Filippo Petruccelli

Problematic mobile phone use in adolescence: a cross-sectional study

AimIn recent years, mobile phone use has become increasingly common among Italian youth, while a growing scientific literature has been identifying the occurrence of a problematic mobile phone use which seems to share some features of other conditions often referred to as behavioural addictions. The study aimed to assess the prevalence of problematic mobile phone use in a population of Italian adolescents and its association with other behavioural addictions.Subjects and methodsThe Mobile Addiction Test (MAT) was administered to 2,790 high school students from Barletta, an Italian town, together with the South Oaks Gambling Screen-Revised for Adolescents (SOGS-RA), the Compulsive Buying Scale (CBS), the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI), the Work Addiction Risk Test (WART).ResultsMAT scores fitted a Gaussian distribution model. Scores ≥ 17 was found as a cut-off value over which identifying problematic mobile phone users. Overall prevalence of problematic mobile phone use was 6.3%; this condition was associated with other behavioural addictions like compulsive buying.ConclusionProblematic mobile phone use in adolescence should become a public health issue, and it could be a cause of health problems and social costs.

Low-dose topiramate in alcohol dependence: a single-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Introduction Topiramate (TOP) and anticonvulsants in general are considered safe and effective drugs for the treatment of alcohol dependence, even though TOP-induced adverse events are quite common, especially for high initial doses or if titration to 300 mg/d is too rapid. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability profile of low-dose TOP for relapse prevention. Methods After detoxification, 52 patients were randomized into 2 groups as follows: 26 patients received 100 mg of TOP (oral, twice daily), titrated over 2 weeks, and 26 patients received placebo (PLA). Both groups underwent rehabilitation twice a week. Results After 6 weeks of treatment, compared with the PLA group, patients receiving TOP showed the following: (1) fewer drinking days (P < 0.05); (2) less daily alcohol consumption (P < 0.05); (3) more days of treatment (P < 0.05); (4) reduced levels of craving (Obsessive-Compulsive Drinking Scale) and withdrawal symptoms (Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment for Alcohol–Revised); and (5) improvement of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptom severity (Symptom Check List 90 Revised). Conclusions Despite the small sample size and the short follow-up period, the present PLA-controlled study demonstrated the potential usefulness of TOP, even when administered at a dosage of 100 mg/d, for the treatment of detoxified alcohol-dependent subjects, confirming results from previous studies testing higher doses of TOP.

The Endocannabinoid System: A Putative Role in Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background: Following the characterization of the chemical structure of D9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive constituent of marijuana, researchers have moved on with scientific valuable explorations. Objectives: The aim of this review is to highlight the role of endocannabinoid system in neurodegenerative diseases. Materials and Methods: The article is a critical analysis of the most recent data currently present in scientific literature on the subject; a qualitative synthesis of only the most significant articles has been performed. Results: In central nervous system, endocannabinoids show a neuromodulatory function, often of retrograde type. This way, they play an important role in synaptic plasticity and in cognitive, motor, sensory and affective processes. In addition, in some acute or chronic pathologies of central nervous system, such as neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, endocannabinoids can perform a pro-homeostatic and neuroprotective function, through the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors. Scientific evidence shows that an hypofunction or a dysregulation of the endocannabinoid system may be responsible for some of the symptoms of diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington’s, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases. Conclusions: The important role played by endocannabinoid system promises interesting developments, in particular to evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs in both psychiatry and neurology.

Obsessive-Compulsive Aspects and Pathological Gambling in an Italian Sample

Introduction. Gambling behaviour appears as repetitive and difficult to resist and seems to be aimed at neutralizing or reducing negative feelings such as anxiety and tension, confirming its similarities with the obsessive-compulsive spectrum. Aims. Estimating the prevalence of gambling behaviour in an Italian sample and assessing the effects of sociodemographic variables and the correlations between gambling behaviour and obsessive-compulsive features. Methods. A sample of 300 Italian subjects was evaluated based on gambling behaviours and obsessive-compulsive attitudes. The assessment was carried out in small centers in Italy, mainly in coffee and tobacco shops, where slot machines are located, using the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the MOCQ-R, a reduced form of Maudsley Obsessional-Compulsive Questionnaire. Results. A negative correlation between SOGS and MOPQ-R, with reference to the control and cleaning subscales, was evidenced in the majority of the examined subjects. Both evaluating instruments showed reliability and a good discriminative capacity. Conclusions. Our study evidenced that the sample of gamblers we analysed did not belong to the obsessive-compulsive disorders area, supporting the validity of the model proposed by DSM-5 for the classification of PG. These data confirm the importance of investing in treatments similar to those used for substance use disorders.

Affective Dependence and Aggression: An Exploratory Study

Introduction. Emotionally dependent subjects may engage in controlling, restrictive, and aggressive behaviours, which limit their partners autonomy. The underlying causes of such behaviours are not solely based on levels of aggression, but act as a mean of maintaining the subjects own sense of self-worth, identity, and general functioning. Objective. The aim of the paper is to explore the correlation between affective dependency and reactive/proactive aggression and to evaluate individual differences as predisposing factors for aggressive behaviour and emotional dependency. Methods. The Spouse-Specific Dependency Scale (SSDS) and the Reactive Proactive Questionnaire (RPQ) were administered to a sample of 3375 subjects. Results. In the whole sample, a positive correlation between emotional dependency and proactive aggression was identified. Differences with regard to sex, age group, and geographical distribution were evidenced for the scores of the different scales. Conclusion. A fundamental distinction between reactive and proactive aggression was observed, anchoring proactive aggression more strictly to emotional dependency. Sociocultural and demographical variables, together with the previous structuring of attachment styles, help to determine the scope, frequency, and intensity of the demands made to the partner, as well as to feed the fears of loss, abandonment, or betrayal.

ONLY BELIEVERS RELY ON GOD? A NEW MEASURE TO INVESTIGATE CATHOLIC-FAITH AUTOMATIC ASSOCIATIONS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH PSYCHOLOGICAL WELL-BEING

Recent theorists have argued that theistic cognitions are so deeply embedded in human cultures that nearly all people experience implicit religious thoughts, even those who consider themselves as atheists or agnostics. This study aimed to evaluate the validity of a Catholic Faith Single Category Implicit Association Test (CF SC-IAT; Karpinski & Steinman, 2006), the degree of implicit–explicit dissociation across different religious groups (practicing and nonpracticing Catholics, agnostics and atheists), as well as the relationships between automatic faith associations and well-being indices. The study was conducted using a Roman sample composed of 142 subjects (106 women) who were an average of 24.74 years of age (SD = 10.66). Results showed: (a) an adequate level of reliability and convergent and criterion validity; (b) a certain degree of implicit–explicit dissociation in terms of a different localization of mean scores with respect to the neutral scale point, a different pattern of means across the religious groups, a small correlation between them, and independent contributions in the prediction of religion-related behaviors; and (c) significant correlations between implicit Catholic faith and 3 different indices of psychological well-being. Theoretical interpretations and limitations of the study were discussed.

Self-Serving Bias in the Implicit and Explicit Evaluation of Partners and Exes as Parents A Pilot Study

The quality of partners’ relationship can be influenced by the reciprocal respect of the other’s parenting role, especially when the couple breaks up. This study is aimed at investigating the implicit versus explicit self-serving biases in the evaluation of partners and exes as parents (or potential parents), exploring sex differences and possible relationships with dyadic cohesion. Two Implicit Association Tests and two semantic differentials, comparing each respondent with current partners and last significant exes, and also a scale measuring dyadic cohesion were administered to 108 participants (40 men; M age = 28.1 yr., SD = 8.7). As expected, participants assessed themselves as better than others on both IAT and self-report evaluations, with larger effects toward exes than toward partners and on implicit than explicit measures. Women devalued exes, but not partners, more than men. Dyadic cohesion scores were negatively correlated with the explicit evaluations of partners but not with implicit ones. Theoretical interpretations in terms of self-serving bias were discussed.

EPA-0797 - Epidemiology of new psychoactive substances in a sample of adolescents and young adults

Introduction The rapid emergence of New Psychoactive Substances (NPSs), combined with the ability of the Internet to disseminate information quickly, represents a serious issue from both a clinical and a public health point of view. Objectives Aim of our research project is to assess the knowledge of NPSs and the extent of their diffusion amongst Italian young people. Methods A questionnaire has been administered to a youth population (2700 subjects, 16-24 year old) randomly selected from a representative group, to evaluate their knowledge/use of a group of NPSs. Other items evaluate possible alcoholic abuse, use of other drugs, smoking habit, consumption of energy drinks/caffeinate beverages, time spent over the Internet per day. Results In the sample a partial knowledge of NPSs has been reported. The use of Cannabis in form of ’Spices’, ’Bath Salts’ including mephedrone, and Salvia divinorum was found in 1,4%, 2.2%, and 0.8% respectively. Relevant is the consumption of alcoholic beverages, with an important prevalence of binge drinking habits (98% of alcohol drinkers, 48,4% of total sample). Conclusions The results evidence a partial, but presumably significant compared to the general population, knowledge of use of New Psychoactive Substances among selected Italian adolescents and young adults. Peculiar is the percentage of subjects with Binge Drinking habits (98%) among alcohol consumers (50,8% of total sample). We aim to widen the data with further questionnaire collection, in order to present more significant results

T06-P-06 Quality of the interview and the reliability of accounts of presumably sexually-abused minors

Objects The present study aims at verifying the quality of interviews carried out by different professional figures on closed hearings of presumably abused minors. Moreover, we tried to find a relationship between the quality of the interview and the efficacy of Criteria-Based Content Analysis (CBCA) for the assessment of reliability. Materials and method 19 interviews of closed hearings of supposed sexually-abused minors have been analysed. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed in full. Transcripts were then analysed to verify how they satisfied the requirements for the Cognitive Interview and the Step-Wise Interview. A technique for content analysis applied to testimony and hearing of under-age victims (CBCA) was then performed on the transcripts. All evaluations were carried out by three independent judges specifically trained in using this instrument. Interviewers were classified on the basis of their professions and, therefore, on the basis of their official studying and professional profile. Results Results showed a low compliance with international protocols of interviews. When interviews were carried out in conformity to protocols suggested in the specialised literature, results showed a greater inter-raters agreement in CBCA scores. Discussion In this study, the interviewers’professional qualifications do not seem to guarantee the necessary quality of interview according to the criteria for CI and Step Wise Interview.

T06-P-08 Personality traits of sex offenders

Objectives According to the literature on sex offenders, such subjects are more likely to suffer from antisocial disorders, depression and anxiety, narcissistic personality and, in same cases, even schizophrenia. This study aimed at outlining the personality traits of sex offenders. Methods Nineteen subjects convicted of at least one sex crime were considered and data were collected through a schedule on the life of the subjects, a clinical interview and finally administration of MMPI-2. Results and conclusions In general, results show that subjects have some problems in the emotional-affective sphere. Almost all subjects scored highly in the following scales of MMPI-2: HS (indicative of a tendency to excessive preoccupation with ones body, a number of psychosomatic symptoms and a propensity to narcissism), Pa (indicative of a tendency to hostility and suspicion, alongside with a tendency to blame and criticize others for ones own faults) and HEA (indicative of a tendency to physical symptoms as well as a propensity to worry excessively about ones health). Our sample, although rather small, confirmed the presence of only one trait already reported in the literature, i.e. the narcissistic one and highlighted hypochondria and paranoia. Further research is needed, addressing the diversity of personality presumably existing among sex offenders and presumably related to the specific sexual offence committed (paedophilia, harassment, rape, etc.); in addition, further research should compare sex offenders with other criminals and with non-offenders.