, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | | | - Klervi Propice
- Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LIP/PC2S, 38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Morgane Metral
- Univ. Savoie Mont Blanc, Univ. Grenoble Alpes, LIP/PC2S, 38000, Grenoble, France.
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Cassioli E, Tarchi L, Rossi E, Faldi M, Dani C, Giuranno G, Siviglia S, Baroncelli A, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Giraldi A, Ricca V, Castellini G. Early traumatic experiences are linked to hypersexual behavior and erectile dysfunction in men through the mediation of body uneasiness and general psychopathology. J Sex Med 2024:qdae058. [PMID: 38778740 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdae058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood traumatic experiences have been associated with hypersexuality and sexual dysfunctions. However, the mediators of the interactions between these variables should be clarified in men. AIM This study aimed to investigate the interaction of early traumatic experiences, psychopathology, and sexuality with respect to erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypersexual behavior. The hypothesized model expected that traumatic experiences would be associated with hypersexual behavior and reduced sexual functioning through the mediation of body uneasiness and psychological distress. METHODS The study was cross-sectional and observational. A total of 317 men were enrolled. Male patients with a primary complaint of ED and an indication for psychiatry referral represented the clinical sample (n = 116; mean ± SD age, 42.82 ± 16.89 years). Clinical classification was assessed with the Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction. The second sample (n = 201, 30.82 ± 11.94 years) was recruited from the general population. All participants were administered the following questionnaires: Brief Symptom Inventory, Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, Hypersexual Behavior Inventory, Body Uneasiness Test-A, and 5-item International Index of Erectile Function. OUTCOMES Psychopathology and sexual functioning were assessed by a dimensional approach, and a multivariate model was computed by structural equation model analysis. RESULTS When compared with the sample from the general population, the clinical sample exhibited a higher prevalence of early traumatic experiences, as measured by scores on the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (45.08 ± 14.25 vs 39.03 ± 10.22, F = 17.63, P < .001), and a higher tendency to engage in hypersexual behaviors (34.63 ± 13.55 vs 30.79 ± 12.44, F = 6.97, P < .01). Structural equation model analysis showed excellent fit indices indicating that early traumatic experiences predicted hypersexual behaviors and ED through the exacerbating mediating effect of body uneasiness and psychopathology. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinicians should not limit their attention to the behavioral level when assessing sexual dysfunction in men; rather, they should also consider the complex psychopathologic consequences of childhood trauma. Integrated treatments that address the potential presence of childhood trauma with its wider psychological correlates (eg, emotion dysregulation, body uneasiness) might improve treatment response. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS The study reports novel data on the relationship among childhood maltreatment, male sexuality, and psychopathologic mediators with a dimensional assessment. However, the assessment was cross-sectional, and causality was mainly derived from previous studies. CONCLUSION The present study enriches the current literature, strengthening the hypothesis that childhood traumatic experiences significantly shape development and sexuality. Body uneasiness and psychopathology can both tax sexual functioning, as assessed by erectile functioning or hypersexuality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Livio Tarchi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Marco Faldi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Cristiano Dani
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giuranno
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Serena Siviglia
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Andrea Baroncelli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, "Mario Serio" Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Annamaria Giraldi
- Sexological Clinic, Mental Health Center Copenhagen, Copenhagen University Hospital-Mental Health Services CPH, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, 2200, Denmark
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, 50100, Italy
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Efstathiou M, Delicato LS, Sedda A. Emotional body representations: more pronounced effect of hands at a more explicit level of awareness. Exp Brain Res 2024:10.1007/s00221-024-06839-2. [PMID: 38760470 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-024-06839-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
To understand conditions such as body dysmorphic disorder, we need to understand healthy individuals' perceptual, conceptual, and emotional representations of their bodies. Not much is known about the differences in these representations across body districts, for example, hands, feet, and whole-body, despite their differences at sensory and functional levels. To understand this, we developed more implicit and explicit measures of body satisfaction for these body districts. Sixty-seven participants (age M = 30.66, SD = 11.19) completed a series of online Implicit Association Tests (IAT) and a Body Image Satisfaction Visual Analogue Scale (BISVAS; explicit) for each body district (hands/feet/whole body). The results show no differences in the more implicit level of awareness in hands, feet and whole body, while differences are apparent at a more explicit level of awareness, with higher scores for body image satisfaction for the hands than the whole body and marginally significant lower scores for feet than hands. Those findings suggest that visual attention, level of concern attributed to a body district, and disgust drivers are possible factors affecting the experience of attitudinal body image satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myrto Efstathiou
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Louise S Delicato
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Anna Sedda
- Centre for Applied Behavioural Sciences, Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Campus, Edinburgh, UK
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8
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Fisher AD, Ristori J, Romani A, Cassioli E, Mazzoli F, Cocchetti C, Pierdominici M, Marconi M, Ricca V, Maggi M, Vignozzi L, Castellini G. Back to the Future: Is GnRHa Treatment in Transgender and Gender Diverse Adolescents Only an Extended Evaluation Phase? J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:1565-1579. [PMID: 38099569 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT The role of body modifications induced by gonadal suppression in transgender and gender diverse adolescents on psychological functioning has not yet been evaluated. OBJECTIVE The main aim of the present study was to explore several hormone, physical and psychological functioning changes during gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment in transgender and gender diverse adolescents (TGDAs). The potential relationship between the physical and hormone effects of GnRHa and psychological well-being, along with its magnitude, was assessed for the first time. METHODS This prospective multidisciplinary study included 36 TGDA (22 assigned female at birth, and 14 assigned male at birth) who received psychological assessment followed by triptorelin prescription after referring to the Florence Gender Clinic. This study consisted of 3 time points: first referral (T0), psychological assessment (T1); and treatment with intramuscular injections of triptorelin for 3 up to 12 months (T2). Psychometric questionnaires were administered at each time point, and clinical and biochemical evaluations were performed at T1 and T2. RESULTS The following results were found: (1) GnRHa showed efficacy in inhibiting puberty progression in TGDAs; (2) an increase in psychopathology was observed before starting GnRHa (T1) compared with baseline levels; (3) during GnRHa treatment (T2), a significant improvement in psychological functioning, as well as decrease in suicidality, body uneasiness, depression, and anxiety levels were observed; (4) hormone and physical changes (in terms of gonadotropin and sex steroid levels, height and body mass index percentiles, waist-hip ratio, and acne severity) observed during triptorelin treatment significantly correlated with a reduction in suicidal ideation, anxiety, and body image concerns. CONCLUSION Psychological improvement in TGDA on GnRHa seems to be related to the objective body changes induced by a GnRHa. Therefore, the rationale for treatment with a GnRHa may not only be considered an extension of the evaluation phase, but also the start of a medical (even if reversible) gender-affirming path, especially in TGDAs whose puberty has already progressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra D Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Jiska Ristori
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence 50139, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Alessia Romani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence 50139, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50100, Italy
| | - Francesca Mazzoli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence 50139, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Carlotta Cocchetti
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence 50139, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Marina Pierdominici
- Reference Center for Gender Medicine, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Matteo Marconi
- Reference Center for Gender Medicine, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome 00161, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50100, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Florence University Hospital, Florence 50139, Italy
- Department of Experimental, Clinical, and Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50139, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence 50100, Italy
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9
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Cantoni C, Salaris A, Monti A, Porciello G, Aglioti SM. Probing corporeal awareness in women through virtual reality induction of embreathment illusion. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9302. [PMID: 38654060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59766-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
We capitalized on the respiratory bodily illusion that we discovered in a previous study and called 'Embreathment' where we showed that breathing modulates corporeal awareness in men. Despite the relevance of the issue, no such studies are available in women. To bridge this gap, we tested whether the synchronization of avatar-participant respiration patterns influenced females' bodily awareness. We collected cardiac and respiratory interoceptive measures, administered body (dis)satisfaction questionnaires, and tracked participants' menstrual cycles via a mobile app. Our approach allowed us to characterize the 'Embreathment' illusion in women, and explore the relationships between menstrual cycle, interoception and body image. We found that breathing was as crucial as visual appearance in eliciting feelings of ownership and held greater significance than any other cue with respect to body agency in both women and men. Moreover, a positive correlation between menstrual cycle days and body image concerns, and a negative correlation between interoceptive sensibility and body dissatisfaction were found, confirming that women's body dissatisfaction arises during the last days of menstrual cycle and is associated with interoception. These findings have potential implications for corporeal awareness alterations in clinical conditions like eating disorders and schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cantoni
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179, Rome, Italy.
| | - Andrea Salaris
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Monti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Porciello
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Aglioti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179, Rome, Italy
- CLN2S@Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Sapienza University Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
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10
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Ballerini M, Rossi E, Cassioli E, Tarchi L, Marchesi C, Tonna M, Stanghellini G, Ricca V, Castellini G. Psychotic-like anomalous self-experiences in feeding and eating disorders: Their role in eating psychopathology through the mediation of body uneasiness and embodiment and identity disorders. Early Interv Psychiatry 2024. [PMID: 38613397 DOI: 10.1111/eip.13527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotic-like anomalous self-experiences (ASEs) are core and early features of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, which have been recently also postulated to underlie embodiment disturbance in feeding and eating disorders (FEDs). The present study was aimed at investigating the interplay between ASEs and specific psychopathology in FED. METHODS Ninety persons with Anorexia Nervosa and 41 with Bulimia Nervosa were evaluated with the inventory of psychotic-like anomalous self-experiences (IPASE), identity and eating disorders (IDEA), body uneasiness test (BUT), and eating disorder examination questionnaire (EDE-Q). The same assessment was performed for 92 subjects recruited from the general population. Structural equation modelling was employed to test the role of embodiment/identity disorders in mediating the relationship between ASEs and ED psychopathology. RESULTS Patients with FED displayed high scores on IPASE, comparable with people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. A significant correlation was also demonstrated between IPASE, BUT and EDE-Q. All IPASE domains were strongly related to feeling extraneous from one's own body by IDEA. All IPASE domains demonstrated a high relationship with BUT Depersonalization scale. A strong correlation was also reported between total scores of IPASE and IDEA. The mediation model confirmed that ASEs impact on FED symptomatology through the mediation of both embodiment/identity disorders and body image. DISCUSSION Anomalous interoceptive processes may represent the first step of a maladaptive process-impairing embodiment, selfhood, and identity in FED. Assessment of ASEs might be a valid tool to identify an early-shared vulnerability of severe disorders characterized by embodiment alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Livio Tarchi
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Carlo Marchesi
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neuroscience, University of Parma Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - Matteo Tonna
- Department of Mental Health, Local Health Service, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neuroscience, University of Parma Ospedale Maggiore, Parma, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stanghellini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
- Centro de Estudios de Fenomenologìa y Psiquiatrìa, 'Diego Portales' University, Santiago, Chile
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Tempia Valenta S, Rapezzi M, Marcolini F, Speciani M, Giordani G, De Panfilis C, De Ronchi D, Atti AR. Assessing motivation for treatment in eating disorders: psychometric validation of the Italian version of the Autonomous and Controlled Motivation for Treatment Questionnaire (ACMTQ-ITA). Eat Weight Disord 2024; 29:23. [PMID: 38573529 PMCID: PMC10995063 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-024-01653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment resistance is a significant challenge in addressing eating disorders (EDs). The Autonomous and Controlled Motivation for Treatment Questionnaire (ACMTQ) has been previously validated in ED populations to assess patients' motivation for treatment. This study aimed to validate the ACMTQ in the Italian language (ACMTQ-ITA) and evaluate its psychometric properties. METHODS We recruited a clinical sample of adults aged 18 or older, diagnosed with EDs, proficient in the Italian language, and providing written informed consent. Participants with psychiatric comorbidities such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder were excluded from the study. Validity of the ACMTQ-ITA was assessed using reliability analysis with Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω estimates, and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). RESULTS Results from the reliability analysis confirmed the internal consistency of the Autonomous Motivation (AM) factor (α = 0.82, ω = 0.82), the Controlled Motivation (CM) factor (α = 0.76, ω = 0.77), and the ACMTQ-ITA overall score (α = 0.79). The CFA confirmed the two-factor solution (i.e., AM and CM) identified in the original validation of the ACMTQ (Comparative Fit Index = 0.92, Akaike Information Criterion = 3427.26, Bayesian Information Criterion = 3486.82; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.08, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.09). CONCLUSION The ACMTQ-ITA emerged as a valid and reliable tool for measuring motivation for treatment in individuals with EDs. Its implementation may facilitate the comprehension of treatment motivation, offering valuable clinical insights and implications for health management practices. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V, descriptive studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Tempia Valenta
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Matilde Rapezzi
- Department of Management, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Federica Marcolini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Speciani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gabriele Giordani
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara De Panfilis
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Diana De Ronchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Viale Pepoli 5, 40123, Bologna, Italy
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Hamamoto Y, Oba K, Ishibashi R, Ding Y, Nouchi R, Sugiura M. Reduced body-image disturbance by body-image interventions is associated with neural-response changes in visual and social processing regions: a preliminary study. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1337776. [PMID: 38510808 PMCID: PMC10951070 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1337776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Body-image disturbance is a major factor in the development of eating disorders, especially among young women. There are two main components: perceptual disturbance, characterized by a discrepancy between perceived and actual body size, and affective disturbance, characterized by a discrepancy between perceived and ideal body size. Interventions targeting body-image disturbance ask individuals to describe their own body without using negative expressions when either viewing it in a mirror or imagining it. Despite the importance of reducing body-image disturbance, its neural mechanisms remain unclear. Here we investigated the changes in neural responses before and after an intervention. We hypothesized that neural responses correlated with the degree of body-image disturbance would also be related to its reduction, i.e., a reduction in perceptual and affective disturbances would be related to changes in attentional and socio-cognitive processing, respectively. Methods Twenty-eight young adult women without known psychiatric disorders underwent a single 40-min intervention. Participants completed tasks before and after the intervention, in which they estimated their perceived and ideal body sizes using distorted silhouette images to measure body-image disturbance. We analyzed the behavioral and neural responses of participants during the tasks. Results The intervention did not significantly reduce body-image disturbance. Analysis of individual differences showed distinct changes in neural responses for each type of disturbance. A decrease in perceptual disturbance was associated with bodily visuospatial processing: increased activation in the left superior parietal lobule, bilateral occipital gyri, and right cuneus. Reduced affective disturbance was associated with socio-cognitive processing; decreased activation in the right temporoparietal junction, and increased functional connectivity between the left extrastriate body area and the right precuneus. Discussion We identified distinct neural mechanisms (bodily visuospatial and socio-cognitive processing) associated with the reduction in each component of body-image disturbance. Our results imply that different neural mechanisms are related to reduced perceptual disturbance and the expression thereof, whereas similar neural mechanisms are related to the reduction and expression of affective disturbance. Considering the small sample size of this study, our results should be regarded as preliminary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumi Hamamoto
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Oba
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryo Ishibashi
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yi Ding
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
- School of Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Rui Nouchi
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Motoaki Sugiura
- Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
- International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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De Caro EF, Grassi M, Di Blas L. Body Uneasiness, Body Figure Perception, and Body Weight: Factor Structure and Longitudinal Measurement Invariance of a Set of Attitudinal and Perceptual Body Image Assessment Tools in Adolescents. Assessment 2024; 31:377-396. [PMID: 37026621 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231162355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Body image is a multifaceted construct that includes attitudinal and perceptual components, but its attention has mainly been focused on the facet of body dissatisfaction. The present longitudinal study extended the validation of a multifacet attitudinal questionnaire, the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), against perceptions of body shape and weight. A convenient sample of adolescents took part in a 2-year unbalanced panel study (5 waves). The participants completed the BUT questionnaire and selected their perceived actual, ideal, and reflected body figures along the Contour Drawing Rating Scale; ideal/actual and ideal/normative body mass index discrepancies were also included. After replicating the expected five-factor structure of the BUT items, results from confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the five BUT scales loaded on an attitudinal dimension, whereas the perceived body figures and the discrepancy indices were on a perceptive domain. Such a two-domain structure of body image measures showed gender and seasonal (1-year) measurement invariance, whereas longitudinal 6-month and 18-month invariance partially failed. Overall, the present findings support the validity of the Body Uneasiness Test in adolescence, further demonstrating a preliminary multidimensional structure of body image onto which attitudinal and perceptual body image-related measures were projected.
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Cappelletto P, Luca LD, Taddei B, Taddei S, Nocentini A, Pisano T. COVID-19 pandemic impact among adolescents with eating disorders referred to Italian psychiatric unit. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIC NURSING 2024; 37:e12440. [PMID: 37737719 DOI: 10.1111/jcap.12440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
PROBLEM The COVID-19 pandemic has triggered or exacerbated eating disorders (EDs), especially in adolescents. This study examined the prevalence of admissions of patients with EDs at the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit from the pre-COVID-19 pandemic to March 2023 and explored the differences in dimensions of ED's symptomatology according to the year of access. METHODS We included 174 children and adolescents, 94.3% females and 5.7% males, with a diagnosis of ED (Mage = 14.87; SD = 1.72). The Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT) and Youth Self Report ASEBA (YSR) were assessed. A one-way analysis of variance test was performed. FINDINGS EDs' hospitalization prevalence was higher in the years 2020 and 2021 compared to pre-COVID-19 and the year 2022. Considering the ED psychopathology (EDI-3), findings showed a higher score in the dimension of the push to thinness, body dissatisfaction, asceticism, and fear of maturity in the year 2021 compared to pre-pandemic. Regarding the discomfort related to the image of one's own body (BUT), results showed an increase in the global severity index in the year 2022 compared to pre-pandemic and in weight phobia in the year 2021 compared to the year 2020. Concerning the internalizing symptoms (YSR), a tendency was found for withdrawal/depression, with higher levels in the year 2022 compared to the year 2020. CONCLUSIONS Our study highlighted the increase of different types of EDs symptomatology related to concerns about weight, especially 2 and 3 years after the outbreak of the pandemic, on which the literature is still scarce, especially in the Italian context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Cappelletto
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Lisa De Luca
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Benedetta Taddei
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Taddei
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
| | - Annalaura Nocentini
- Department of Education, Languages, Intercultures, Literatures and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pisano
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS, Florence, Italy
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Galletti C, Lombardo C, LA Barbiera C, Boronat-Català M, Almiñana-Pastor PJ, Sala Fernàndez C, Ramírez-Sebastià A, Muscatello MR, Bruno A, Mento C. Dental anxiety, Quality of Life and body image: gender differences in Italian and Spanish population. Minerva Dent Oral Sci 2024; 73:14-19. [PMID: 37878239 DOI: 10.23736/s2724-6329.23.04820-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dental anxiety is an excessive and irrational negative emotional state experienced by population; the dental anxiety is common throughout the lifespan and is an obstacle to improving oral health behaviors and outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess gender differences in dental anxiety and to investigate if oral health impacts patients' Quality of Life and the perception of their body image. METHODS The sample consisted of 366 subjects selected in Italy and Spain (January 2021-September 2021). For this study, data were gathered using Google Forms (Google LLC, Mountain View, CA, USA). Data were collected including the Dental Anxiety Scale (DAS), Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaires and Body Uneasiness Test. RESULTS Women showed higher scores than men for the dental anxiety. The regression analysis showed that gender, age, and Oral Health Impact are predictors of "dental anxiety." A borderline significance emerges for the independent variable body uneasiness. CONCLUSIONS The dental anxiety is widespread in the population, with a higher prevalence among women and increases with increasing age. It can negatively affect patients' Quality of Life, well-being, and self-esteem. These results underline the importance of addressing both individual and group strategies for preventing or treating dental anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosimo Galletti
- School of Dentistry, Department of Integrated Dentistry, International University of Catalonia, San Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Clara Lombardo
- Unit of Psychiatry, Polyclinic G. Martino University Hospital, Messina, Italy
| | | | - Montserrat Boronat-Català
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Pedro J Almiñana-Pastor
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Cristina Sala Fernàndez
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Anais Ramírez-Sebastià
- School of Dentistry, Department of Endodontic and Restorative Dentistry, International University of Catalonia, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maria Ra Muscatello
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Antonio Bruno
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmela Mento
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Messina, Italy -
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Bottaro R, Valenti GD, Faraci P. Internet Addiction and Psychological Distress: Can Social Networking Site Addiction Affect Body Uneasiness Across Gender? A Mediation Model. EUROPES JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 20:41-62. [PMID: 38487602 PMCID: PMC10936664 DOI: 10.5964/ejop.10273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The Internet, with its unlimited information, revolutionary communication capabilities, and innovative potential to expand knowledge, is ubiquitous throughout the world, but it also has significant implications for users' mental health. Given the not yet clearly defined and distinguishable nosographic categories of online addiction and the resulting difficulties in describing the impact on users' mental health, the present cross-sectional study aimed to gain new insights into the relationship between Internet addiction (especially social networking site [SNS] addiction), psychological distress, and physical discomfort, as well as gender differences in impact among users. Method A sample of 583 Italian speakers (50.8% males; 48.7% females) with a mean age of 30.96 (SD = 12.12) completed an online survey in July 2021. A set of psychometric self-report instruments was administered to assess the study variables. Mediation analyses were performed for both the whole sample and across genders. Results The study found that men exhibited higher levels of Internet addiction and craving than women, but no differences were found for SNS addiction. Furthermore, indicators of psychological distress (i.e., anxiety, depression, stress, loneliness, insomnia, and self-esteem) mediated the association between SNS addiction and body uneasiness, with slight differences across genders. Conclusion This paper contributes to the existing literature on online addictive behaviors by also highlighting gender differences. The findings underscore the need for educational experiences that can prevent problematic use of the Internet and SNSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Bottaro
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Enna “Kore”, Enna, Italy
| | - Giusy Danila Valenti
- Department of Psychological, Educational Sciences and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Palmira Faraci
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Enna “Kore”, Enna, Italy
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Maseroli E, Verde N, Cipriani S, Rastrelli G, Alfaroli C, Ravelli SA, Costeniero D, Scairati R, Minnetti M, Petraglia F, Auriemma RS, Nappi RE, Maggi M, Vignozzi L. Low prolactin level identifies hypoactive sexual desire disorder women with a reduced inhibition profile. J Endocrinol Invest 2023; 46:2481-2492. [PMID: 37204690 PMCID: PMC10632269 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02101-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Data on the role of prolactin (PRL) in the physiologic range in the female sexual response are scanty. We aimed at investigating the association between PRL and sexual function as assessed by the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). We explored the presence of a cut-off level of PRL able to identify Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD). METHODS 277 pre- and post-menopausal women consulting for Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) and sexually active were enrolled in an observational, retrospective study. 42 women were used as no-FSD controls. A clinical, biochemical and psychosexual evaluation was performed. The main outcome measures were: FSFI, Female Sexual Distress Scale-Revised, Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire and Sexual excitation/sexual inhibition scale (SIS/SES). RESULTS Normo-PRL FSD women (n = 264) showed lower FSFI Desire score than controls (n = 42), and higher than hyper-PRL FSD women (n = 13). These differences emerged both in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal subjects. In the normo-PRL FSD group, those with PRL in the higher quintile reported higher FSFI Desire scores than those with PRL in the lowest quintile. Women with HSDD presented a lower PRL level than those without (p = 0.032). A ROC curve analysis for PRL showed an accuracy of 0.610 ± 0.044 (p = 0.014) in predicting HSDD. With a threshold of < 9.83 μg/L, sensitivity and specificity for HSDD were 63% and 56%, respectively. Subjects with PRL < 9.83 μg/L also reported lower sexual inhibition (p = 0.006) and lower cortisol levels (p = 0.003) than those with PRL > = 9.83 μg/L. CONCLUSIONS Hyper-PRL is associated with low desire; however, among normo-PRL FSD women, those with the lowest levels demonstrated a poorer desire than those with the highest levels. PRL < 9.83 μg/L predicted HSDD and a lower sexual inhibitory trait.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Maseroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi, Florence, Italy
| | - N Verde
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - S Cipriani
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - G Rastrelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - C Alfaroli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - S A Ravelli
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - D Costeniero
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - R Scairati
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - M Minnetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - F Petraglia
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - R S Auriemma
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Sezione di Endocrinologia, Unità di Andrologia e Medicina della Riproduzione e della Sessualità Maschile e Femminile (FERTISEXCARES), Università Federico II di Napoli, Naples, Italy
| | - R E Nappi
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - L Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
- I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy.
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Toto V, Scarabosio A, Alessandri-Bonetti M, Albanese R, Persichetti P. Combined Surgery (Mommy-Makeover) Compared to Single Procedure (Abdominoplasty) in After-Pregnancy Women: A Prospective Study on Risks and Benefits. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2023; 47:2533-2542. [PMID: 37612475 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-023-03579-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mommy-makeover is becoming very popular to help them reshaping their own bodies and restoring self-perception, hardly stressed by childbearing-related changes. However, debate exists in the literature concerning safety and aesthetic outcome in patients undergoing combined procedures. The study aims to shed a light on advantages and disadvantages in mommy-makeover technique compared to conventional abdominoplasty with a particular attention to psychological aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS In total, 37 women were enrolled at Campus Bio-Medico Hospital in Rome between October 2019 and January 2022. All of the patients were eligible for both abdominoplasty only and mommy-makeover. We proposed to the patients both procedures explaining risks and benefits; then, based on the preference of the single patient, we performed either mommy-makeover (Group A) or abdominoplasty alone (Group B). In order to evaluate patients' satisfaction and safety, multiple questionnaires were administered 9-month postoperatively (BUT, POSAS, visual perception, etc.). RESULTS The sample analyzed was composed of 37 patients (treatment group = 18, control group = 19). In the pre-post comparisons of BUT-A performed, there were statistically significant differences recorded in both groups and for all observed variables. The significance values were all less than 1% (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Combined surgery proved not to be inferior in terms of patient safety. At the same time, the effectiveness in improving diastasis-related symptoms is fully comparable with single surgery. Treatment group showcases a considerable superiority in terms of body-image perception improvement and overall patient satisfaction. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Toto
- Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
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Meneguzzo P, Dal Brun D, Collantoni E, Meregalli V, Todisco P, Favaro A, Tenconi E. Linguistic embodiment in typical and atypical anorexia nervosa: Evidence from an image-word matching task. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2023; 31:837-849. [PMID: 37415396 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The integration of sensory, motor, and cognitive systems is embodied cognition, according to which mind and body are not separate and distinct, and our body (and our brain, as part of the body) contributes to determining our mental and cognitive processes. In spite of limited data available, Anorexia nervosa (AN) appears as a condition in which embodied cognition is altered, in particular, if we consider bodily sensations and visuospatial information processing. We aimed to evaluate the ability to correctly identify body parts and actions in both full (AN) and atypical AN (AAN), looking at the role of the underweight status. METHOD A group of 143 females (AN = 45, AAN = 43, unaffected women = 55) was enrolled. All participants performed a linguistic embodied task to evaluate the association between a picture-showing a bodily action-and a written verb. Additionally, a subsample of 24 AN participants performed a retest after stable weight recovery. RESULTS Both AN and AAN demonstrated an abnormal ability to evaluate the picture-written verb associations, especially if the involved bodily effectors were the same in both stimuli (i.e., pictorial and verbal) and needed a longer response time. CONCLUSIONS Specific embodied cognition linked to body schema seems to be impaired in persons with AN. The longitudinal analysis showed a difference between AN and AAN only in the underweight condition, suggesting the presence of an abnormal linguistic embodiment. More attention should be devoted to embodiment during AN treatment to improve bodily cognition, which might, in turn, diminish body misperception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - David Dal Brun
- Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Enrico Collantoni
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Meregalli
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Angela Favaro
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Tenconi
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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20
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Todisco P, Meneguzzo P, Garolla A, Antoniades A, Vogazianos P, Tozzi F. Preparing for the next pandemic by understanding the impact of COVID-19 mitigation measures on patients with eating Disorders: observations from an inpatient setting. Int J Psychiatry Clin Pract 2023; 27:323-329. [PMID: 37293936 DOI: 10.1080/13651501.2023.2221318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic overwhelmed eating disorder (ED) services worldwide. Data suggests a worsening of psychopathology and an increased request for specialised treatments. Still, the studies are mostly based on experimental protocols with underpowered short-term opportunistic experimental designs. Thus, this study aims to assess the clinical and psychological differences between patients admitted to a specialised ED Unit before and after the COVID-19 breakout. METHODS Consecutive patients admitted from June 2014 to February 2022 in a specialised EDs Unit were enrolled. A total sample of 498 individuals was enrolled in this retrospective study, collecting demographic and psychopathological data at admission. RESULTS An increase in the admission of patients with anorexia nervosa has been reported, with lower age and higher levels of specific and general psychopathology, especially linked to body uneasiness. CONCLUSIONS Results are put into the context of the preparation for the next pandemic that may require similar mitigation measures as COVID-19 to ensure the impact on existing and new patients. Covering an extended period with validated tools, our results might help psychiatric services to reassess their treatment pathways after the pandemic, helping clinicians to delineate future treatment interventions.KEYPOINTSAfter the COVID-19 breakdown, there was an increase in the admission of patients with anorexia nervosa to specialised services.More severe psychopathology was not accompanied by lower body mass index.Specialised eating disorders services should face sudden changes in patients' requests for treatment.Understanding the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and the resulting mitigation measures taken can lead to better preparations for the next pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura 'Villa Margherita', Arcugnano, VI, Italy
| | - Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Garolla
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura 'Villa Margherita', Arcugnano, VI, Italy
| | | | - Paris Vogazianos
- Behavioral Sciences Department, European University, Egkomi, Cyprus
| | - Federica Tozzi
- Research & Development, Stremble Ventures LTD, Limassol, Cyprus
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21
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Paramento M, Rubega M, Di Marco R, Contessa P, Agostini M, Cantele F, Masiero S, Formaggio E. Experimental protocol to investigate cortical, muscular and body representation alterations in adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0292864. [PMID: 37824513 PMCID: PMC10569634 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0292864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is the most common form of scoliosis. AIS is a three-dimensional morphological spinal deformity that affects approximately 1-3% of adolescents. Not all factors related to the etiology of AIS have yet been identified. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this experimental protocol is to quantitatively investigate alterations in body representation in AIS, and to quantitatively and objectively track the changes in body sensorimotor representation due to treatment. METHODS Adolescent girls with a confirmed diagnosis of mild (Cobb angle: 10°-20°) or moderate (21°-35°) scoliosis as well as age and sex-matched controls will be recruited. Participants will be asked to perform a 6-min upright standing and two tasks-named target reaching and forearm bisection task. Eventually, subjects will fill in a self-report questionnaire and a computer-based test to assess body image. This evaluation will be repeated after 6 and 12 months of treatment (i.e., partial or full-time brace and physiotherapy corrective postural exercises). RESULTS We expect that theta brain rhythm in the central brain areas, alpha brain rhythm lateralization and body representation will change over time depending on treatment and scoliosis progression as a compensatory strategy to overcome a sensorimotor dysfunction. We also expect asymmetric activation of the trunk muscle during reaching tasks and decreased postural stability in AIS. CONCLUSIONS Quantitatively assess the body representation at different time points during AIS treatment may provide new insights on the pathophysiology and etiology of scoliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matilde Paramento
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Maria Rubega
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Di Marco
- Department of Engineering for Innovation Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Contessa
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Agostini
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Cantele
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Stefano Masiero
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Orthopedic Rehabilitation Unit, Padova University Hospital, Padova, Italy
- Ospedale Riabilitativo di Alta Specializzazione di Motta di Livenza, Motta di Livenza, Treviso, Italy
| | - Emanuela Formaggio
- Department of Neurosciences, Section of Rehabilitation, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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22
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Federico B, Federica S, Ilaria B, Valentina V, Gianluca C, Emanuela A, Sandra S, Leonardo M. Short-term effects of a multidisciplinary inpatient intensive rehabilitation treatment on body image in anorexia nervosa. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:178. [PMID: 37803403 PMCID: PMC10559592 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Positive changes in weight gain and eating pathology were reported after inpatient treatments for anorexia nervosa (AN). However, changes in the physical body do not always mirror changes in the imagined body. Here, the effect of a treatment focused on body image (BI) was described. METHODS This retrospective observational study had a quasi-experimental pre-post design without the control group. During the treatment, participants (N = 72) undertake a variety of activities focused on BI. The main outcome was tested through the Body Uneasiness Test. RESULTS At the end of the treatment, BI uneasiness decreased with a significant increase in weight gain. CONCLUSION This study highlights the positive short-term effect of a multidisciplinary inpatient intensive rehabilitation treatment on BI in AN. We encourage to design of psychological treatments focusing on the cognitive and emotional bodily representation (i.e. the body in the mind) to increase physical well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brusa Federico
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy.
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy.
| | - Scarpina Federica
- "Rita Levi Montalcini" Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. di Neurologia e Neuroriabilitazione, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
| | - Bastoni Ilaria
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
| | - Villa Valentina
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
| | - Castelnuovo Gianluca
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Laboratorio di Psicologia, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
- Psychology Department, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Milan, Italy
| | - Apicella Emanuela
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
| | - Savino Sandra
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
| | - Mendolicchio Leonardo
- I.R.C.C.S. Istituto Auxologico Italiano, U.O. dei Disturbi del Comportamento Alimentare, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Piancavallo, VCO, Italy
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23
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Burgon RH, Beard J, Waller G. Body image concerns across different sports and sporting levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Body Image 2023; 46:9-31. [PMID: 37172557 DOI: 10.1016/j.bodyim.2023.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Mixed findings exist regarding whether athletes have different levels of body image concerns to non-athletes. Such body image concerns have not been reviewed recently, meaning that new findings need to be incorporated into our understanding of the adult sporting population. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed first to characterise body image in adult athletes versus non-athletes, and second to explore whether specific sub-groups of athletes report different body image concerns. Impact of gender and competition level were considered. A systematic search identified 21 relevant papers, mostly rated moderate quality. Following a narrative review, a meta-analysis was conducted to quantify the outcomes. While the narrative synthesis indicated possible differences between types of sport, the meta-analysis demonstrated that athletes in general reported lower body image concerns than non-athletes. In general, athletes had a better body image than non-athletes, with no reliable differences between different type of sport. A combination of prevention and intervention strategies might assist athletes in focusing on the benefits to their body image without encouraging restriction/compensation or overeating. Future research should define comparison groups clearly, along with attending to training background/intensity, external pressures, gender and gender identity.
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24
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Vabba A, Porciello G, Panasiti MS, Aglioti SM. Development and validation of the Exteroceptive Body Awareness (EBA-q) questionnaire. PeerJ 2023; 11:e15382. [PMID: 37641601 PMCID: PMC10460568 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The conscious processing of body signals influences higher-order psychological and cognitive functions, including self-awareness. Dysfunctions in the processing of these signals has been connected to neurological and psychiatric disorders characterized by altered states of self-consciousness. Studies indicate that perceiving the body through interoceptive signals (e.g., from internal organs such as heartbeat and breathing) is distinct from perceiving the body through exteroceptive signals (e.g., by relying on visual, tactile and olfactory cues). While questionnaires are available for assessing interoception, there are no validated self-report instruments for measuring bodily exterception. To fill this gap, we performed three studies to develop and validate a novel scale designed to assess bodily self-consciousness based on the processing of exteroceptive bodily signals. Exploratory factor analysis (Study 1, N = 302) led to an 18-item questionnaire comprised of four factors. We called this instrument Exteroceptive Body Awareness questionnaire (EBA-q). Confirmatory factor analysis (Study 2, N = 184) run on a second sample showed an acceptable fit for a bifactor model, suggesting researchers may use the questionnaire as a unidimensional scale reflecting exteroceptive bodily self-consciousness, or use each of its four sub-scales, reflecting "visuo-tactile body awareness", "spatial coordination", "awareness of body changes" and "awareness of clothing fit". Overall EBA-q showed good internal consistency. Convergent and divergent validity were assessed via cross-validation with existing body awareness questionnaires (Study 3, N = 366) and behavioral measures (Study 3, N = 64) of exteroceptive and interoceptive bodily self-consciousness. Research applications are discussed within a multi-faceted model of exteroception and interoception as distinct, but at the same time interconnected, dimensions of bodily self-consciousness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha Vabba
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and CLN2S@Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Porciello
- IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Serena Panasiti
- IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Salvatore Maria Aglioti
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome and CLN2S@Sapienza, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS, Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
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25
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Ursumando L, Ponzo V, Monteleone AM, Menghini D, Fucà E, Lazzaro G, Esposito R, Picazio S, Koch G, Zanna V, Vicari S, Costanzo F. The efficacy of non-invasive brain stimulation in the treatment of children and adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: study protocol of a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial. J Eat Disord 2023; 11:127. [PMID: 37533058 PMCID: PMC10394844 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-023-00852-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current psychological and pharmacological treatments for Anorexia Nervosa (AN) provide only moderate effective support, and there is an urgent need for research to improve therapies, especially in developing age. Non-invasive brain stimulation has suggested to have the potential to reducing AN symptomatology, via targeting brain alterations, such as hyperactivity of right prefrontal cortex (PFC). We suppose that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to the PFC may be effective in children and adolescents with AN. METHODS We will conduct a randomized, double blind, add-on, placebo-controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of tDCS treatment on clinical improvement. We will also investigate brain mechanisms and biomarkers changes acting in AN after tDCS treatment. Eighty children or adolescent with AN (age range 10-18 years) will undergo treatment-as-usual including psychiatric, nutritional and psychological support, plus tDCS treatment (active or sham) to PFC (F3 anode/F4 cathode), for six weeks, delivered three times a week. Psychological, neurophysiological and physiological measures will be collected at baseline and at the end of treatment. Participants will be followed-up one, three, six months and one year after the end of treatment. Psychological measures will include parent- and self-report questionnaires on AN symptomatology and other psychopathological symptoms. Neurophysiological measures will include transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) with electroencephalography and paired pulse TMS and repetitive TMS to investigate changes in PFC connectivity, reactivity and plasticity after treatment. Physiological measures will include changes in the functioning of the endogenous stress response system, body mass index (BMI) and nutritional state. DISCUSSION We expect that tDCS treatment to improve clinical outcome by reducing the symptoms of AN assessed as changes in Eating Disorder Risk composite score of the Eating Disorder Inventory-3. We also expect that at baseline there will be differences between the right and left hemisphere in some electrophysiological measures and that such differences will be reduced after tDCS treatment. Finally, we expect a reduction of endogenous stress response and an improvement in BMI and nutritional status after tDCS treatment. This project would provide scientific foundation for new treatment perspectives in AN in developmental age, as well as insight into brain mechanisms acting in AN and its recovery. Trial registration The study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT05674266) and ethical approval for the study was granted by the local research ethics committee (process number 763_OPBG_2014).
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Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Ursumando
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Ponzo
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Deny Menghini
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Fucà
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Lazzaro
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Romina Esposito
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Lab, IRCCS S. Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Picazio
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Lab, IRCCS S. Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Department of Psychology, University "Sapienza" of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giacomo Koch
- Experimental Neuropsychophysiology Lab, IRCCS S. Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
- Section of Human Phisiology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Valeria Zanna
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Vicari
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Science and Public Health, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Costanzo
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
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26
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Ambrosecchia M, Ardizzi M, Russo EC, Ditaranto F, Speciale M, Vinai P, Todisco P, Maestro S, Gallese V. Bodily self-recognition and body size overestimation in restrictive anorexia nervosa: implicit and explicit mechanisms. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1197319. [PMID: 37519354 PMCID: PMC10380935 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1197319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
It is widely known that among others, a pervasive symptom characterizing anorexia nervosa (AN) concerns body image overestimation, which largely contributes to the onset and maintenance of eating disorders. In the present study, we investigated the nature of the body image distortion by recording accuracy and reaction times in both a group of healthy controls and AN patients during two validated tasks requiring an implicit or explicit recognition of self/other hand stimuli, in which the perceived size of the stimuli was manipulated. Our results showed that (1) the perceived size of hand stimuli modulated both the implicit and explicit processing of body parts in both groups; (2) the implicit self-advantage emerged in both groups, but the bodily self, at an explicit level (perceptual, psycho-affective, cognitive) together with the integration and the distinction between self and other, was altered only in restrictive anorexia patients. Although further investigations will be necessary, these findings shed new light on the relationship between the different layers of self-experience and bodily self-disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Ambrosecchia
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Martina Ardizzi
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisa Caterina Russo
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura, “Villa Margherita”, Arcugnano, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Francesca Ditaranto
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Fondazione Stella Maris, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | - Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura, “Villa Margherita”, Arcugnano, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Sandra Maestro
- Comunità ad alta Intensità di Cura per Minori con DNA “Gli Orti di Ada”, Calambrone, Italy
| | - Vittorio Gallese
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Italian Academy for Advanced Studies in America, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
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27
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Carpinelli L, Savarese G, Pascale B, Milano WD, Iovino P. Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders and Anorexia Nervosa: Psychopathological Asset, Disgust, and Gastrointestinal Symptoms. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15112501. [PMID: 37299464 DOI: 10.3390/nu15112501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are very common in subjects with eating disorders (EDs). This study aimed to (a) investigate the prevalence of gut-brain interaction disorders (DGBIs) in anorexia nervosa (AN) patients, according to ROME IV criteria; and (b) explore AN psychopathological assets and disgust that might impact GI symptoms. METHODS Thirty-eight female patients consecutively diagnosed with untreated AN (age 19.32 ± 5.59) in an outpatient clinic devoted to EDs underwent Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Social Phobia Anxiety Scale (SPAS), Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and Disgust Scale (DS) questionnaires. The presence of DGBIs was evaluated and GI symptoms were assessed using a standardized intensity-frequency questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 94.7% of our sample met the diagnostic criteria for functional dyspepsia (FD), of which 88.8% presented the postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) subtype and 41.6% presented the epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) subtype. In addition, 52.6% of the sample met the diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while for functional constipation (FC), prevalence reached 7.9%. All participants presented a pathological score on the disgust scale. Significant correlations were found between several GI symptoms and psychopathological asset and disgust. CONCLUSIONS AN is a multifactorial disorder. It is necessary to implement studies with an integrated approach, taking into account DGBIs, as well as to monitor the emotional-cognitive structure that acts as a factor in maintaining the disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luna Carpinelli
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Giulia Savarese
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | - Biagio Pascale
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
| | | | - Paola Iovino
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", Baronissi Campus, University of Salerno, 84081 Baronissi, Italy
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28
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Palermo M, Rancourt D. Anxiety, body dissatisfaction, and exercise identity: Differentiating between adaptive and compulsive exercise. Eat Behav 2023; 49:101755. [PMID: 37235995 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2023.101755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Little is known about psychosocial variables that may be differentially associated with compulsive exercise versus adaptive exercise. The current study simultaneously examined associations of exercise identity, anxiety, and body dissatisfaction with both compulsive and adaptive exercise behaviors and investigated which construct may account for the most unique variance in compulsive and adaptive exercise. Hypotheses were that: 1) body dissatisfaction, anxiety, and exercise identity would be significantly associated with compulsive exercise and 2) exercise identity would be significantly associated with adaptive exercise. METHOD A total of 446 individuals (50.2 % female) completed reports of compulsive exercise, adaptive exercise, body dissatisfaction, exercise identity, and anxiety via an online survey. Multiple linear regression and dominance analyses were used to test hypotheses. RESULTS Exercise identity, body dissatisfaction, and anxiety were all significantly associated with compulsive exercise. Only exercise identity and anxiety were significantly associated with adaptive exercise. Dominance analyses suggested that exercise identity accounted for the largest proportion of variance in compulsive (Dominance R2 = 0.27) and adaptive exercise (Dominance R2 = 0.45). CONCLUSION Exercise identity emerged as the strongest predictor of both compulsive and adaptive exercise. The simultaneous presence of exercise identity, body dissatisfaction, and anxiety may contribute to high risk for engagement in compulsive exercise. Incorporating exercise identity into established eating disorder preventions and treatments may contribute to the reduction of compulsive exercise behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Palermo
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA.
| | - Diana Rancourt
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
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29
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D'Anna G, Lucherini Angeletti L, Benvenuti F, Melani G, Ferroli M, Poli F, Villano RG, Ricca V, Rotella F. The association between sport type and eating/body image concerns in high school students: a cross-sectional observational study. Eat Weight Disord 2023; 28:43. [PMID: 37195394 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-023-01570-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Disordered eating and body image concerns are increasingly common among adolescents, possibly representing the underpinning of eating disorders (EDs). This cross-sectional observational study aimed at investigating the relationship between various patterns of sports involvement or inactivity, and the abovementioned psychopathological dimensions. METHODS All adolescents attending their 3rd-5th Italian grade in a single high school reported their sociodemographic and anthropometric data, their weekly sports involvement, and filled the Eating Disorders Examination Questionnaire 6.0 (EDE-Q), the Body Uneasiness Test, and the Muscle Dysmorphia Disorder Inventory (for boys). Comparisons were performed considering sex, weekly hours of activity, and different sports type (none, individual, or team sports). RESULTS Of 744 enrolled students, 522 (70.2%) completed the survey. Girls showed higher underweight rates, preference for inactivity or individual sports, and higher psychometric scores compared to boys. Among girls, no differences were found based on time spent exercising or sports type. Inactive boys displayed worse weight- and shape-based psychopathology, higher body uneasiness, and higher appearance intolerance compared to those who devoted more time to exercise. Among boys, individual and team sports were associated with lower EDE-Q scores compared to inactivity, whereas body uneasiness and appearance intolerance were lower only in team sports. CONCLUSIONS The study confirms the presence of remarkable sex differences in eating and body concerns of adolescents. Among boys, sports involvement is tied to lower ED psychopathology, and preference for team sports may be associated with reduced concerns. Wider longitudinal studies on will clarify the direction and specificity of these findings. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level V-Cross-sectional observational study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio D'Anna
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lucherini Angeletti
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Benvenuti
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Melani
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Marco Ferroli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Poli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Rita Giulia Villano
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Rotella
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Pruccoli J, Parmeggiani A. The Role of Mood Stabilizers in Children and Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: A 1-year Follow-Up, Propensity Score-Matched Study. PHARMACOPSYCHIATRY 2023; 56:118-125. [PMID: 37187178 DOI: 10.1055/a-2018-4946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The existing literature on the use of mood stabilizers (MS) in children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) is limited, for the most part, to small case studies. METHODS This was an observational, naturalistic, propensity score-matched study. Subjects treated and not-treated with MS were compared by being matched via propensity score on age, sex, concurrent atypical antipsychotics, and concurrent antidepressants. General and AN-specific psychopathology was assessed with Symptom Check List-90-R, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Eating Disorders Inventory-3, and Body Uneasiness Test-A. Potential differences in admission-discharge modifications (body mass index (BMI), psychopathology) among the two groups were assessed. Finally, re-hospitalizations after 1-year follow-up were assessed with Kaplan-Meier analyses. RESULTS The study enrolled 234 hospitalized patients (15.9+/-3.3 years; 26, 11.1% receiving MS). After propensity-score matching, 26 MS patients matched with 26 MS-not-treated subjects were included. MS were used for a mean of 126.1 (+/-87.3) days, and two cases of side effects were documented (alopecia and somnolence with valproate). No significant difference between MS-treated and not-treated patients emerged concerning admission-discharge improvements in BMI and AN-specific or general psychopathology. The cumulative survival from re-hospitalization at 12 months was 64,4% (95%-CI, 31.3-97.5) for MS and 58.7% (95%-CI, 22.2-95.2) for MS-not-treated subjects. No significant difference in survival rate emerged (hazard ratio, 0.04; Log-rank test: p=0.846). CONCLUSIONS This propensity score-matched study expands on the scant existing evidence of the use and side effects of MS in children and adolescents with AN. These results should be assessed in wider longitudinal samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Pruccoli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in età evolutiva, Child Neurology and Psychiatry unit, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in età evolutiva, Child Neurology and Psychiatry unit, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Pruccoli J, Pugliano R, Pranzetti B, Parmeggiani A. Premenarchal anorexia nervosa: clinical features, psychopharmacological interventions, and rehospitalization analysis in a 1-year follow-up, controlled study. Eur J Pediatr 2023:10.1007/s00431-023-04960-y. [PMID: 37052674 PMCID: PMC10257596 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-023-04960-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
Premenarchal anorexia nervosa (AN) represents a specific subtype of AN, defined by an onset before the menarche in females, involving unique endocrine and prognostic features. The scarce data on this condition lack case-control and follow-up studies. This is a case-control, observational, naturalistic study, involving participants with premenarchal AN (premenarchal girls presenting to the study center newly diagnosed with AN) treated with a multidisciplinary hospital intervention, compared to postmenarchal AN individuals on clinical, endocrine, psychopathological, and treatment variables. The rate of rehospitalizations on a 1-year follow-up after discharge and respective prognostic factors were assessed with a Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox regression model. The sample included 234 AN participants (43, 18.4% with premenarchal and 191, 81.6% with postmenarchal AN). When compared to postmenarchal, premenarchal AN individuals presented with lower depressive scores (Self-Administered Psychiatric Scales for Children and Adolescents (SAFA)) (U = 1387.0, p = 0.010) and lower luteinizing hormone (LH) levels (U = 3056.0, p = 0.009) and were less frequently treated with antidepressants (X2 = 5.927, p = 0.015). A significant predictive model of the risk of rehospitalization (X2 = 19.192, p = 0.004) identified a higher age at admission (B = 0.522, p = 0.020) and a day-hospital (vs inpatient) treatment (B = 3957, p = 0.007) as predictive factors for rehospitalization at 1-year, independent from the menarchal status. Conclusion: This study reports the clinical and treatment characteristics of premenarchal AN in one of the largest samples available in the current literature. Specific clinical features and prognostic factors for rehospitalization at 1-year follow-up were identified. Future studies should longitudinally investigate treatment-dependent modifications in endocrine and psychopathological measures in this population. What is Known: • Premenarchal Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is a subtype of AN characterized by its onset before menarche in females and is associated with unique endocrine and prognostic features. What is New: • Individuals with premenarchal AN may display specific clinical profiles, with lower depressive symptoms and luteinizing hormone levels than postmenarchal controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Pruccoli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in Età Evolutiva, UO Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Rosa Pugliano
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in Età Evolutiva, UO Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Beatrice Pranzetti
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in Età Evolutiva, UO Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in Età Evolutiva, UO Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Bologna, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Via Massarenti 9, 40138, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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Fioravanti G, Cassioli E, Rossi E, Lucherini Angeletti L, Casale S, Ricca V, Castellini G. The relationship between problematic Instagram use and eating disorders psychopathology: an explanatory structural equation model. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2023:10.1007/s00127-023-02477-1. [PMID: 37022359 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-023-02477-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
An emerging body of research has evidenced the negative influence of using and being exposed to social networking sites (SNSs) on body image. Furthermore, it has been postulated that SNS use might be related with onset and persistence of eating disorders (EDs) psychopathology. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the complex interplay between problematic Instagram use (PIU) (conceptualized as a potential behavioral addiction comprising withdrawal, conflict, tolerance, salience, mood modification and relapse) and ED psychopathology, by means of an explanatory structural equation model. We hypothesized that PIU would be associated with ED symptoms through the mediating role of appearance comparison, individual psychological investment in physical appearance, and body uneasiness. A sample of 386 young female participants (Mage = 26.04 ± 6.73) was recruited, of which 152 had received a diagnosis of ED. ED patients used Instagram more than the control group and showed higher levels of PIU. Results from structural equation modeling (fit indices: χ2 = 44.54, df = 19, p < 0.001; RMSEA = 0.059; CFI = 0.98; SRMR = 0.02) showed that PIU predicted appearance comparison and psychological investment in physical appearance, which in turn predicted body uneasiness. In turn, body uneasiness predicted ED psychopathology and interpersonal difficulties. Our model provides a useful account of how eating disorder symptoms could be triggered and maintained by an addictive use of Instagram.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fioravanti
- Psychology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Lucherini Angeletti
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Casale
- Psychology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Muzi L, Nardelli N, Naticchioni G, Mazzeschi C, Baiocco R, Lingiardi V. Body Uneasiness and Dissatisfaction Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Heterosexual Persons. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023:1-16. [PMID: 37363347 PMCID: PMC10010970 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction While sexual minority people have been widely considered at risk for developing a range of body image concerns, evidence of body dissatisfaction and shame amongst LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) individuals is mixed. This study investigated differences in body uneasiness, body dissatisfaction, and self-blaming/attacking attitudes between LGB and heterosexual individuals, as well as within LGB groups, while also examining the predictive role of body mass index (BMI). Methods A sample of cisgender lesbian women (n = 163), gay men (n = 277), bisexual women (n = 135), bisexual men (n = 39), heterosexual women (n = 398), and heterosexual men (n = 219) completed an online survey assessing different aspects of body image between May and July 2020. Results Gay and bisexual men reported greater body image disturbance and self-blaming attitudes relative to heterosexual men. In contrast, lesbian women reported lower body uneasiness than their bisexual and heterosexual counterparts, but greater self-hate. Moreover, lesbian and bisexual women showed more body dissatisfaction than gay men, and bisexual individuals reported more body uneasiness than individuals in other sexual minority subgroups. Higher BMI emerged as a significant predictor of body image concerns and dissatisfaction. Conclusions Body image dimensions showed sexual identity-based differences. Determining the specific nuances of body image in LGB individuals can provide important information on potential risk factors that may impact mental health outcomes. Policy Implications In-depth knowledge of body dissatisfaction and uneasiness in individuals with LGB identities may have critical implications for the development of personalized prevention and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Muzi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Naticchioni
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social Sciences, Humanities and Education, University of Perugia, Piazza Ermini, 1, Perugia, 06123 Italy
| | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Social and Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Vittorio Lingiardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Pruccoli J, Chiavarino F, Nanni C, Parmeggiani A. General psychopathological symptoms in children, adolescents, and young adults with anorexia nervosa-a naturalistic study on follow-up and treatment. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:997-1007. [PMID: 36542163 PMCID: PMC9769464 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04745-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has assessed the role of general psychopathological symptoms in the natural history of mental health conditions, including anorexia nervosa (AN) in adults and obesity in children. Nevertheless, literature assessing general psychopathological symptoms in young patients with AN and their potential prognostic role in long-term outcomes is lacking. Observational, naturalistic study, involving young patients hospitalized for AN. General psychopathological symptoms were assessed by administering Symptom Check List-90-R (SCL-90-R) at admission (T0) and discharge (T1). AN-specific psychopathology was assessed with Eating Disorders Inventory-3 Eating Disorder Risk (EDRC) and Body Uneasiness Test Global Severity Index (BUT-GSI). Potential T0-T1 modifications of general psychopathological symptoms and their possible associations with baseline psychopathological, weight, and psychopharmacological variables were assessed with a generalized linear model (GLM), corrected for baseline SCL-90-R scores. Then, possible associations between T0 general psychopathological symptoms and the risk of re-hospitalization at 1 year were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression. This study enrolled 133 patients (mean age 16.9 ± 2.9 years, F = 91.8%). A significant T0-T1 reduction (p < 0.001) in almost all the general psychopathological symptoms (except paranoia) emerged. The GLM revealed that higher EDI-3 EDRC scores were associated with higher T1 SCL-90-R scores in multiple domains. Cox regressions revealed a predictive role of SCL-90-R interpersonal sensitivity (B = 0.113, hazard ratio = 1.119, p = 0.023) on the risk of re-hospitalization at 1 year. Conclusion: General psychopathological symptoms in young patients with AN may be influenced by hospital treatment interventions and have a potential prognostic role on post-discharge outcomes. Further longitudinal studies are required. What is Known: • General psychopathological symptoms represent a relevant feature that clinicians should consider in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of multiple psychiatric conditions. Co-occurring psychiatric comorbidities, moreover, have been documented to impact individuals diagnosed with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) in the developmental age. Despite this evidence, the literature lacks studies assessing the occurrence and impact of general psychopathological symptoms in young patients with AN. What is New: • The clinical picture of children, adolescents, and young adults with AN mays be impacted by multiple general psychopathological symptoms, including Somatization, Obsession-compulsion, Interpersonal sensitivity, Depression, Anxiety, Hostility, Phobia, Paranoia, and Psychoticism, which may improve with a multidisciplinary hospital intervention. The occurrence of these symptoms, particularly "interpersonal sensitivity", may negatively impact the prognosis of the affected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Pruccoli
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in età evolutiva, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Francesca Chiavarino
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in età evolutiva, Bologna, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Camilla Nanni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, 40138, Italy
| | - Antonia Parmeggiani
- IRCCS Istituto delle Scienze Neurologiche di Bologna, UOC Neuropsichiatria dell'Età Pediatrica, Centro Regionale per i Disturbi della Nutrizione e dell'Alimentazione in età evolutiva, Bologna, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, Bologna, 40138, Italy.
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Castellini G, Rossi E, Cassioli E, Sanfilippo G, Ristori J, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Ricca V, Fisher AD. Internalized transphobia predicts worse longitudinal trend of body uneasiness in transgender persons treated with gender affirming hormone therapy: a 1-year follow-up study. J Sex Med 2023; 20:388-397. [PMID: 36763949 DOI: 10.1093/jsxmed/qdac036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Given the relationship between interiorized stigma and body image, it could be hypothesized that high levels of internalized transphobia (IT) might predict higher levels of body uneasiness in subjects with gender dysphoria (GD) and worse improvement of body image after gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT). AIM We sought to evaluate the relationship between IT and body uneasiness in subjects with GD and the role of IT in moderating the improvement of body image after GAHT. METHODS In total, 200 individuals with GD performed the baseline assessment; 99 were re-evaluated 12 months after starting GAHT. At baseline participants were evaluated through a face-to-face interview and filled self-administered questionnaires to evaluate GD (Utrecht Gender Dysphoria Scale [UGDS]), IT attitudes (Attitudes Toward Transgendered Individuals [ATTI] Scale), body uneasiness (Body Uneasiness Test, part A [BUT-A]), and general psychopathology (Symptom Checklist 90-Revised [SCL 90-R]). The same questionnaires, except ATTI, were readministered at follow-ups. OUTCOMES Outcomes were based on measures of the associations between IT and baseline characteristics of the sample, the longitudinal trends of GD, body uneasiness, and general psychopathology; and IT as a moderator of the longitudinal trend of body uneasiness. RESULTS At baseline, IT correlated with lower level of education, higher GD, and more severe body uneasiness. Longitudinal analyses showed significant improvements in GD, body uneasiness, and general psychopathology during GAHT. Moderation analysis confirmed that participants with more transphobic attitudes showed less improvement after GAHT with regard to body uneasiness (bTime*ATTI = -.002, P = .040). The Johnson-Neyman technique revealed that no significant improvement in body uneasiness was found for participants with ATTI scores lower than 71.14. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS The presence of IT should be investigated in subjects with GD who require gender affirming treatments to provide specific interventions aimed at targeting this dimension. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS Strengths of this study include the mixed cross-sectional and longitudinal design and the dimensional evaluation of the investigated constructs. Limitations include the small sample size and the limited follow-up. Furthermore, the effects of gender affirming surgery were not evaluated. CONCLUSION The association of IT with both baseline body uneasinessand the longitudinal course of this dimension highlighted the clinical significance of body uneasiness and the importance of making continuous efforts to improve education and information to fight societal stigmas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Sanfilippo
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jiska Ristori
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Maggi
- Endocrinology Unit, Department of Experimental, Clinical and Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio," University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Daphne Fisher
- Andrology, Women's Endocrinology and Gender Incongruence Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
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van Leerdam TR, Zajac JD, Cheung AS. The Effect of Gender-Affirming Hormones on Gender Dysphoria, Quality of Life, and Psychological Functioning in Transgender Individuals: A Systematic Review. Transgend Health 2023; 8:6-21. [PMID: 36895312 PMCID: PMC9991433 DOI: 10.1089/trgh.2020.0094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) is an essential part of gender affirmation for many transgender (including people with binary and nonbinary identities) individuals and although controlled studies are unethical, there remains limited evidence on the impact of GAHT on gender dysphoria, quality of life (QoL), and psychological functioning. Some clinicians and policy makers use the lack of evidence to argue against providing gender-affirming care. The aim of this review is to systematically and critically assess the available literature on the influence of GAHT on improving gender- and body-related dysphoria, psychological well-being, and QoL. Using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis guidelines, we searched Ovid MEDLINE®, Embase®, and Ovid PsycINFO® from inception to March 6, 2019 to assess the influence of GAHT on (1) gender dysphoria, (2) body uneasiness, (3) body satisfaction, (4) psychological well-being, (5) QoL, (6) interpersonal and global functioning, and (7) self-esteem. Our search strategy found no randomized controlled trials. Ten longitudinal cohort studies, 25 cross-sectional studies, and 3 articles reporting both cross-sectional and longitudinal data were identified. While results are mixed, the majority of studies demonstrate that GAHT reduces gender dysphoria, body dissatisfaction, and uneasiness, subsequently improving psychological well-being and QoL in transgender individuals. However, all current researches are of low to moderate quality comprising longitudinal cohort studies and cross-sectional studies, making it difficult to draw clear conclusions and do not reflect external social factors unaffected by GAHT, which significantly impact on dysphoria, well-being, and QoL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylah R. van Leerdam
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Jeffrey D. Zajac
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
| | - Ada S. Cheung
- Department of Medicine (Austin Health), The University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Australia
- Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, Heidelberg, Australia
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Fusco G, Ciccarone S, Petrucci M, Cozzani B, Vercelli G, Cotugno A, Bufalari I. Altered processing of conflicting body representations in women with restrictive anorexia nervosa. PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH 2023:10.1007/s00426-022-01788-3. [PMID: 36592180 DOI: 10.1007/s00426-022-01788-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive and affective impairments in processing body image have been observed in patients with Anorexia Nervosa (AN) and may induce the hypercontrolled and regulative behaviors observed in this disorder. Here, we aimed to probe the link between activation of body representations and cognitive control by investigating the ability to resolve body-related representational conflicts in women with restrictive AN and matched healthy controls (HC). Participants performed a modified version of the Flanker task in which underweight and overweight body images were presented as targets and distractors; a classic version of the task, with letters, was also administered as a control. The findings indicated that performance was better among the HC group in the task with bodies compared to the task with letters; however, no such facilitation was observed in AN patients, whose overall performance was poorer than that of the HC group in both tasks. In the task with body stimuli, performance among patients with AN was the worst on trials presenting underweight targets with overweight bodies as flankers. These results may reflect a dysfunctional association between the processing of body-related representations and cognitive control mechanisms that may aid clinicians in the development of optimal individualized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Fusco
- Department of Psychology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, "Sapienza" University of Rome and CLN2S@SAPIENZA, Rome, Italy.
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy.
| | - S Ciccarone
- Department of Psychology, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, "Sapienza" University of Rome and CLN2S@SAPIENZA, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - M Petrucci
- Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva S.r.l., Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | - B Cozzani
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, ASL Roma1, Rome, Italy
| | - G Vercelli
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - A Cotugno
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, ASL Roma1, Rome, Italy
| | - I Bufalari
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Body Self-Perception After Breast Reconstruction in Young Female Patients Affected by Poland Syndrome. Aesthetic Plast Surg 2023; 47:122-129. [PMID: 35338392 PMCID: PMC9944005 DOI: 10.1007/s00266-022-02859-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cosmetic and social aspects of breast anomalies in Poland syndrome are not negligible. Early diagnosis and appropriate therapeutic timing may have a positive impact on quality of life. METHODS Females affected by Poland syndrome, who had breast reconstruction between 2014 and 2018, were asked to complete the Body Uneasiness Test and the postoperative Breast-Q. Correlation between scores was evaluated. Correlation between scores was statistically evaluated. RESULTS Thirty patients who had completed breast reconstruction at 20.9 ± 6.5 yo fulfilled the questionnaires at the average age of 26.5 ± 8.1 yo. BUT scores were similar to healthy population considering different age groups, with the exception of Compulsive Self-Monitoring subscale for 16-17-year age group. A correlation between Depersonalization and "Thighs" and "Legs" was present. On average, satisfaction with breast resulted 79.1%, satisfaction with surgical outcome was 94.9%, psychosocial well-being was 78.5%, sexual well-being was 75.3%, and relative physical well-being in chest and upper body was 36.9%. Global Uneasiness, Avoidance, Weight Phobia, Body Image Concern and Depersonalization were significantly correlated with lower psychosocial well-being. Avoidance was significantly correlated with lower sexual well-being. CONCLUSIONS Breast reconstruction in Poland syndrome can help to improve quality of life. However, general body uneasiness can affect satisfaction with the final result. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors http://www.springer.com/00266 .
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Sisto A, Barone M, Giuliani A, Quintiliani L, Bruni V, Tartaglini D, Persichetti P, Tambone V. The body perception, resilience, and distress symptoms in candidates for bariatric surgery and post bariatric surgery. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00238-022-02026-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Horticultural Therapy May Reduce Psychological and Physiological Stress in Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa: A Pilot Study. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14245198. [PMID: 36558357 PMCID: PMC9786778 DOI: 10.3390/nu14245198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies in psychiatric populations have found a positive effect of Horticultural therapy (HCT) on reductions in stress levels. The main objective of the present pilot study was to evaluate the impact of the addition of HCT to conventional clinical treatment (Treatment as Usual, TaU) in a sample of six female adolescents with anorexia nervosa restricting type (AN-R), as compared to six AN-R patients, matched for sex and age, under TaU only. This is a prospective, non-profit, pilot study on patients with a previous diagnosis of AN-R and BMI < 16, recruited in 2020 in clinical settings. At enrolment (T0) and after treatment completion (TF), psychiatric assessment was performed. At T0, all the patients underwent: baseline electrocardiogram acquisition with a wearable chest strap for recording heart rate and its variability; skin conductance registration and thermal mapping of the individual’s face. An olfactory identification test was administered both to evaluate the olfactory sensoriality and to assess the induced stress. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVAs) were performed to analyze modifications in clinical and physiological variables, considering time (T0, TF) as a within-subjects factor and group (experimental vs. control) as between-subjects factors. When the ANOVA was significant, post hoc analysis was performed by Paired Sample T-tests. Only in the HCT group, stress response levels, as measured by the biological parameters, improved over time. The body uneasiness level and the affective problem measures displayed a significant improvement in the HCT subjects. HCT seems to have a positive influence on stress levels in AN-R.
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Schmidt M, Taube CO, Heinrich T, Vocks S, Hartmann AS. Body image disturbance and associated eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology in gay and heterosexual men: A systematic analyses of cognitive, affective, behavioral und perceptual aspects. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278558. [PMID: 36472982 PMCID: PMC9725123 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study contributes to the quantitatively large, yet narrow in scope research on body image in gay men by assessing whether gay and heterosexual men systematically differ on various dimensions of body image disturbance and associated pathology, i.e., eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms. Moreover, we examined the influence of general everyday discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community on body image. METHOD N = 216 men (n = 112 gay men, n = 104 heterosexual men) participated in an online survey measuring the discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat/ muscularity; drive for leanness, muscularity, and thinness; body satisfaction; body-related avoidance and checking; appearance fixing; overall body image disturbance; eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; general everyday discrimination experiences; and involvement with the gay community. RESULTS Gay men showed a greater discrepancy between self-rated current and ideal body fat; higher drive for thinness, body-related avoidance, appearance fixing, overall body image disturbance, eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology; and lower body appreciation than heterosexual men (all p ≤ .05). Contrary to expectation, everyday discrimination experiences were more strongly associated with body image disturbance and eating disorder/ body dysmorphic disorder pathology in heterosexual men than in gay men (all p ≤ .05). Gay community involvement was not associated with any body image disturbance-, ED-, or BDD aspect in gay men (all p ≥ .20). DISCUSSION The results suggest greater body image disturbance in gay men than in heterosexual men regarding cognitions, emotions, behaviors, and perception as well as higher eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder pathology. The results also suggest the dilemma of a thin, yet muscular body ideal in gay men. Surprisingly, discrimination experiences and involvement with the gay community did not explain differences in body image disturbance. Gay men may have become resilient to discrimination over time, and body ideals might differ across gay sub-communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Schmidt
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Christoph O. Taube
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Thomas Heinrich
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Silja Vocks
- Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Osnabrück University, Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Andrea S. Hartmann
- Department of Psychology, Unit of Experimental Clinical Psychology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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Melisse B, van Furth EF, de Beurs E. The Saudi-Arabic adaptation of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34): Psychometrics and norms of the full version and the short version (BSQ8C). Front Psychol 2022; 13:1046075. [PMID: 36532987 PMCID: PMC9754054 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1046075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Saudi Arabia experiences elevated levels of body-shape dissatisfaction which might be related to the increased thin ideal. Studies on body-shape dissatisfaction are scarce, mainly because adapted assessment tools are unavailable. This study describes the Saudi-Arabic adaptation of the Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ34), preliminary examines the psychometric properties and provides normative data. METHODS The BSQ34 was administered in a convenience community sample (N = 867) between April 2017 and May 2018. Receiver-operating-characteristic curve analysis was used to establish discriminant validity, in a subsample (N = 602) in which the Eating Disorder Examination-Shape concern, was administered, the factor structure investigated with confirmatory-factor analyses and T-scores and percentile scores were determined. RESULTS The BSQ34 discriminated well between low and high levels of body-shape dissatisfaction (area-under-the-curve value = 0.93), had high internal consistency and a unidimensional factor structure, and 23.9% appeared at risk for body-shape dissatisfaction. Analyses were repeated for the shortened BSQ8C, which yielded similar results. DISCUSSION The results indicated that the BSQ34 and BSQ8C appeared suitable measurement tools to screen for body-shape dissatisfaction in a Saudi convenience community sample, mainly comprised young, unmarried, and highly educated women. The BSQ34 supplies more information on the type of concerns respondents have, which is worthwhile when the measure is used in a clinical setting; the BSQ8C is recommended as a short screener. As body-shape dissatisfaction is viewed as a risk factor for the development of eating disorder symptoms, screening for body-shape dissatisfaction with reliable tools is important to detect individuals at risk for eating disorder symptoms and may suggest subsequent preventive steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernou Melisse
- Novarum Center for Eating Disorders and Obesity, Amstelveen, Netherlands
- Section Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- GGZ Rivierduinen, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eric F. van Furth
- GGZ Rivierduinen, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Psychiatry, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Edwin de Beurs
- Section Clinical Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Research Department, Arkin Mental Health Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Marzola E, Martini M, Longo P, Toppino F, Bevione F, Delsedime N, Abbate-Daga G, Preti A. Psychometric properties of the Italian body shape questionnaire: an investigation of its reliability, factorial, concurrent, and criterion validity. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:3637-3648. [PMID: 36352341 PMCID: PMC9803762 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01503-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study was set up to investigate the reliability, factorial, concurrent, and criterion validity of the Italian version of the 34-item Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ) and its shorter versions. METHODS The study included 231 patients diagnosed with an eating disorder and 58 putatively healthy people (comparison sample). The Italian BSQ-34 was administered to participants together with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale. Information on body mass index, caloric intake at baseline, and the number of episodes of self-vomiting per week was also acquired. RESULTS Cronbach's alpha of BSQ-34 was 0.971 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.965-0.976) in patients and 0.960 (0.944-0.974) in controls. Test-retest stability in patients (n = 69), measured with intraclass correlation coefficient, was 0.987 (0.983-0.991). Confirmatory factor analysis of the single-factor model yielded acceptable fit for all versions of the BSQ. On all BSQ versions, patients scored higher than controls with a large effect size when calculated as Cliff's delta. BMI and mean caloric intake at baseline had a stronger association with BSQ-34 than levels of anxiety and depression. The analysis with the receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve showed that the BSQ-34 distinguished patients with an eating disorder from controls with good accuracy (Area Under the Curve = 86.5; 95% CI 82.2-90.7). CONCLUSION The Italian version of the BSQ possesses good psychometric properties, in both the long and the shortened versions, and it can be applied to measure body dissatisfaction for both clinical and research purposes. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III, Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrica Marzola
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Matteo Martini
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Longo
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Federica Toppino
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Bevione
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Nadia Delsedime
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanni Abbate-Daga
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonio Preti
- Eating Disorders Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University of Turin, Via Cherasco 15, 10126, Turin, Italy.
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Meneguzzo P, Dal Brun D, Cazzola C, Pillan A, Bonello E, Todisco P. Compulsive exercise in eating disorders: Validation of the Italian scale and evaluation of its relationships with body image concerns and quality of life. Eat Behav 2022; 47:101675. [PMID: 36201976 DOI: 10.1016/j.eatbeh.2022.101675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compulsive exercise (CE) has been proposed as one of the maladaptive elements that might concur to developing and maintaining an eating disorder (ED), even if no conclusive consensus is yet available. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Compulsive Exercise Test (CET), the questionnaire most frequently discussed in the literature. Our second aim is to evaluate the relationships between CE, quality of life, and different body concerns in a group of individuals. METHODS Two different studies are performed. In the first study, we evaluate the psychometric properties of the Italian CET with a sample of 272 individuals (157 with different diagnoses of ED). In the second study, a group of 75 ED patients is compared to 68 of their peers looking for specific differences and relationships between CE, quality of life, and body concerns. RESULTS The CET shows optimal psychometric proprieties, and a five-factors structure. CE is linked to more severe specific psychopathology in ED patients, including increased thoughts of restraint and concerns about weight and shape. Moreover, weight phobia and quality of life are predictors of CE in patients. CONCLUSION The specific role of CE is discussed according to its connections with a core psychopathological element like weight phobia. Specific profiles of CE emerged for each clinical subgroup, and they corroborate the presence of different cognitive/physical approach to exercise. The CE showed to be a dysfunctional element with a disruptive role in patients' quality of life. Future directions and possible applications of the CET are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy; Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - David Dal Brun
- Department of Linguistic and Literary Studies, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Chiara Cazzola
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Anna Pillan
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Elisa Bonello
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano - Vicenza, Italy
| | - Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano - Vicenza, Italy
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Todisco P, Meneguzzo P, Garolla A, Diomidous E, Antoniades A, Vogazianos P, Tozzi F. Understanding dropout and non-participation in follow-up evaluation for the benefit of patients and research: evidence from a longitudinal observational study on patients with eating disorders. Eat Disord 2022; 31:337-352. [PMID: 36271711 DOI: 10.1080/10640266.2022.2135738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Treatment outcomes in eating disorders (EDs) are still an open field for clinicians and researchers. Besides difficulties in egosyntonic-linked treatment engagements, dropout is one of the most crucial elements that cause a reduction in the treatment efficacy. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate factors that could contribute to high dropout rates and non-participation in follow-up evaluation in patients with ED. This study used a large sample of patients from a specialized ED ward and day hospital (DH). A sample of 428 individuals was recruited for this study. Psychological and demographic data were collected at the time of hospitalization and discharge from the facilities. These data were used to explore a possible link between dropout and follow-up non-participation. Specially, the random forest was used to rank demographic and psychological features in importance and evaluate the top results with regression analyses for statistical significance. A dropout rate of 12.14% during inpatient and DH treatment was found. Anger-hostility and general psychopathology were found to be predictors of dropout during treatment, while the duration of the hospitalization predicted non-participation at the six-month follow-up. Specific psychological features should be considered before and during treatments for patients with EDs to reduce dropout rates. The duration of the hospitalization should also be evaluated as a relevant healthcare element that could affect engagement and, accordingly, outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrizia Todisco
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa Di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano (VI), Italy
| | - Paolo Meneguzzo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.,Padova Neuroscience Center, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alice Garolla
- Eating Disorders Unit, Casa Di Cura "Villa Margherita", Arcugnano (VI), Italy
| | - Eva Diomidous
- Research & Development, Stremble Ventures, Limassol, Cyprus
| | | | - Paris Vogazianos
- Behavioral Sciences Department, European University Cyprus , Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Federica Tozzi
- Research & Development, Stremble Ventures, Limassol, Cyprus
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Aiello P, Toti E, Villaño D, Raguzzini A, Peluso I. Overlap of orthorexia, eating attitude and psychological distress in some Italian and Spanish university students. World J Psychiatry 2022; 12:1298-1312. [PMID: 36389086 PMCID: PMC9641377 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v12.i10.1298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Orthorexia nervosa (ON) is the persistent concern of maintaining the self-imposed diet to improve one's health. Many factors have been associated to ON in univ-ersity students.
AIM To assess the prevalence of ON in Italian and Spanish university students in relation to eating attitude and psychological distress, and the possible overlaps between ON (evaluated with different scored questionnaires from the originally proposed ORTO-15), distress and risk of eating disorders.
METHODS This study was carried out on 160 students recruited at La Sapienza University of Rome and at the Catholic University of Murcia. Questionnaires were administered to evaluate ON (ORTO-15 and sub-scores), body concerns (Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire, MBSRQ, and Body Uneasiness test, BUT), psychological distress (Kessler Psychological Distress Scale, K10), physical activity (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), eating attitude (Eating Attitudes Test, EAT-26) and malnutrition (Starvation Symptom Inventory, SSI). Sex differences, within the same country, and differences between Italian and Spanish students, within the same sex, were evaluated.
RESULTS The ORTO-15 positive subjects, assessed with the originally proposed cut-off, were above 70% in both Italian and Spanish students, with a higher prevalence in the Spanish sample (Italian females 76.3%, Italian males 70.7%; Spanish females 97.0%, Spanish males 96.3%). According to ORTO-7, about 30% of Italian and 48% of Spanish students were positive to ON with no significant sex differences. When excluding students underweight (UW), overweight (OW) or obese (OB), as well as those potentially at risk of eating disorders or presenting mild, moderate and severe distress, in the resultant normal weight (NW)-K10neg-EAT-26neg subgroup, we did not find many correlations observed in the whole sample, including those between ORTO scores and BUT, SSI, Total MBSRQ and some of its components. Moreover, ORTO-7 resulted in the only ON score unrelated with Body Mass Index, MBSRQ components and IPAQ-assessed intense activity, in the NW-K10neg-EAT-26neg subgroup. After this sort of “exclusion diagnosis”, the prevalence of ON of these students on the overall sample resulted in 16.9%, 12.2%, 15.2% and 25.9% for Italian females, Italian males, Spanish females and Spanish males, respectively.
CONCLUSION In some university students ON could be a symptom of other conditions related to body image concerns and distress, as well as to high physical activity and appearance, fitness, health or illness orientation (from MBSRQ). However, ORTO-7 became independent from these confounding variables, after the exclusion of UW, OW, OB and students positive to EAT-26 and K10, suggesting the possibility of identifying orthorexic subjects with this specific questionnaire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Aiello
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “V. Erspamer”, Sapienza University, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Toti
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Débora Villaño
- Food Science and Technology Department, UCAM, Murcia 30107, Spain
| | - Anna Raguzzini
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome 00178, Italy
| | - Ilaria Peluso
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Rome 00178, Italy
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Time evaluation and its accuracy in eating disorders: differences in relation to interoceptive awareness. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2551-2560. [PMID: 35410413 PMCID: PMC9556400 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01394-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Time evaluation has been poorly studied in eating disorder (ED) patients despite its relationship with body awareness, which is a core psychopathological feature in EDs and is influenced by impulsivity, interoception, and working memory. This study aims to evaluate time estimation and its accuracy across the ED spectrum in connection with specific and general psychopathology. METHODS A group of 215 women was enrolled in a computerized task involving the estimation of 1-min intervals. Impulsivity and body awareness constructs (self-monitoring, depersonalization, interoceptive deficit) were evaluated and examined for significant correlations with time estimation and the accuracy of the measure. RESULTS Patients with EDs showed an impaired ability to estimate time, with an accuracy that positively correlated with compulsive self-monitoring (p = 0.03). Differences between diagnostic subgroups showed an overestimation of time in anorexia nervosa patients and an underestimation of time in binge eating disorder patients, whose time estimation was also less accurate. CONCLUSION The relationship between time estimation and compulsive self- monitoring might corroborate the presence of an imbalanced integration of information in patients with EDs that was not present in the community women included in the study. Time perception should be further evaluated in the ED field, and longitudinal changes due to psychopathological recovery or BMI changes should be examined. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level III: Evidence obtained from a well-designed cohort or case-control analytic study.
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Castellini G, Cassioli E, Rossi E, Mancini M, Ricca V, Stanghellini G. Bridging cognitive, phenomenological and psychodynamic approaches to eating disorders. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2273-2289. [PMID: 35179727 PMCID: PMC9556383 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01379-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive, psychodynamic, and phenomenological scholars converged their attention on abnormal bodily phenomena as the core psychopathological feature of eating disorders (EDs). While cognitive approaches focus their attention on a need for "objective" (i.e., observable, measurable) variables (including behaviours and distorted cognitions), the phenomenological exploration typically targets descriptions of persons' lived experience. According to a new emerging phenomenological perspective, the classic behavioural and cognitive symptoms of EDs should be considered as epiphenomena of a deeper core represented by a disorder of the embodiment. The cognitive-behavioural model is the most studied and, up till now, clinically efficacious treatment for EDs. However, as any coherent and scientifically grounded model, it presents some limitations in its application. Numerous patients report a chronic course, do not respond to treatment and develop a personality structure based on pathological eating behaviours, since "being anorexic" becomes a new identity for the person. Furthermore, the etiopathogenetic trajectory of EDs influences the treatment response: for example, patients reporting childhood abuse or maltreatment respond differently to cognitive-behavioural therapy. To obtain a deeper comprehension of these disorders, it seems important to shift attention from abnormal eating behaviours to more complex and subtle psycho(patho)logical features, especially experiential ones. This characterisation represents the unavoidable premise for the identification of new therapeutic targets and consequently for an improvement of the outcome of these severe disorders. Thus, the present review aims to provide an integrated view of cognitive, psychodynamic, and phenomenological perspectives on EDs, suggesting new therapeutic targets and intervention strategies based on this integrated model. Level of Evidence: Level V.Level of evidence Level V: Opinions of authorities, based on descriptive studies, narrative reviews, clinical experience, or reports of expert committees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Castellini
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Emanuele Cassioli
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rossi
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Milena Mancini
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health, Territory, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Valdo Ricca
- Psychiatry Unit, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Giovanni Stanghellini
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Health, Territory, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti and Pescara, Chieti, Italy.,Centro de Estudios de Fenomenología y Psiquiatría, Diego Portales' University, Santiago, Chile
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Rossi AA, Manzoni GM, Pietrabissa G, Di Pauli D, Mannarini S, Castelnuovo G. Weight stigma in patients with overweight and obesity: validation of the Italian Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ). Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:2459-2472. [PMID: 35290623 PMCID: PMC9556395 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-022-01385-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aimed to explore the factorial structure of the Italian Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) (Study1); and to test structural validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and measurement invariance of the questionnaire across gender, Body Mass Index (BMI), age and occurrence of previous hospitalization for obesity (Study2). METHODS At admission into a hospital-based program for weight reduction and rehabilitation, 150 inpatients with overweight/obesity (68% females) completed the WSSQ (Study1). In Study2, in addition to the WSSQ, 446 inpatients (61.9% females) completed the Weight Bias Internalization Scale (WBIS), the Body Uneasiness Test (BUT), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). A subsample of 40 patients also re-completed the WSSQ at discharge from the hospital. RESULTS The Italian WSSQ showed good overlap with the original factorial structure (Study1) and results were confirmed in Study2. Test-retest reliability and convergent validity showed adequate values. Measurement invariance revealed that WSSQ was perfectly invariant across both BMI and the occurrence of previous hospitalizations for obesity. In both studies, the internal consistency of the questionnaire was deemed acceptable. CONCLUSIONS The Italian WSSQ is a valid, reliable, and invariant tool for the assessment of weight-related self-stigma among patients with overweight/obesity. Future studies should assess its longitudinal invariance as well as its responsiveness to weight reduction treatments. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE V, descriptive study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Alberto Rossi
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.
| | - Gian Mauro Manzoni
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Verbania, Italy.,Faculty of Psychology, eCampus University, Novedrate, Como, Italy
| | - Giada Pietrabissa
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Stefania Mannarini
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center for Family Research, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, Section of Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Gianluca Castelnuovo
- Psychology Research Laboratory, Ospedale San Giuseppe, IRCCS, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Verbania, Italy.,Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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Body Image and Body Mass Index Influence on Psychophysical Well-Being in Bariatric Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101597. [PMID: 36294736 PMCID: PMC9604850 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psychophysical factors may have an impact on the disease of obesity, and it is important to explore which aspects may play an important role on the well-being of obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. The purpose of this study was to assess the associations of a high body mass index (BMI) and greater dissatisfaction with body image with higher levels of psychopathological aspects, feelings of hopelessness, and psychological and physical health in patients undergoing evaluation for bariatric surgery. Methods: Fifty-nine patients undergoing bariatric surgery filled out the Symptom Checklist-90-Revised, the Body Uneasiness Test, the 12-item Short Form Survey, the Beck Inventory Scale II, and the Beck Hopelessness Scale. Correlations and hierarchical regressions between measures were performed. Results: Dissatisfaction with the perception of one’s own body image was strongly correlated with a worse psychophysiological health. On the contrary, BMI showed no significant correlation with the previous variables. Furthermore, the perception of one’s own body image significantly predicted the state of psychological health. Conclusions: The findings showed a more relevant role of body image compared to the BMI in the association with psychological outcomes, suggesting the importance of considering body image in the assessment and treatment of obese patients requiring bariatric treatment.
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