Giuseppe Abbracciavento

The Affective Neuroscience theory identifies seven neurobiological systems (SEEK, CARE, PLAY, SADNESS, FEAR, ANGER, and LUST) that are phylogenetically and ontogenetically determined, shared by all mammals, and localized in ancient subcortical brain regions. These systems, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, shape individual differences. A new instrument, the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scale (ANPS), was created to measure the expression of these primary emotional systems, foundational to human personality. A short version, the ANPS-SF, has been released but not validated in Italy. This study aimed to adapt and validate the ANPS-SF by examining its psychometric properties. A large sample of clinical and non-clinical young adults and adolescents (n = 827) also completed instruments assessing external validity, including the Big Five Inventory (BFI) and others. Results indicated that the ANPS-SF possesses satisfactory psychometric properties, highlighted by strong internal consistency and correlations with other measures. A two-higher-order-factors solution was identified, revealing General Positive Affect and General Negative Affect. Significant differences were noted between clinical and non-clinical groups, as well as across age and gender. Overall, the ANPS-SF can be effectively utilized in Italy, providing insights into primary emotional systems and their interaction with individual characteristics, relevant for both clinical and non-clinical populations.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Although the aetiology of IBD remains largely unknown, several studies suggest that an individual’s genetic susceptibility, external environmental factors, intestinal microbial flora, and immune responses are all factors involved in and functionally linked to the pathogenesis of IBD. Beyond the gastrointestinal manifestations, IBD patients frequently suffer from psychiatric comorbidities, particularly depression and anxiety. It remains unclear whether these disorders arise solely from reduced quality of life or whether they share overlapping biological mechanisms with IBD. This review aims to explore the bidirectional relationship between IBD and depressive disorders (DDs), with a focus on four key shared mechanisms: immune dysregulation, genetic susceptibility, alterations in gut microbiota composition, and dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. By examining recent literature, we highlight how these interconnected systems may contribute to both intestinal inflammation and mood disturbances. Furthermore, we discuss the reciprocal pharmacologic interactions between IBD and DDs: treatments for IBD, such as TNF-alpha and integrin inhibitors, have demonstrated effects on mood and anxiety symptoms, while certain antidepressants appear to exert independent anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk or severity of IBD. Overall, this review underscores the need for a multidisciplinary approach to the care of IBD patients, integrating psychological and gastroenterological assessment. A better understanding of the shared pathophysiology may help refine therapeutic strategies and support the development of personalized, gut–brain-targeted interventions.

To investigate the coping strategies of a group of adolescents with somatic symptom disorder compared to non-somatic symptom disorder peers during the COVID-19 related lockdown.This cross-sectional study is the second part of a previously published study showing an improved trend in depression and anxiety in a group of patients with somatic symptom disorder compared to non-somatic symptom disorder peers. An anonymous semi-structured survey was distributed to two groups of Italian adolescents to measure the impact of quarantine on their daily life and coping strategies.We recruited 115 adolescents, 58 (50.4%) mean age 15.3, with a recent diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder and 57 (49.6%) mean age 15.8, control peers.The aim of this study was to detect differences in coping strategies and relationships with parents and peers, during the lockdown period in a group of adolescents with somatic symptom disorder and low disease burden when compared with a non-somatic symptom disorder group.The relationship with parents significantly worsened in 4 (6.9%) of adolescents with somatic symptom disorder compared to 12 (21.1%) adolescents in the non-somatic symptom disorder group (p = 0.048). The relationship with peers significantly improved in 13 (22.4%) of adolescents with symptom disorder versus 3 (5.3%) of peers of the non- somatic symptom disorder group (p = 0.013).Adolescents with somatic symptom disorder with a low burden of physical symptoms experienced less deterioration in their relationships with parents and peers than the non-somatic symptom disorder group.

Background. This study aimed to investigate the consequence of the COVID 19-related lockdown on the well-being of children with neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders and the repercussion on parental stress during the period 9 March 2020–3 May 2020. Methods. A web-based survey was shared via mail with the parents of children affected by chronic neurologic disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders in the continuity of care in two Italian tertiary centers, independently by the severity of the diseases and the required frequency of controls. For each patient, they were asked to identify a single main caregiver, among the two parents, to fill in the questionnaire. Parental stress was measured via the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Statistical analysis was performed with IBM SPSS Statistics version 25. The differences between the clinical groups were performed with one way ANOVA. The dimensional effect of the clinical variables on outcome was evaluated by multiple linear regression analysis. Results. The survey was completed by 250 parents (response rate = 48.9 %). Sars-Cov2 infection was reported in two patients only. A total of 44.2% of the patients had completely interrupted school activities while 70% of parents underwent changes in their job modalities. Health care services were disrupted in 77% of patients. Higher PSS scores were detected in the parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (p = 0.035). Conclusions. The loss of continuity of care during the lockdown must be considered as a risk factor for parents caring for children with chronic neurologic diseases and neurodevelopmental disorders in further phases of the current pandemic.

Click on the article title to read more.

Homocystinuria due to cystathionine-β-synthase deficiency (CBS deficiency) usually presents with ectopia lentis, myopia, intellectual disability, skeletal anomalies resembling Marfan syndrome, and thromboembolic events. Whereas neurodevelopment impairments have been often described in untreated homocystinuria adult patients, acute psychosis has rarely been reported as a presenting symptom of the disease. Here, we describe a 17-year-old girl affected by CBS deficiency presenting acute onset of visual hallucinations, behavioral perseverance, psychomotor hyperactivity, and affective inappropriateness. Ectopia lentis, diagnosed several years before, didn’t have been considered as possible sign of a metabolic disorder. Psychotic symptoms were unresponsive to the conventional antipsychotic drugs and relieved after pyridoxine and folic acid treatment. Conclusion: A diagnosis of homocystinuria due to CBS deficiency should be considered in patients presenting, as target signs, ectopia lentis with or without learning difficulties, and should also be taken into account as a potentially treatable cause of acute psychosis in childhood and adolescence.