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Pini S, Abelli M, Gesi C, Lari L, Cardini A, Di Paolo L, Felice F, Di Stefano R, Mazzotta G, Oligeri C, Bovenzi F, Borelli L, Bertoli D, Michi P, Muccignat A, Micchi J, Balbarini A. Frequency and clinical correlates of bipolar features in acute coronary syndrome patients. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 29:253-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2013.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2013] [Revised: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 06/30/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractBackground:Depression and acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are both extremely prevalent diseases. Studies aimed at evaluating whether depression is an independent risk factor for cardiac events provided no definitive results. In most of these studies, depression has been broadly defined with no differentiation between unipolar (MDD) versus bipolar forms (BD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of DSM-IV BD (bipolar I and bipolar II subtypes, cyclothymia), as well as temperamental or isolated bipolar features in a sample of 171 patients hospitalized for ACS. We also explored whether these psychopathological conditions were associated with some clinical characteristics of ACS.Methods:Patients with ACS admitted to three neighboring Cardiac Intensive Care Units (CICUs) in a 12-month continuative period of time were eligible for inclusion if they met the criteria for either acute myocardial infarct with or without ST-segment elevation or unstable angina, verified by standard ACS criteria. All patients underwent standardized cardiological and psychopathological evaluations.Results:Of the 171 ACS patients enrolled, 37 patients (21.7%) were found to have a DSM-IV mood disorder. Of these, 20 (11.7%) had bipolar type I or type II or cyclothymia, while 17 (10%) were the cases of MDD. Rapid mood switches ranged from 11% of ACS patients with no mood disorders, to 47% of those with MDD to 55% of those with BD. Linear regression analysis showed that a diagnosis of BD (p = .023), but not that of MDD (p = .721), was associated with a significant younger age at the index episode of ACS. A history of previous coronary events was more frequent in ACS patients with BD than in those with MDD.Conclusions:Our data indicate that bipolar features and diagnosis are frequent in ACS patients. Bipolar disorder has a negative impact on cardiac symptomatology. Further research in this area is warranted.
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Carmassi C, Corsi M, Gesi C, Bertelloni C, Pedrinelli V, Massimetti G, Bonuccelli A, Orsini A, Dell’Osso L. Post-traumatic Stress Spectrum and Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum in Parents of Children with Epilepsy: Correlations and Gender Differences. Eur Psychiatry 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionData that assess the co-morbidity between post-traumatic stress symptoms and autism spectrum are scarce. Nevertheless, some authors suggested that subjects with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), due to their difficulty in understanding the codes of communication, empathy, expression, are lower resilience to traumas.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to explore in a sample of parents of children with epilepsy, the presence of correlations between the symptoms of post-traumatic stress and adult autism subthreshold spectrum.MethodsSeventy-seven parents completed the Trauma and Loss Spectrum Self-Report (TALS-SR), specifically modified for one's son epileptic disease, and 72 parents completed the AdAS Spectrum (Adult Autism subthreshold Spectrum).ResultsEight subjects (11.1%) presented a total score ≥45 at the AdAS Spectrum, corresponding to the satisfaction of a symptomatic ASD criteria and indicative of the Adult Autism Spectrum subthreshold. More specifically, a total score ≥45 was found in 7 (15.9%) of mothers and 1 (3.6%) of the fathers, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.139).Noteworthy correlations between TALS and AdAS, emerged only in the subgroup of the fathers. In particular, a relevant number of moderate to good correlations emerged between the Domain II (reactions to the events of loss) of the TALS-SR and the AdAS Domain III (non verbal communication), Domain VI (restricted interests and ruminations) and total score.ConclusionsResults indicate that this peculiar psychopathological model could lead to increased vulnerability to effects of the trauma, in particular in male.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Cremone IM, Mucci F, Salerni A, Marazziti D, Carmassi C, Gesi C. Subthreshold Autism Spectrum in a Patient with Anorexia Nervosa and Behçet's Syndrome. Case Rep Psychiatry 2020. [PMID: 32607270 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6703979.pmid:32607270;pmcid:pmc7313151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, increasing research stressed the presence of subthreshold autistic traits in patients with other psychiatric conditions. In this framework, a significant relationship between anorexia nervosa (AN) and the autism spectrum has been frequently reported, in particular among female samples, to the point that AN has been hypothesized to be a female phenotype of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). On the other hand, among subjects with ASD has been reported a higher prevalence of immune diseases and altered immune functions. While these reports seem to support an association between neurodevelopmental and immune system alterations in ASD, the relationship between the immune system and the broader autism spectrum, including its subthreshold manifestations, remains poorly investigated. In this report, we described the presence of autistic traits in a male inpatient with AN and separation anxiety disorder, who also show a diagnosis of Behçet's syndrome (BS). This case seems to further stress the association between AN and the autism spectrum, which may not be limited to the female gender. Moreover, it further suggests a deeper link between neurodevelopmental and immune system alterations. Implications are discussed in light of the more recent neurobiological and psychopathological hypothesis about the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - B Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - F Mucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Salerni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - D Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Carpita B, Muti D, Muscarella A, Dell’Oste V, Diadema E, Massimetti G, Signorelli M, Fusar Poli L, Gesi C, Aguglia E, Politi P, Carmassi C, Dell’Osso L. Sex Differences in the Relationship between PTSD Spectrum Symptoms and Autistic Traits in a Sample of University Students. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health 2019; 15:110-119. [PMID: 31819759 PMCID: PMC6882188 DOI: 10.2174/1745017901915010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While growing literature is stressing the link between Autistic Traits (AT) and trauma-/stress-related disorders, in both conditions significant differences have been separately reported. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the relationship between AT and trauma-/stress-related symptoms with respect to sex. METHODS 178 university students were assessed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5, the Trauma and Loss Spectrum (TALS) and the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS). In order to evaluate sex differences in trauma-/stress-related symptoms among subjects with higher or lower AT, the sample was split in two groups with an equal number of subjects on the basis of the median score reported on AdAS Spectrum ("AdAS high scorers" and "AdAS low scorers"). RESULTS Females reported significantly higher TALS total score, Loss events and Grief reaction domain scores than males in the whole sample, while AdAS high scorers reported significantly higher TALS total and domain scores than AdAS low scorers. A significant interaction between high/low AdAS score and sex emerged for TALS domains, with females scoring significantly higher than males only among AdAS low scorers, specifically on Loss events, Grief reaction, Re-experiencing and Personal characteristics/Risk factors domains. Finally, among AdAS high scorers a significantly higher rate of subjects fulfilled symptomatological criteria for PTSD than among AdAS low scorers, without sex differences. CONCLUSION Our results confirm a significant relationship between AT and trauma-/stress-related symptoms, which seems to prevail on sex differences among high-risk subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- Address correspondence to this author at Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psichiatry, University of Pisa, Via Roma, 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy; Tel: +39 3911105675; E-mail: barbara.carpita
| | - D. Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A. Muscarella
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - V. Dell’Oste
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Diadema
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G. Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M.S. Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - L. Fusar Poli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - C. Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E. Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - P. Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, via Bassi 21, Pavia 27100, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - L. Dell’Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Dell'Osso L, Corsi M, Gesi C, Bertelloni CA, Massimetti G, Peroni D, Bonuccelli A, Orsini A, Carmassi C. Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) in parents of pediatric patients with epilepsy: Correlations with post-traumatic stress symptoms. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 83:25-30. [PMID: 29549876 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing literature has shown the usefulness of a dimensional approach to mental disorders, particularly when exploring subjects exposed to traumatic experiences such as a severe illness in one's child. Recent evidence suggests an increased vulnerability in subjects with autism spectrum symptoms to develop post-traumatic stress symptoms. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of adult autism subthreshold spectrum in a sample of parents of children with epilepsy and its impact on post-traumatic stress spectrum symptoms in the same study sample. Results revealed noteworthy correlations between post-traumatic stress symptoms and adult autism subthreshold spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) only in the subgroup of the fathers. In particular, were evidenced correlations between AdAS Spectrum domain of rumination and narrow interests and some TALS-SR nuclear domains: reaction to traumatic events, reexperiencing and arousal. These findings corroborate the hypothesis that subthreshold autistic features may influence the possible psychopathological reaction to trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - M Corsi
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gesi
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - C A Bertelloni
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - G Massimetti
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - D Peroni
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
| | - A Bonuccelli
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Orsini
- Pediatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Psychiatric Clinic, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56100 Pisa, Italy.
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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Muti D, Cremone IM, Massimetti G, Diadema E, Gesi C, Carmassi C. Prevalence and characteristics of orthorexia nervosa in a sample of university students in Italy. Eat Weight Disord 2018; 23:55-65. [PMID: 29134507 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-017-0460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Orthorexia nervosa (ON) has been recently defined as a pathological approach to feeding related to healthiness concerns and purity of food and/or feeding habits. This condition recently showed an increasing prevalence particularly among young adults. In order to investigate the prevalence of ON and its relationship with gender and nutritional style among young adults, we explored a sample of students from the University of Pisa, Italy. METHODS Assessments included the ORTO-15 questionnaire and a socio-demographic and eating habits form. Subjects were dichotomized for eating habits (i.e. standard vs vegetarian/vegan diet), gender, parents' educational level, type of high school attended, BMI (low vs high vs normal BMI). Chi square tests were performed to compare rates of subjects with overthreshold ORTO-15 scores, and Student's unpaired t test to compare mean scores between groups. Two Classification tree analyses with CHAID growing method were employed to identify the variables best predicting ON and ORTO-15 total score. RESULTS more than one-third of the sample showed ON symptoms (ORTO-15 ≥ 35), with higher rates among females. Tree analyses showed diet type to predict ON and ORTO-15 total score more than gender. CONCLUSIONS Our results seem to corroborate recent data highlighting similarities between ON and anorexia nervosa (AN). We propose an interpretation of ON as a phenotype of AN in the broader context of Feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - Barbara Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy.
| | - D Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Diadema
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56127, Pisa, Italy
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Dell'Osso L, Carpita B, Gesi C, Cremone IM, Corsi M, Massimetti E, Muti D, Calderani E, Castellini G, Luciano M, Ricca V, Carmassi C, Maj M. Subthreshold autism spectrum disorder in patients with eating disorders. Compr Psychiatry 2018; 81:66-72. [PMID: 29268154 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Revised: 11/19/2017] [Accepted: 11/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Increasingly data suggest a possible overlap between psychopathological manifestations of eating disorders (EDs) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of subthreshold autism spectrum symptoms, by means of a recently validated instrument, in a sample of participants with EDs, particularly comparing participants with or without binge eating behaviours. METHODS 138 participants meeting DSM-5 criteria for EDs and 160 healthy control participants (HCs), were recruited at 3 Italian University Departments of Psychiatry and assessed by the SCID-5, the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum) and the Eating Disorders Inventory, version 2 (EDI-2). ED participants included: 46 with restrictive anorexia (AN-R); 24 with binge-purging type of Anorexia Nervosa (AN-BP); 34 with Bulimia Nervosa (BN) and 34 with Binge Eating Disorder (BED). The sample was split in two groups: participants with binge eating behaviours (BEB), in which were included participants with AN-BP, BN and BED, and participants with restrictive behaviours (AN-R). RESULTS participants with EDs showed significantly higher AdAS Spectrum total scores than HCs. Moreover, EDs participants showed significantly higher scores on all AdAS Spectrum domains with the exception of Non verbal communication and Hyper-Hypo reactivity to sensory input for AN-BP participants, and Childhood/Adolescence domain for AN-BP and BED participants. Participants with AN-R scored significantly higher than participants with BEB on the AdAS Spectrum total score, and on the Inflexibility and adherence to routine and Restricted interest/rumination AdAS Spectrum domain scores. Significant correlations emerged between the Interpersonal distrust EDI-2 sub-scale and the Non verbal communication and the Restricted interest and rumination AdAS Spectrum domains; as well as between the Social insecurity EDI-2 sub-scale and the Inflexibility and adherence to routine and Restricted interest and rumination domains in participants with EDs. CONCLUSIONS Our data corroborate the presence of higher subthreshold autism spectrum symptoms among ED participants with respect to HCs, with particularly higher levels among restrictive participants. Relevant correlations between subthreshold autism spectrum symptoms and EDI-2 Subscale also emerged.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - B Carpita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy.
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Corsi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - E Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - D Muti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - E Calderani
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - G Castellini
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - M Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
| | - V Ricca
- Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuropsychiatric Sciences, Florence University School of Medicine, 50134 Firenze, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Italy
| | - M Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
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Gesi C, Carmassi C, Luciano M, Bossini L, Ricca V, Fagiolini A, Maj M, Dell’Osso L. Autistic Traits in Patients with Anorexia Nervosa, Bulimia Nervosa or Binge Eating Disorder: A Pilot Study. Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionPrevious data showed higher autistic traits in individuals with anorexia nervosa (AN) compared to healthy controls (CTL). It is not known, however, whether this characteristic is shared by other feeding and eating disorders (FEDs) or it is uniquely associated to AN.ObjectivesTo compare autistic traits among individuals with AN, bulimia nervosa (BN), binge eating disorder (BED) and CTL and to investigate which specific dimensions differentiate one group from another.MethodsA total of 241 FED patients (53 AN, 41 BN, 42 BED) and 105 CTL were administered the autism-spectrum quotient (AQ), the adult autism subthreshold spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), the Ritvo autism and Asperger diagnostic scale 14-item (RAADS-14 Screen).ResultsFED subjects reported higher AQ, AdAS spectrum and RAADS-14 total and subscales scores compared to CTL (all P < .001). No differences were found amongst AN, BN and BED subjects in questionnaires’ total scores. BN group scored higher than AN in the hyper-/hyporeactivity to sensory input domain of the AdAS spectrum (P < .001); AN group scored higher than BED in the attention switching domain of the AQ (P < .001), and BED group scored lower than both AN and BN in the mentalizing deficit domain of the RAADS-14 (all P < .001).ConclusionsWe reported for the first time that not only AN but also BN and BED patients show greater autistic traits compared to CTL. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this preliminary report and to elucidate whether autistic traits either precede, co-occur or follow FEDs.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Carmassi C, Corsi M, Gesi C, Bertelloni C, Faggioni F, Calderani E, Massimetti G, Peroni D, Bonuccelli A, Orsini A, Dell’Osso L. Full and Partial DSM-5 PTSD in Parents of Children with Epilepsy: Exploring Gender Differences. Eur Psychiatry 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2017.01.1307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionIncreasing literature suggests the need to explore PTSD and post-traumatic stress symptoms among parents and caregivers of children with acute and chronic illnesses but scant data are available on epilepsy.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to estimate full and partial PTSD rates among parents of children with epilepsy according to DSM-5 criteria. Further, aim of this study was to examine eventual gender differences between mothers and fathers.MethodsOne hundred and thirty-eight parents, 91 mothers (65.9%) and 47 (34.1%) fathers, of children diagnosed with epilepsy were interviewed using the SCID-5.ResultsFull and partial DSM-5 PTSD were reported by 10.4% and 37.3% of patients, respectively. Significant gender differences, with the mother more affected, emerged in the rates of partial A PTSD rates (P = 0.048) and in the endorsement rates of criterion B (intrusion symptoms) (P = 0.047), criterion D (negative alterations in cognitions and mood) (P = 0.010) and criterion E (alterations in arousal and reactivity) (P < 0.001) too.ConclusionsThis is the first study to identify post-traumatic symptoms in caregivers of pediatric patients with epilepsy with the use of current diagnostic criteria and the relevance of the results suggests the need for further studies on this risk population.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.
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Dell'Osso L, Gesi C, Massimetti E, Cremone IM, Barbuti M, Maccariello G, Moroni I, Barlati S, Castellini G, Luciano M, Bossini L, Rocchetti M, Signorelli M, Aguglia E, Fagiolini A, Politi P, Ricca V, Vita A, Carmassi C, Maj M. Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum): Validation of a questionnaire investigating subthreshold autism spectrum. Compr Psychiatry 2017; 73:61-83. [PMID: 27918948 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM Increasing literature has shown the usefulness of a dimensional approach to autism. The present study aimed to determine the psychometric properties of the Adult Autism Subthreshold Spectrum (AdAS Spectrum), a new questionnaire specifically tailored to assess subthreshold forms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in adulthood. METHODS 102 adults endorsing at least one DSM-5 symptom criterion for ASD (ASDc), 143 adults diagnosed with a feeding and eating disorder (FED), and 160 subjects with no mental disorders (CTL), were recruited from 7 Italian University Departments of Psychiatry and administered the following: SCID-5, Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ), Ritvo Autism and Asperger Diagnostic Scale 14-item version (RAADS-14), and AdAS Spectrum. RESULTS The AdAS Spectrum demonstrated excellent internal consistency for the total score (Kuder-Richardson's coefficient=.964) as well as for five out of seven domains (all coefficients>.80) and sound test-retest reliability (ICC=.976). The total and domain AdAS Spectrum scores showed a moderate to strong (>.50) positive correlation with one another and with the AQ and RAADS-14 total scores. ASDc subjects reported significantly higher AdAS Spectrum total scores than both FED (p<.001) and CTL (p<.001), and significantly higher scores on the Childhood/adolescence, Verbal communication, Empathy, Inflexibility and adherence to routine, and Restricted interests and rumination domains (all p<.001) than FED, while on all domains compared to CTL. CTL displayed significantly lower total and domain scores than FED (all p<.001). A significant effect of gender emerged for the Hyper- and hyporeactivity to sensory input domain, with women showing higher scores than men (p=.003). A Diagnosis* Gender interaction was also found for the Verbal communication (p=.019) and Empathy (p=.023) domains. When splitting the ASDc in subjects with one symptom criterion (ASD1) and those with a ASD, and the FED in subjects with no ASD symptom criteria (FED0) and those with one ASD symptom criterion (FED1), a gradient of severity in AdAS Spectrum scores from CTL subjects to ASD patients, across FED0, ASD1, FED1 was shown. CONCLUSIONS The AdAS Spectrum showed excellent internal consistency and test-retest reliability and strong convergent validity with alternative dimensional measures of ASD. The questionnaire performed differently among the three diagnostic groups and enlightened some significant effects of gender in the expression of autistic traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Massimetti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Barbuti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Maccariello
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Moroni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Barlati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - G Castellini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - M Luciano
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
| | - L Bossini
- Department of Mental Health and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - M Rocchetti
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - M Signorelli
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - E Aguglia
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Biomedicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - A Fagiolini
- Department of Mental Health and Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - P Politi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - V Ricca
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - A Vita
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - M Maj
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples SUN, Naples, Italy
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Carmassi C, Gesi C, Corsi M, Pergentini I, Cremone IM, Conversano C, Perugi G, Shear MK, Dell'Osso L. Adult separation anxiety differentiates patients with complicated grief and/or major depression and is related to lifetime mood spectrum symptoms. Compr Psychiatry 2015; 58:45-9. [PMID: 25595519 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2014.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing literature has been focused on complicated grief (CG) and its distinctiveness from other potentially loss related mental disorders such as major depression (MD). In this regard, symptoms of separation distress seem to play a key role. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical features of CG to those of MD and of CG+MD, with particular attention to separation anxiety. METHODS Fifty patients with CG (26 with and 24 without MD) and 40 with MD were consecutively recruited. Assessments included: SCID-I/P, Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG), Adult Separation Anxiety Symptom Questionnaire (ASA-27), Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS), Mood Spectrum-Self Report (MOODS-SR)-lifetime version. RESULTS Patients with MD reported significantly higher ASA-27 scores than patients with CG either alone or with MD. In all groups, ASA-27 total scores were significantly correlated with the MOODS-SR total scores and with those of its depressive component and rhythmicity domain. No significant differences were reported in the WSAS scores. LIMITATIONS Major limitations are the small sample size and the use of lifetime instruments. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a correlation between adult separation anxiety symptoms and lifetime mood spectrum symptoms both in patients with CG and MD. Further studies are needed to better understand the role of adult separation anxiety in the development of these disorders and for their nosographic autonomy as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
| | - C Gesi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Corsi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I Pergentini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - I M Cremone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Conversano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Perugi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - M K Shear
- Columbia University School of Social Work, New York, NY, USA
| | - L Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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Pini S, Chelli B, Abelli M, Muti M, Gesi C, Cardini A, Lari L, Cassano G, Lucacchini A, Martini C. Platelet 18 kDa translocator protein density is reduced in depressed patients with adult separation anxiety. Eur Psychiatry 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2008.01.378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
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