Patients with Chronic Pain: Are Mindfulness Traits Protective Against Distress, Anxiety and Depression?

Objective: To investigate mindfulness traits/attitudes as protective factors against chronic pain related distress, depression and anxiety. Method: Fifty patients (25 with chronic non-oncologic pain-NOP; 25 with chronic oncologic pain-COP) were administered with the following scales: Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pain Disability Index (PDI), Italian Questionnaire for Pain (QUID), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), State and Trait Anxiety Scale (STAY-y1 module), Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Psychological General Well Being Index (PGWBI), Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS). Results: MAAS value ≥ 4.38 was adopted as cut-off to compare 'high level of mindfulness' (HM) vs. 'normal level of mindfulness' (NM) attitudes. Twenty-six patients (52%) scored ≥4.38, with no different distribution between NOP and COP. HM patients scored significantly lower than NM patients on PDI 'family/home responsibilities' domain (4.5±3.2 vs. 6.4±2.8; p<.037), and on PSS (17.8±2.6 vs. 20.9±2.5; p<.0001), STAY-y1 (9.4±1.8 vs. 10.3±2.1; p<.0001), BDI-II (7.8±5.0 vs. 17.6±8.6; p<.0001) total scores. HM scored significantly higher than NM patients in all PGWBI domains. A multiple regression analysis was carried out to analyze the predictor variables of PGWB. The most complete model considered the variables MAAS, STAIy and VAS (F=42.21; p<.0001), that accounted for the 71.6% of PGWB variance. MAAS score was the only variable positively predicting for PGWB; STAIy and VAS scores predicted negatively. Conclusions: Chronic pain patients with high levels of mindfulness attitudes experienced less distress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and more physical and general wellbeing than patients with low levels of mindfulness attitudes.

Alexithymia and Interoceptive Confusion in Covid-19 Pandemic Distress.

Objective: Alexithymic traits are associated with the difficulty of perceiving 'non-affective interoceptive signals', and are related to a problematic management of stressful life events (SLEs). The main purpose of this study was to quantify the psychological response of the general population to COVID-19 pandemic stress and to evaluate potential correlations with the presence of 'alexithymic traits' and 'interoceptive confusion' (study protocol # 0077794/2022). Method: 175 subjects from general population were assessed with the Toronto-Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), the Event-Revised Impact Scale (IES-R), the Interoceptive Accuracy Scale (IAS), and the Interoceptive Confusion Questionnaire (ICQ). Results: a significant relationship emerged between alexithymic traits (assessed with the TAS-20), the ICQ 'interoceptive confusion', and the domain of 'hyper-arousal' as assessed with IES-R. Logistic regression model showed that ICQ-Total Score and IES-R 'hyper-arousal' domain were significantly correlated with TAS-20 total score, with DR value (R2 corrected) explaining the 36.8% of the variability (standard error: 10.7). Conclusions: This study, albeit with the limitations of a cross-sectional experimental design with self-evaluation tools in a general population sample, showed a vulnerability to COVID-19 pandemic stress due to high levels of hyper-arousal in subjects with alexithymic traits and interoceptive confusion.

COVID-19 Pandemic and Internet Addiction in Young Adults: A Pilot Study on Positive and Negative Psychosocial Correlates.

Objective: During and after the lockdowns of the COVID-19 pandemic period, a strain was put on young adults who have taken refuge in the problematic use of internet, social media, gaming, and gambling. This paper aims to investigate possible correlates of Internet Addiction Disorder (IAD), hypothesizing anxiety, depression and perceived stress would promote addiction, while mindfulness skills, resilience and socialization would, conversely, hamper IAD, and promote, consequently, a more functional internet use. Method: A pilot study was carried out with a sample of 31 young adults, recruited through a snowball sampling using social networks. Participants filled out an online questionnaire including the following measures: Internet Use, Abuse and Addiction (UADI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II); State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-Y); Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ); Mindfulness Attention and Awareness Scale (MAAS); Resilience Scale (RS-14). It was also administered an ad hoc questionnaire for the assessment of socialization behaviour (6 items) and gambling (2 items). Results: All the measures, but socialization, showed adequate reliability. Our sample showed high levels of anxiety, stress, IA and gambling, while presenting low levels of resilience, the mindful skill of no-reactivity and socialization. The first hypothesis was confirmed, finding positive and significant correlations between Internet Addiction on one side and PSS, STAI-Y1, STAY-2, and BDI II on the other side. We also partially confirmed the second hypothesis about UADI negatively correlated with both RS-14 and Mindful Acting. Finally, no correlations were found between Gambling and IA. Conclusions: In conclusion, the more one perceives an emotional overload with less stress-control, high anxiety, and depression, and the less one can leverage on the skills of mindful acting and resilience, the more one uses the internet as a strategy to escape from a threatening reality.

Anti-Vaccination Attitude and Vaccination Intentions Against Covid-19: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study Investigating the Role of Media Consumption.

Objective: The present study explores, retrospectively, the link between anti-vaccination attitude and vaccination intentions and extends this relationship to the effect of media consumption style on attitude. Method: Generalized linear mixed-models were used to estimate vaccination intentions (related to each of the four available vaccines at the time of the survey) relying on anti-vaccination attitude measured using the Italian translation of the Vaccination Attitude Examination (VAX) scale. Multiple linear regression was used to estimate which media type and which consumption frequency were responsible for variation in the anti-vaccination attitude. Results: Greater anti-vaccination attitude led to lower vaccination intention (b=-8.33, p<.0001) confirming the attitude-intention link. Crucially, consuming vaccination related information via printed press weekly (b=-0.74, p=.0001) or daily (b=-0.96, p<.0001) were the only protective factors against developing anti-vaccination attitudes. On the other hand, discussing vaccination with the family physician weekly (b=0.66, p=.002) or even daily (b=0.52, p=.026), and actively looking for vaccination related information on specialized websites and blogs every day (b=0.64, t=2.78, p=.006) were risk factors related to increased anti-vaccination attitude. No effects of social media on anti-vaccination attitude were found. Conclusions: The results confirm that vaccination intentions can be linked to the underlying anti-vaccination attitude. Moreover, our results suggest that the web and the blog sphere, but not social media, are the most anti-vaccination fuelling media and that health practitioners engage with the most vaccination-hesitant individuals. Further interventions could leverage these insights to tackle the vaccination hesitancy issue.

Cognitive Fusion, Ruminative Response Style and Depressive Spectrum Symptoms in a Sample of University Students.

Psychological inflexibility is related to depressive symptoms through the 'ruminative response style' (RR) and 'cognitive fusion' (CF). We aimed at exploring whether university students were more exposed to CF, RR and depressive symptoms because of their intellectual performance than non-university students of the same age. We compared university students (US) (n = 105) vs. non-university students (NUS) (n = 76) through online administration of the 'Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire' (CFQ-7), the 'Depression-Zung Self-Assessment Scale' (ZSDS) and the 'Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire' (PTQ) (study protocol #0077818/2022, approved by the Ethical Committee of the University of Pisa, Italy). University students scored significantly higher than non-university students in the CFQ-7 Total Score (27.5 ± 9.4 vs. 24.4 ± 9.5; p = 0.040), ZSDS Total Score (41.1 ± 7.7 vs. 39.0 ± 7.3; p = 0.031), PTQ Total Score (26.1 ± 13.1 vs. 21.8 ± 13.9; p = 0.029), PTQ 'Repetitiveness' (5.3 ± 2.8 vs. 4.5 ± 2.9; p = 0.034), 'Intrusiveness' (5.8 ± 3.0 vs. 4.8 ± 3.1; p = 0.046) and 'Repetitive Negative Thinking capturing mental resources' (5.0 ± 3.1 vs. 4.0 ± 3.0; p = 0.013) (MANOVA analysis). In a binary logistic regression analysis of US (with ZSDS scores < 44 vs. ≥44 as the dependent variable, and PTQ Total Score and dimensions, CFQ-7 Total Score, age and gender as the covariates), PTQ Total Score predicted the more severe depressive symptomatology (OR = 1.44, 95% CI: 1.017-2.039; p = 0.040). We believe that RR and CF should be specifically targeted through psychoeducational/psychotherapeutic interventions in university students.

Social Media in Adolescents: A Retrospective Correlational Study on Addiction.

Considering the growing interest in the possible effects of internet's addiction on adoles-cent's mental health, this study aimed at exploring the psychological correlates of social media and internet problematic use during the first year of the covid-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a sample of secondary school students (N = 258); participants were asked to complete an online survey, investigating social media addiction (BSMAS), self-esteem (RSES), feelings of isolation (CSIQ-A) and anxiety (STAI-Y). Data analysis (descriptive statistics, correlational and regression analyses) was conducted through XLSTAT software ©. An additional ad hoc questionnaire was administrated. Findings showed that the 11% of the participants were significantly addicted to social media, mostly females (59%). Gender represented an exposure factor for the hours spent on social media and the checking activity while performing other daily activities. Significant correlations emerged between the self-report measure of social media addiction and self-esteem and anxiety. Low scores at RSES corresponded to higher checking activity, hours spent on social networks, and playing videogames that were investigated as supplementary indicators of addiction with ad hoc questionnaire. The regression analysis showed just two predictors of social media addiction, gender (female) and trait anxiety. Limitations and implications of the study were argued in order to give some indications for future programs.

The Hidden Impact of Covid-19 on Memory: Disclosing Subjective Complaints.

Objective: A significant body of research has suggested that the contraction of SARS-CoV-2 may cause memory impairment, even in the months following recovery. In this regard, studies suggest that COVID-19 predominantly targets structures and cortices within the temporal lobe, and the hippocampus, a critical brain structure for memory and spatial navigation.The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on subjective memory complaints, which represent an individual's perception of subtle changes in memory in the absence of an objective memory impairment. Method: to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic may affect subjective memory complaints, we incorporated ad hoc self-reported measures of subjective memory complaints, the "Subjective Memory Complaints Questionnaire" (SMCQ) and the "Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire" (PRMQ), in our cross-sectional study. Both measures referred to two periods: the pre-pandemic period (T0) and the moment of survey administration (T1) (December 28th, 2021, to February 6th, 2022). Results: 207 Italian participants accessed the survey, out of which 189 participants were included in the final sample. The majority of the participants were females, and their age ranged from 55 to 65 years. The study revealed a significant increase in the total PRMQ score at T1 compared to T0 (p = 0.02). However, no significant differences were found between PRMQ and SMCQ scores of COVID-19-negative individuals and those who tested positive for COVID-19 in the last 12 months from the date of completing the survey. McNemar's test showed a statistically significant increase in the score of item 1 ("Do you think that you have a memory problem?" (p = 0.016) and item 10 ("Do you lose objects more often than you did previously") (0.019) of the SMCQ, while for the PRMQ, significant increases were found in several individual items. Conclusions: our study suggests that subjective memory complaints increased during the pandemic, potentially due to the compound effects of stress and social isolation, rather than solely due to COVID-19 infection. Although a marginal association between COVID-19 and reported prospective memory issues was detected, further investigation is warranted to understand its persistent effects.

Neurobiological outcomes of cognitive behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review.

Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent distressing thoughts and repetitive behaviors, or mental rituals performed to reduce anxiety. Recent neurobiological techniques have been particularly convincing in suggesting that cortico-striatal-thalamic-cortico (CSTC) circuits, including orbitofrontal cortex (OFC) and striatum regions (caudate nucleus and putamen), are responsible for mediation of OCD symptoms. However, it is still unclear how these regions are affected by OCD treatments in adult patients. To address this yet open question, we conducted a systematic review of all studies examining neurobiological changes before and after first-line psychological OCD treatment, i.e., cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Methods: Studies were included if they were conducted in adults with OCD and they assessed the neurobiological effects of CBT before and after treatment. Two databases were searched: PsycINFO and PubMed for the time frame up to May 2022. Results: We obtained 26 pre-post CBT treatment studies performed using different neurobiological techniques, namely functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), Positron emission tomography (PET), regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF), 5-HT concentration, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), Electroencephalography (EEG). Neurobiological data show the following after CBT intervention: (i) reduced activations in OFC across fMRI, EEG, and rCBF; (ii) decreased activity in striatum regions across fMRI, rCBF, PET, and MRI; (iii) increased activations in cerebellum (CER) across fMRI and MRI; (iv) enhanced neurochemical concentrations in MRS studies in OFC, anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and striatum regions. Most of these neurobiological changes are also accompanied by an improvement in symptom severity as assessed by a reduction in the Y-BOCS scores. Conclusion: Cognitive-behavioral therapy seems to be able to restructure, modify, and transform the neurobiological component of OCD, in addition to the clinical symptoms. Nevertheless, further studies are necessary to frame the OCD spectrum in a dimensional way.

Mindfulness and Defense Mechanisms as Explicit and Implicit Emotion Regulation Strategies against Psychological Distress during Massive Catastrophic Events.

Emotion regulation is an important aspect of psychological functioning that influences subjective experience and moderates emotional responses throughout the lifetime. Adaptive responses to stressful life events depend on the positive interaction between explicit and implicit emotion regulation strategies, such as mindfulness and defense mechanisms. This study demonstrates how these emotion regulation strategies predict psychological health during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. A convenience sample of 6385 subjects, recruited via snowball sampling on various social media platforms, responded to an online survey assessing psychological reaction to social restrictions imposed to limit the spread of COVID-19 in Italy. Psychological distress, post-traumatic stress symptoms, mindfulness, and defense mechanisms were assessed using SCL-90, IES-R, MAAS, and DMRS-30-SR, respectively. Higher mindfulness was significantly associated with higher overall defensive maturity and a greater use of high-adaptive defenses (p < 0.0001). Both mindfulness and defense mechanisms acted as good predictors of psychological health (R2 = 0.541) and posttraumatic symptoms (R2 = 0.332), confirming the role of emotion regulation in protecting against maladaptive responses to stressful situations.

A Psychometric Examination of the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale and the Fear of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Scale in the Italian Population.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has caused not only significant physical health problems but also mental health disorders. Anxiety and fear appear to be the main psychological symptoms associated with COVID-19. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anxiety and fear related to COVID-19 are influenced by sociodemographics and whether specific conditions, such as positivity for COVID-19 or death among relatives and friends, can further enhance these symptoms. In this cross-sectional study, 697 Italians responded to an online survey assessing sociodemographic information, the presence/absence of positive cases, or deaths due to COVID-19 among relatives or acquaintances. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCS-19S) were administered in order to assess the levels of anxiety and fear associated with COVID-19. The data were collected in November 2020. Anxiety and fear scores were positively correlated. Both male and female subjects with higher CAS scores also displayed higher FCS-19S scores. The CAS and FCS-19S scores tended to increase with age, with older subjects exhibiting higher scores than younger subjects. Additionally, respondents with lower educational levels demonstrated higher scores on both the CAS and FCS-19S. Similarly, respondents living with older people and/or experiencing the death of one or more relatives due to COVID-19 exhibited corresponding outcomes. This study demonstrates how the levels of anxiety and fear, measured by CAS and FCS-19S associated with COVID-19, are influenced by gender, age, cohabitation status, educational levels, and the presence of positive cases or deaths due to COVID-19.

Long-COVID Syndrome? A Study on the Persistence of Neurological, Psychological and Physiological Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Emerging aspects of the Covid-19 clinical presentation are its long-term effects, which are characteristic of the so-called "long COVID". The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of physical, psychological, and sleep disturbances and the quality of life in the general population during the ongoing pandemic. METHODS: This study, based on an online survey, collected demographic data, information related to COVID-19, sleep disturbances, and quality of life data from 507 individuals. The level of sleep disturbances and quality of life was assessed through the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) and the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), respectively. RESULTS: In total, 507 individuals (M = 91 and F = 416 women) completed the online survey. The main symptoms associated with "long COVID" were headache, fatigue, muscle aches/myalgia, articular pains, cognitive impairment, loss of concentration, and loss of smell. Additionally, the subjects showed significant levels of insomnia (p < 0.05) and an overall reduced quality of life (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study appear in line with recent publications, but uncertainty regarding the definition and specific features of "long COVID" remains. Further studies are needed in order to better define the clinical presentation of the "long COVID" condition and related targeted treatments.

Catastrophisation, chronic pain and sexuality: a cross-sectional investigation in fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES: In the present study we investigate the putative differences in pain catastrophising (PC), pain perception (PP), sexual functioning (SF), satisfaction (SS), and overall quality of life between fibromyalgia (FM) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as compared to healthy controls (HC). METHODS: Fifty-seven native Italian-speaking female individuals suffering either from FM or RA and thirty-eight healthy female controls (FM = 40; RA = 17; HC = 38) were submitted to a semi-structured interview aimed at assessing PP intensity (Visual Analog Scale; VAS), general health conditions (36-items Short-Form Health Survey; SF-36), PC (Pain Catastrophising Scale; PCS), SF and SS (Index of Sexual Satisfaction; ISS/ Female Sexual Function Index; FSFI). RESULTS: FM patients had a significantly higher PP both as compared to RA and HC (p<0.002 for both), and higher PC as compared to HC but not as compared to RA patients (p<0.03 and p<0.64). When compared to RA patients and HC, they showed a lower quality of life (p<0.002 for both comparisons), a compromised SF (p<0.003 and p<0.002, respectively) and a lower index of SS with respect to HC (p<0.002). RA patients had higher PP (VAS; p<0.002), lower quality of life and SF as compared to HC (p<0.002 and p<0.003, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: FM and RA patients showed a significantly lower quality of life, SF and SS as compared to HC. PC was significantly related to PP and low quality of life in FM patients while in RA patients it negatively affected quality of life and especially the sexual sphere both when considering SF and SS.

Is Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Effective for People with Hypertension? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 30 Years of Evidence.

Background: Hypertension is among the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, which are considered high mortality risk medical conditions. To date, several studies have reported positive effects of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) interventions on physical and psychological well-being in other medical conditions, but no meta-analysis on MBSR programs for hypertension has been conducted. Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of MBSR programs for hypertension. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials examining the effects of MBSR on systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP), anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in people with hypertension or pre-hypertension was conducted. The PubMed/MEDLINE and PsycINFO databases were searched in November 2020 to identify relevant studies. Results: Six studies were included. The comparison of MBSR versus control conditions on diastolic BP was associated with a statistically significant mean effect size favoring MBSR over control conditions (MD = -2.029; 95% confidence interval (CI): -3.676 to -0.383, p = 0.016, k = 6; 22 effect sizes overall), without evidence of heterogeneity (I2 = 0.000%). The comparison of MBSR versus control conditions on systolic BP was associated with a mean effect size which was statistically significant only at a marginal level (MD = -3.894; 95% CI: -7.736-0.053, p = 0.047, k = 6; 22 effect sizes overall), without evidence of high heterogeneity (I2 = 20.772%). The higher the proportion of participants on antihypertensive medications was, the larger the effects of MBSR were on systolic BP (B = -0.750, z = -2.73, p = 0.003). Conclusions: MBSR seems to be a promising intervention, particularly effective on the reduction of diastolic BP. More well-conducted trials are required.

Secondary Traumatic Stress and Burnout in Healthcare Workers during COVID-19 Outbreak.

(1) Background: The present study aims to assess the level of professional burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS), and to identify potential risk or protective factors among health care workers (HCWs) during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak.; (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study, based on an online survey, collected demographic data and mental distress outcomes from 184 HCWs from 1 May 2020, to 15 June 2020, from 45 different countries. The degree of STS, perceived stress and burnout was assessed using the Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale (STSS), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Maslach Burnout Inventory Human Service Survey (MBI-HSS) respectively. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to identify potential risk and protective factors for STS; (3) Results: 184 HCWs (M = 90; Age mean: 46.45; SD: 11.02) completed the survey. A considerable proportion of HCWs had symptoms of STS (41.3%), emotional exhaustion (56.0%), and depersonalization (48.9%). The prevalence of STS was 47.5% in frontline HCWs while in HCWs working in other units it was 30.3% (p < 0.023); 67.1% for the HCWs exposed to patients' death and 32.9% for those HCWs which were not exposed to the same condition (p < 0.001). In stepwise multiple regression analysis, perceived stress, emotional exhaustion, and exposure to patients' death remained as significant predictors in the final model for STS (adjusted R2 = 0.537, p < 0.001); (4) Conclusions: During the current COVID-19 pandemic, HCWs facing patients' physical pain, psychological suffering, and death are more likely to develop STS.

Gender differences on psychological factors in fibromyalgia: a systematic review on the male experience.

OBJECTIVES: Fibromyalgia (FM) is highly prevalent in the female gender. Scarce attention has been given to the exploration and description of this syndrome, from a psychological point of view, when occurring in males. The aim of the present study is to develop further knowledge, and to summarise the literature regarding subjective psychological experience, characteristics of symptoms presentation (both onset and development), and treatment options for FM in male patients, in order to highlight differences with FM in females. METHODS: All studies published between January 1993 and February 2020 using PubMed and PsycInfo were included, provided that they met the following criteria: 1) written in English; 2) original articles on studies with a longitudinal design; 3) prospective or retrospective, observational (analytical or descriptive), experimental or quasi-experimental, controlled or non-controlled studies. Reviews and non-original articles (i.e. editorials, letters to the editor, and book chapters) were not included. We utilised the following keywords: (male), (female), (fibromyalgia), combined with Boolean operators 'AND' and 'NOT'. RESULTS: We found an initial number of 55 papers. Duplicated records were excluded (n=13), as well as papers not focusing on male patients or not fulfilling the inclusion criteria (n=25), thus narrowing the research to 17 papers. CONCLUSIONS: FM male patients consider their masculine identity as inefficiently re-negotiated after the onset of symptoms. FM males tend to endure pain for longer periods of time than females before seeking treatment; bodily symptoms are prevalent with a compromised exploration of feelings about FM. Unfortunately, there is still a paucity of evidence on clinical characterisation and treatment options when FM occurs in males. Moreover, no studies have addressed the issue of the psychopharmacological/non-pharmacological management of males with FM and comorbid psychiatric syndromes.

Mindfulness, Age and Gender as Protective Factors Against Psychological Distress During COVID-19 Pandemic.

OBJECTIVE: Mindfulness disposition is associated with various psychological factors and prevents emotional distress in chronic diseases. In the present study, we analyzed the key role of mindfulness dispositions in protecting the individual against psychological distress consequent to COVID-19 social distancing and quarantining. METHODS: An online survey was launched on March 13, 2020, with 6,412 responses by April 6, 2020. Socio-demographic information, exposure to the pandemic, and quarantining were assessed together with psychological distress and mindfulness disposition. Multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to study the influence of predictive factors on psychological distress and quality of life in Italian responders during the early days of lockdown. Pearson correlations were calculated to study the relationship between mindfulness and psychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: Multivariate linear regression run on socio-demographics, COVID-19-related variables, and mindfulness disposition as moderators of overall psychological distress showed that mindfulness was the best predictor of psychological distress (ß = -0.504; p < 0.0001). High negative correlations were found between mindfulness disposition and the overall Global Severity Index (r = -0.637; p < 0.0001), while moderate to high associations were found between mindfulness and all SCL-90 sub-scales. DISCUSSION: Findings showed that high dispositional mindfulness enhances well-being and helps in dealing with stressful situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Mindfulness-based mental training could represent an effective intervention to stem post-traumatic psychopathological beginnings and prevent the onset of chronic mental disorders.

Neurological Complications of COVID-19 and Possible Neuroinvasion Pathways: A Systematic Review.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has shocked the whole world with its unexpected rapid spread. The virus responsible for the disease, the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), enters host cells by means of the envelope spike protein, which binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors. These receptors are highly expressed in heart, lungs, respiratory tract epithelium, endothelial cells and brain. Since an increasing body of significant evidence is highlighting a possible neuroinvasion related to SARS-CoV-2, a state of the art on the neurological complications is needed. To identify suitable publications, our systematic review was carried out by searching relevant studies on PubMed and Scopus databases. We included studies investigating neurologic manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 in patients over 18. According to the analyzed studies, the most frequent disorders affecting central nervous system (CNS) seem to be the following: olfactory and taste disorders, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, meningoencephalitis and encephalopathy, including acute necrotizing encephalopathy, a rare type of encephalopathy. As regards the peripheral nervous system (PNS), Guillain-Barré and Miller Fisher syndromes are the most frequent manifestations reported in the literature. Important clinical information on the neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 would help clinicians raise awareness and simultaneously improve the prognosis of critically ill patients.

Mindfulness, Compassion, and Self-Compassion Among Health Care Professionals: What's New? A Systematic Review.

Health care professionals (HCPs) are a population at risk for high levels of burnout and compassion fatigue. The aim of the present systematic review was to give an overview on recent literature about mindfulness and compassion characteristics of HCPs, while exploring the effectiveness of techniques, involving the two aspects, such as MBSR or mindfulness intervention and compassion fatigue-related programs. A search of databases, including PubMed and PsycINFO, was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the methodological quality for this systematic review was appraised using AMSTAR-2 (A MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews-2). The number of articles that met the inclusion criteria was 58 (4 RCTs, 24 studies with pre-post measurements, 12 cross-sectional studies, 11 cohort studies and 7 qualitative studies). MBSR intervention was effective at improving, and maintaining, mindfulness and self-compassion levels and to improve burnout, depression, anxiety, stress. The most frequently employed interventional strategies were mindfulness-related trainings that were effective at improving mindfulness and self-compassion, but not compassion fatigue, levels. Compassion-related interventions have been shown to improve self-compassion, mindfulness and interpersonal conflict levels. Mindfulness was effective at improving negative affect and compassion fatigue, while compassion satisfaction may be related to cultivation of positive affect. This systematic review summarized the evidence regarding mindfulness- and compassion-related qualities of HCPs as well as potential effects of MBSR, mindfulness-related and compassion-related interventions on professionals' psychological variables like mindfulness, self-compassion and quality of life. Combining structured mindfulness and compassion cultivation trainings may enhance the effects of interventions, limit the variability of intervention protocols and improve data comparability of future research.

Psychological Intervention Measures During the Covid-19 Pandemic.

The health emergency we are experiencing due to the spread of the COVID-19 disease has strongly influenced the psychological and physical health of the general population, including the health care professionals. The aim of this brief article is a preliminary analysis of the psychological interventions following the infectious disease outbreak in order to 1) implement guidelines for the existing emerging psychological crisis for people directly and indirectly affected by COVID-19, and 2) establish adequate procedures and prompt responses.

Children and the Covid-19 Transition: Psychological Reflections and Suggestions on Adapting to the Emergency.

The current period of transition due to COVID-19 emergency may negatively affect the psychological functioning of children and require resources aimed at supporting post-transition adaptation. Few contributions exist which specifically focus on what to do in such circumstances in order to assist the mental health of both children and parents. It seems therefore critical to provide strategies, which support the adjustment of children during the pre-existing and post-transition periods. Furthermore, screening projects are required in order to identify those children with increased levels of emotional and behavioural issues, beyond the COVID-19 transition, in order to plan specific interventions.