Child Maltreatment, Abuse, and Neglect: An Umbrella Review of Their Prevalence and Definitions

Altered EEG Patterns in Individuals with Disorganized Attachment: An EEG Microstates Study

Over the past years, different studies provided preliminary evidence that Disorganized Attachment (DA) may have dysregulatory and disintegrative effects on both autonomic arousal regulation and brain connectivity. However, despite the clinical relevance of this construct, few studies have investigated the specific alterations underlying DA using electroencephalography (EEG). Thus, the main aim of the current study was to investigate EEG microstate parameters of DA in a non-clinical sample (N = 50) before (pre) and after (post) the administration of the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI). Two EEG eyes-closed Resting State (RS) recordings were performed before and after the AAI, which was used for classifying the participants [i.e., Disorganized/Unresolved (D/U) or Organized/Resolved (O/R) individuals] and to trigger the attachment system. Microstates parameters (i.e., Mean Duration, Time Coverage and Occurrence) were extracted from each recording using Cartool software. EEG microstates clustering analysis revealed 6 different maps (labeled A, B, C, D, E, F) in both groups (i.e., D/U and O/R individuals) and in both conditions (i.e., pre-AAI and post-AAI). In the pre-AAI condition, compared to O/R individuals, D/U participants showed a shorter Mean Duration and Time Coverage of Map F; in the post-AAI condition, a significant reduction in the Mean Duration of Map E was also observed in D/U individuals. Finally, in the "within" statistical analysis (i.e., pre-AAI vs. post-AAI), only the D/U group exhibited a significant increase in Time Coverage of Map F after the AAI. Since these maps are associated with brain networks involved in emotional information processing and mentalization (i.e., Salience Network and Default Mode Network), our result might reflect the deficit in the ability to mentalize caregiver's interaction as well as the increased sensitivity to attachment-related stimuli typically observed in individuals with a D/U state of mind.

Psychometric Properties of the Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) in an Italian Community Sample

The Detachment and Compartmentalization Inventory (DCI) is a valid and reliable self-report instrument that assesses these two distinct forms of dissociative symptoms. However, there is limited research on the cross-cultural validation of the DCI. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an Italian translation of the DCI and examine its internal structure and psychometric properties (including internal consistency, convergent validity, and test-retest reliability) within an Italian-speaking community sample. The sample consisted of 1276 adults (887 females; mean age: 29.57 ± 10.96 years), who completed the DCI and other self-report measures evaluating dissociative experiences and childhood trauma. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the original two-factor model (χ2169 = 1312.80, RMSEA = 0.073, 95%CI 0.069-0.077; CFI = 0.94; TLI = 0.94; SRMR = 0.04). Additionally, the DCI exhibited good internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and convergent validity with another measure of dissociation. The study also confirmed the association between DCI scores and the severity of childhood trauma. Finally, a Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis demonstrated that the DCI effectively distinguishes individuals who screened positively for dissociative disorders. Overall, these findings indicate that the Italian translation of the DCI possesses satisfactory psychometric properties, suggesting its utility as a screening tool for assessing detachment and compartmentalization experiences.

Genetic evidence for the causal relations between metabolic syndrome and psychiatric disorders: a Mendelian randomization study

Emerging evidence reveals associations between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and psychiatric disorders (PDs), although causality remains uncertain. Consequently, we conducted Mendelian randomization (MR) to systematically evaluate the causality between MetS and PDs. Linkage disequilibrium score regression estimated the heritability of PDs and their genetic correlations with MetS. In primary analyses, the main model employed inverse variance weighting method, with sensitivity analyses using various MR models to ensure robustness. Replication MR analyses, involving cohorts distinct from those in the primary analyses, were performed to validate the generalizability of the findings. Multivariable MR analyses were carried out to account for genetically predicted body mass index (BMI). As a result, genetic correlations of MetS with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder(ADHD), anorexia nervosa(ANO), major depressive disorder(MDD), and schizophrenia were identified. Causal effects of MetS on ADHD (OR: 1.59 [95% CI:1.45-1.74]), ANO (OR: 1.42 [95% CI:1.25-1.61]), MDD(OR: 1.23 [95% CI: 1.13-1.33]), and the effects of ADHD (OR: 1.03 [95% CI: 1.02-1.04]) and ANO (OR: 1.01 [95% CI: 1.01-1.02]) on MetS were observed in primary analyses. Results from sensitivity analyses and replication analyses were generally consistent with the primary analyses, confirming the robustness and generalizability of the findings. Associations between MetS and ADHD, as well as ANO persisted after adjusting for BMI, whereas the statistical significance of the association between MetS and MDD was no longer observable. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying PDs, suggesting potential modifiable targets for public prevention and clinical intervention in specific PDs related to metabolic pathways.

Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on characteristics, extent and trends in child maltreatment in 34 Euro-CAN COST Action countries: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

While the factors commonly associated with an increased risk of child maltreatment (CM) were found to be increased during COVID-19, reports of actual maltreatment showed varying trends. Similarly, evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 on CM within the European Cooperation on Science and Technology and Network Collaborative (COST) Action countries remains inconsistent. This scoping review aims to explore the extent and nature of evidence pertaining to CM within the countries affiliated with the Child Abuse and Neglect in Europe Action Network (Euro-CAN), funded by the COST.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Key electronic databases were searched to identify eligible papers, reports and other material published between January 2020 and April 2023: PubMed, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Social Policy and Practice, Scopus and Web of Science. To cover the breadth of evidence, a systematic and broad search strategy was applied using a combination of keywords and controlled vocabulary for four concepts: children, maltreatment, COVID-19 and Euro-CAN countries, without restrictions on study design or language. Grey literature was searched in OpenGrey and Google Scholar. Two reviewers will independently screen full-text publications for eligibility and undertake data extraction, using a customised grid. The screening criteria and data charting will be piloted by the research team.The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) extension for scoping reviews will be followed to present the results. Results will be summarised in a tabular form and narratively.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

This review will identify and summarise publicly available data, without requiring ethical approval. The findings will be disseminated to the Euro-CAN Network and reported to the COST Association. They will also be published in a peer-reviewed journal. This protocol is registered on Open Science Framework.