Emotional Dysregulation and Sleep Problems: A Transdiagnostic Approach in Youth.

BACKGROUND: Sleep is a complex phenomenon that affects several aspects of life, including cognitive functioning, emotional regulation, and overall well-being. Sleep disturbances, especially during adolescence, can negatively impact emotional regulation, making it a critical factor in targeting psychopathology. METHODS: This study explores the interplay between emotional dysregulation (ED) and sleep patterns in a sample of 90 adolescent patients by means of self- and parent-rated clinical measures. RESULTS: Our findings reveal a bidirectional relationship between ED and sleep problems. Adolescents with higher affective instability experience poorer sleep quality, while those with worse sleep quality exhibit higher internalizing problems. Additionally, emotional reactivity is associated with disrupted circadian rhythms. CONCLUSIONS: These results emphasize the significance of addressing sleep problems in the context of psychopathology treatment, potentially leading to improved outcomes. Further research is needed to determine the most effective treatment strategies, including nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions. Understanding the intricate relationship between sleep problems and emotion regulation offers insights for more targeted and effective treatment approaches for youths struggling with ED.

ADEM post-Sars-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient with Fisher-Evans syndrome.

INTRODUCTION: Sars-CoV-2 is a single-strained RNA virus belonging to Coronaviridae's family. In pediatric age, the majority of patients is asymptomatic; however, several neurological manifestations associated with Sars-CoV-2 infection have been detected in a percentage of cases ranging from 17.3 to 36.4%. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) has been recently included among the potential complications of Sars-Cov2 infection. The available data regarding pediatric patient show only one case. CASE REPORT: We present a case regarding a 6-year-old patient suffering from Fisher-Evans syndrome who was given sirolimus and thalidomide therapy. After 10 days since the first positive nasopharyngeal swab for Sars-CoV-2, in which he had no symptoms, he presented an episode of generalized tonic-clonic seizure with spontaneous resolution. The patient underwent MRI which showed the typical picture of acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. His clinical course was favorable, with a good response to cortisone therapy and a progressive improvement of the neuroradiological and electroencephalographic picture. CONCLUSIONS: According to our knowledge, this is the second case of an acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following SARS-CoV-2 infection in a pediatric patient, characterized by monosymptomatic onset, in which the immunosuppressive therapy practiced for the Fisher-Evans syndrome has probably contributed to a favorable evolution of ADEM, in contrast to other case described in the literature.

Resolution of enuresis with aripiprazole in children with psychiatric disorders: two case reports.

BACKGROUND: Aripiprazole is a third-generation atypical antipsychotic drug that acts as a stabilizer of the dopaminergic and serotonergic system. As partial agonist of the dopamine (D2) and serotonin (5-HT1A) receptors, it appears to be effective in reducing mania in patients with bipolar disorder, tics in Tourette Syndrome, aggression in schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder. Enuresis has been reported among its side effects. Only a few studies, with conflicting results, have investigated the relationship between aripiprazole and enuresis. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the disappearance of enuresis in a Caucasian girl with intellectual disability and oppositional defiant disorder and in a Caucasian boy with intellectual disability and early-onset psychosis, both following initiation of treatment with aripiprazole. CONCLUSION: The aim of this study was to contribute to the literature on the use of aripripazole in subjects with enuresis. Our findings lead us to suggest that aripiprazole is less burdened with side effects, including bedwetting, than other antipsychotic drugs.