Papers by Giuseppe Valeriani
Healthcare
Since its early stages, the COVID-19 pandemic has interacted with existing divides by ethnicity a... more Since its early stages, the COVID-19 pandemic has interacted with existing divides by ethnicity and socioeconomic statuses, exacerbating further inequalities in high-income countries. The Swedish public health strategy, built on mutual trust between the government and the society and giving the responsibility to the individual, has been criticized for not applying a dedicated and more diverse strategy for most disadvantaged migrants in dealing with the pandemic. In order to mitigate the unequal burden on the marginalized members of society, increasing efforts have been addressed to digital health technologies. Despite the strong potential of providing collective public health benefits, especially in a highly digitalized context as Sweden, need for a stronger cooperation between the public health authorities and migrant community leaders, representatives of migrant associations, religious leaders and other influencers of disadvantaged groups has emerged. Suggestions are presented on ...
Healthcare
Since its early stages, the COVID-19 pandemic has interacted with existing divides by ethnicity a... more Since its early stages, the COVID-19 pandemic has interacted with existing divides by ethnicity and socioeconomic statuses, exacerbating further inequalities in high-income countries. The Swedish public health strategy, built on mutual trust between the government and the society and giving the responsibility to the individual, has been criticized for not applying a dedicated and more diverse strategy for most disadvantaged migrants in dealing with the pandemic. In order to mitigate the unequal burden on the marginalized members of society, increasing efforts have been addressed to digital health technologies. Despite the strong potential of providing collective public health benefits, especially in a highly digitalized context as Sweden, need for a stronger cooperation between the public health authorities and migrant community leaders, representatives of migrant associations, religious leaders and other influencers of disadvantaged groups has emerged. Suggestions are presented on ...
![Research paper thumbnail of [Coffee consumption in depressive disorders: it's not one size fits all]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/49730472/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Rivista di psichiatria
Caffeine is considered the world's most popular psychoactive substance. Its actions on the ce... more Caffeine is considered the world's most popular psychoactive substance. Its actions on the central nervous system, mainly mediated by antagonism of adenosine receptors and subsequent modulation of dopaminergic activity, would be particularly sought by depressed patients, as an attempt of self-medication. However, published data suggested that coffee consumption may worsen psychopathological conditions in mood disorders. Thus, we reviewed available evidence in the literature that investigated the effects of coffee consumption on clinical development of underlying psychopathology. Literature research was done by typing on Medline/PubMed and PsychINFO the key words "coffee AND major depression", "coffee AND dysthymia". The research was limited to English language publications and to studies conducted exclusively on humans. Although literature data are conflicting, extensive follow-up studies indicate a significant caffeine effect on risk reduction of developing ...
Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 2014
The connection between psychopathology and tinnitus is complex and not adequately studied. The ai... more The connection between psychopathology and tinnitus is complex and not adequately studied. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between tinnitus and psychiatric comorbidities from different points of view: categorical, dimensional, temperamental, and perceived stress level. Two hundred and thirty-nine patients affected by tinnitus were recruited between January and October 2012. Patients underwent a preliminary battery of tests including the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI), Symptom Check List (SCL90-R), Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), and Stress-Related Vulnerability Scale (VRS), and eventually a full psychiatric evaluation. One hundred and fourteen patients (48% of the total sample) presented psychiatric comorbidity. Among these, a higher prevalence of depression, somatization, obsession, and anxiety was found. More than 41% of patients affected by decompensated tinnitus reported a family history of psychiatric disorders. Significant positive correlations between the psychopathological screening tools (SCL90-R and VRS) and THI were found. Patients affected by comorbid psychiatric disorder showed specific temperamental and characterial predispositions. Psychiatric comorbidity in subjects affected by tinnitus is frequent. Stress can be considered as a factor leading to damage and dysfunction of the auditory apparatus. The vulnerability to neurotic disorders and the lack of coping capabilities can play a critical role in the clinical history of patients affected by severe tinnitus.
Rivista di psichiatria
Sleep disturbances have long been considered as a cardinal symptom of endogenous depression and d... more Sleep disturbances have long been considered as a cardinal symptom of endogenous depression and dreams in depressed patients usually differ from those of healthy people. The aim of the present study was to investigate dream subjective experiences and their modifications in relation to clinical response in a group of escitalopram-treated depressed patients. Twenty-seven female patients meeting DSM-IV-TR criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and starting SSRI therapy were included in the study. Data about psychopathological status and dreaming subjective experiences were collected at baseline (T0), 4 weeks after the beginning of the treatment (T1) and after further 4 weeks of therapy (T2). At T0 dream experience was impaired and negatively toned. Concomitantly with the decrease of symptoms severity, the 8-week escitalopram treatment yielded to significant improvements in the recall of both quantity and quality of dreams; those patients whit lower clinical benefits kept on repor...
Rivista Di Psichiatria, Jul 1, 2014
Human psychopharmacology, 2015
The pharmacological self-management of novel psychoactive substance (NPS)-induced psychopathologi... more The pharmacological self-management of novel psychoactive substance (NPS)-induced psychopathological consequences represents a fast growing phenomenon. This is facilitated by the frequent sharing of NPS intake experiences online and by the ease of access to a range of psychotropic medications from both the online and street market. Olanzapine is anecdotally reported by Web users to be the most frequent self-prescribed medication to cope with NPS-induced psychoses. Hence, we aimed here at better assessing olanzapine use/misuse for this purpose. Exploratory qualitative searches of 163 discussion fora/specialized websites have been carried out in four languages (English, German, Spanish, and Italian) in the time frame November 2012-2013. Most NPS-users allegedly self administer with olanzapine to manage related psychotic crises/"bad trips". This may be typically taken only for a few days, at a dosage range of 5-50 mg/day. Only a few research studies have formally assessed the...
Human psychopharmacology, 2015
The urge to gain information on a new drug marketed online as 'Psyclone' has emerged afte... more The urge to gain information on a new drug marketed online as 'Psyclone' has emerged after the death of a 38-year-old man in Bolton (UK). The fatality appeared to be a consequence of smoking this psychoactive product. From October to December 2013, qualitative searches of the Web have been carried out in English and Italian, using the keywords 'Psyclone', 'Psyclone legal high', 'Psyclone incense' and 'Psyclone research chemical' on the Google search engine and on the database provided by the Global Public Health Intelligence Network. Our research highlighted the existence of two psychoactive products labelled as Psyclone but with different contents and packaging: a herbal blend containing two synthetic cannabinoids (AKB-48 and 5f-PB-22) and a research chemical containing 50% ethylphenidate, 30% caffeine and 20% lidocaine. Desired and side effects of both compounds are explored in the paper. Being sold as a legal product, Psyclone may appeal to...
BioMed research international, 2015
Obesity and overeating are among the most prevalent health concerns worldwide and individuals are... more Obesity and overeating are among the most prevalent health concerns worldwide and individuals are increasingly using performance and image-enhancing drugs (PIEDs) as an easy and fast way to control their weight. Among these, herbal weight-loss products (HWLPs) often attract users due to their health claims, assumed safety, easy availability, affordable price, extensive marketing, and the perceived lack of need for professional oversight. Reports suggest that certain HWLPs may lead to onset or exacerbation of psychiatric disturbances. Here we review the available evidence on psychiatric adverse effects of HWLPs due to their intrinsic toxicity and potential for interaction with psychiatric medications.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Osteoporosis and major depression: open debate on a bidirectional relationship]](https://a.academia-assets.com/images/blank-paper.jpg)
Rivista di psichiatria
Osteoporosis and depression are two chronic diseases that affect large population groups with gre... more Osteoporosis and depression are two chronic diseases that affect large population groups with great impact on morbidity, mortality and quality of life. Existing studies of the relationship between depression and osteoporosis have been heterogeneous in their design and use of diagnostic instruments for depression, which might have contributed to the different results on the comorbidity of these two conditions. Moreover, the direction of the causative link is still controversial and the etiology remains unclear. Definitely, limited data suggest that osteoporosis may enhance depressive symptoms, while far more studies have shown that depression adversely affects bone density and increases fracture risk. Thus the correlation of these diseases is still under research. This review comments on a plausible causative relationship and underlying mechanisms that might elucidate the link between two very common diseases. We describe the possible impact of osteoporosis on moods and the effect of...
Psychiatria Danubina
The role of emotional deficits in the poor outcomes of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorde... more The role of emotional deficits in the poor outcomes of patients with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) has been emphasized. Generalized and specific emotional abnormalities have been reported, often related to OCD severity and functional disabilities. The objective of the present study was to assess the abilities of experiencing and displaying emotions in OCD patients in response to specific stimuli in relation with the severity of their clinical condition. Thirty-six individuals participated in the study: 10 OCD patients with severe symptoms, 11 with mild-moderate symptoms, and 15 healthy controls. All participants watched emotion-eliciting video clips while their facial activity was videotaped. The congruent/incongruent feeling of emotions and the facial expression in reaction to emotions were evaluated. The two subgroups of OCD patients presented similarly incongruent emotive feelings and facial expressions (significantly worse than healthy participants). Moreover, OCD patients...
La Clinica terapeutica
In PTSD, sleep disorders represent an important symptoms dimension which is associated with more ... more In PTSD, sleep disorders represent an important symptoms dimension which is associated with more severe PTSD and increased risk of relapse. The basic treatment for PTSD is not always associated to an improvement of sleep disturbances and nightmares. Alpha-blockers, and more specifically Prazosin, have shown a specific action on sleep disorders in PTSD. We report the clinical case of a young women with PTSD, who was suffering from severe sleep disorder and distressing nightmare. The patient was treated with Terazosin, a conger of Prazosin, and has shown symptom remission. Further studies on the use of alpha-blokers might reveal new therapeutic options in PTSD. Clin Ter 2013; 164(2):133-137. doi: 10.7417/CT.2013.1532.
Giornale Italiano di Psicopatologia
The corpus callosum, which is the largest white matter structure in the brain of all placental ma... more The corpus callosum, which is the largest white matter structure in the brain of all placental mammals, connects the left and right cerebral hemispheres. An alteration in its morphology, hypocon-nectivity or hyperconnectivity is a common marker of various neuropsychiatric pathologies. One of these is Aicardi syndrome, which is characterized by a triad of callosal agenesis, infantile spasms and chorioretinal lacunae. Patients affected by Aicardi syndrome frequently display other malformations together with congenital defects of the eyes, ribs and vertebrae. Based on the current clinical knowledge, this syndrome is now recognized as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that includes neurolog-ical and constitutional symptoms. However, literature data have not yet defined the presence of a particular set of symptoms in psychiatric patients with this condition. The present case is the first report in which an on-going compulsive behaviour focused on the insistence to order objects has b...
La Clinica terapeutica, 2013
The strong comorbidity between metabolic diseases and severe psychiatric disorders, although obje... more The strong comorbidity between metabolic diseases and severe psychiatric disorders, although object of extensive scientific literature in recent years, is still a challenge for researchers, in order to clarify the pathogenic mechanisms that underlie this relationship, and for clinicians, in order to optimize strategies for prevention and early interventions. Particular attention is linked to insulin resistance, which can represent a primum movens able to adversely affect the course of the dysmetabolic and psychiatric frameworks. Through extensive review of the scientific literature on PubMed, we analyze the latest scientific findings about the bidirectional nature of this comorbidity. Our aim is also to identify an instrument applicable on a large scale in psychiatric populations, able to quickly recognize the insulin resistance. In particular, the HOMA (Homeostasis Model Assessment) index for its features of high specificity, sensitivity, low-cost and easy execution of the method, ...
Rivista di psichiatria
This study aims to compare some behavioural characteristics related to circadian functions in hea... more This study aims to compare some behavioural characteristics related to circadian functions in healthy subjects, in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and panic disorder (PD) during adulthood (disease period) and during the premorbid age (between 12 and 20 years old). 132 adult patients with MDD, 144 with PD and 151 adult healthy controls were enrolled in the study. All subjects completed a retrospective questionnaire. Several behaviours (such as falling asleep, awakening, having, appetite, perceiving energy and cognitive functioning) showed a phase delay or a phase advance in MDD and PD patients compared to healthy controls. Behavioural differences where found in patients even before the clinical onset of the disease. Circadian profiles of MDD and PD patients diverge from those of healthy controls not only during the disorder but also in the ages preceding its clinical onset. The analysis of these circadian patterns may aid physicians to early identify subjects with speci...
![Research paper thumbnail of [Facial Action Coding System (FACS): an instrument for the objective evaluation of facial expression and its potential applications to the study of schizophrenia]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42016754/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Rivista di psichiatria
Affective flattening and the consequent anomalous expression of emotions are considered as key el... more Affective flattening and the consequent anomalous expression of emotions are considered as key elements of the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. The purpose of this work is to assess how a survey instrument based on objective evaluation of emotional facial expressiveness (FACS) and a method of elicitation of emotions (film clips) can provide psychopathological manifestations about schizophrenia. Relevant literature was identified through a search of Medline, PsychInfo and PubMed. Search terms included: "elicitation of emotions", "facial action coding system" and "schizophrenia". The research was limited to English-language publications and studies conducted exclusively in humans. The overall evaluation of the studies analyzed in this work show that the FACS is a useful tool to highlight specific clinical characteristics of schizophrenic patients with significant deficits in the expression and recognition of emotions, such as the status of hospitalizat...
Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 2014
Introduction: Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) are often sold online as "legal" and "safer" a... more Introduction: Novel Psychoactive Substances (NPSs) are often sold online as "legal" and "safer" alternatives to International Controlled Drugs (ICDs) with captivating marketing strategies. Our aim was to review and summarize such strategies in terms of the appearance of the products, the brand names, and the latest trends in the illicit online marketplaces. Methods: Scientific data were searched in PsychInfo and Pubmed databases; results were integrated with an extensive monitoring of Internet (websites, online shops, chat rooms, fora, social networks) and media sources in nine languages (English, French, Farsi, Portuguese, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, and Chinese simplified/traditional) available from secure databases of the Global Public Health Intelligence Network. Results: Evolving strategies for the online diffusion and the retail of NPSs have been identified, including discounts and periodic offers on chosen products. Advertisements and new brand names have been designed to attract customers, especially young people. An increased number of retailers have been recorded as well as new Web platforms and privacy systems. Discussion: NPSs represent an unprecedented challenge in the field of public health with social, cultural, legal, and political implications. Web monitoring activities are essential for mapping the diffusion of NPSs and for supporting innovative Web-based prevention programmes.
Several neurological side effects induced by tacrolimus are described in the scientific literatur... more Several neurological side effects induced by tacrolimus are described in the scientific literature, ranging from mild neurological symptoms to delirium and psychosis. We report the case of a 46-year-old man with no prior psychiatric history who suddenly manifested manic-like psychosis associated with elevated trough tacrolimus blood concentrations 17 years after kidney transplant. The use of antipsychotics may improve the severity of symptoms; but in order to obtain a complete remission, the reduction in the dose of tacrolimus, or its replacement with alternative immunosuppressant therapies, is recommended.
![Research paper thumbnail of [Internet addiction disorder and social networks: statistical analysis of correlation and study of the association with social interaction anxiousness]](https://attachments.academia-assets.com/42016752/thumbnails/1.jpg)
Rivista di psichiatria
Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is an emerging psychiatric disorder, assimilable to impulse con... more Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD) is an emerging psychiatric disorder, assimilable to impulse control problems and related to maladaptive use of new networks and social and virtual technologies. Our study aims to analyze the presence of IAD among adolescents and to study the correlation with social interaction anxiousness. We investigated also the possibility that the Social Network (SN) represent a source of risk for the development of IAD. The test group was composed of 250 subjects, aged between 14 and 18 years. They were administered: Young's IAT; IAS (Interaction Anxiousness Scale), AAS (Audience Anxiousness Scale) and SISST (Social Interaction Self-Statement Test) to analyze the dimension of social interaction anxiousness. We found a rate of 2% of the IAD. The SN are the most common use of the Net in our sample, but not the most clicked sites by subjects with IAD. It should be noted, finally, a correlation between social interaction anxiety and IAD, but not a significant d...
Neural Plasticity, 2014
Introduction. Comorbid psychiatric disorders are frequent among patients affected by tinnitus. Th... more Introduction. Comorbid psychiatric disorders are frequent among patients affected by tinnitus. There are mutual clinical influences between tinnitus and psychiatric disorders, as well as neurobiological relations based on partially overlapping hodological and neuroplastic phenomena. The aim of the present paper is to review the evidence of alterations in brain networks underlying tinnitus physiopathology and to discuss them in light of the current knowledge of the neurobiology of psychiatric disorders. Methods. Relevant literature was identified through a search on Medline and PubMed; search terms included tinnitus, brain, plasticity, cortex, network, and pathways. Results. Tinnitus phenomenon results from systemic-neurootological triggers followed by neuronal remapping within several auditory and nonauditory pathways. Plastic reorganization and white matter alterations within limbic system, arcuate fasciculus, insula, salience network, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, auditory pathways, ffrontocortical, and thalamocortical networks are discussed. Discussion. Several overlapping brain network alterations do exist between tinnitus and psychiatric disorders. Tinnitus, initially related to a clinicoanatomical approach based on a cortical localizationism, could be better explained by an holistic or associationist approach considering psychic functions and tinnitus as emergent properties of partially overlapping large-scale neural networks.
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Papers by Giuseppe Valeriani