Psychiatria Danubina[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
The contribution of trauma therapy to commemoration culture.
Oberlerchner H, Löffler-Stastka H
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 41564194 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The inhumane events during the era of National Socialism with persecution, sterilization and mass murder still have consequences and influence individuals and the society. METHOD: By describing the typical st...
BACKGROUND: The inhumane events during the era of National Socialism with persecution, sterilization and mass murder still have consequences and influence individuals and the society. METHOD: By describing the typical steps of trauma therapy (secure - working through - reconnect) the author suggests to use these elements as parts of a "collective trauma therapy". RESULT: The different local actions and events of the commemoration culture in Carinthia are divided into these three areas. CONCLUSION: The Commemoration Culture, very often spread in single events and actions without connection, can thus be planned and structured. The authors hope to be able to contribute to a relief of the horror caused also by transgenerational phenomena.
Geopsychiatry: The time has come for a new transdisiplinary integrative discipline.
Jakovljević M
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 41564193
Psychiatry is an ever-changing field connected to new spirit of time, knowledge and technology, particularly in our era of artificial intelligence and psychopolitics. There is a growing recognition of the essential link...
Psychiatry is an ever-changing field connected to new spirit of time, knowledge and technology, particularly in our era of artificial intelligence and psychopolitics. There is a growing recognition of the essential link between geography, culture, human rights, psychopolitics and mental health. Geopsychiatry offers a critical lens through which we can better understand and respond to global mental health challenges. Mental health or the health of mind is interconnected with the health of local place and likewise with the health of the earth. By integrating geography, ecology and mental health sciences in additive (multidisciplinary), interactive (interdisciplinary) and holistic (transdisciplinary) way the nascent field of geopsychiatry provides a special and ecological framework for understanding how the environment shapes both individual and collective mental health in the Anthropocene. The global environmental and geopolitical crisis, migrations, urban overcrowding and climate changes emphasize the need for a new paradigm that connects mental health with planetary health.
COGNITIVE DEFICITS, COGNITIVE RESERVE AND PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION IN PSYCHIATRIC OFFENDERS: A STUDY ON A SAMPLE OF PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REHABILITATION PROGRAMS.
Vacca A, Minò MV, Litta A … +7 more , Longo R, Vetrano M, Lucisani G, Solomita B, Benazzi D, Franza A, Franza F
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982881
BACKGROUND: This study explores the relationship between cognitive deficits, cognitive reserve (CR), and rehabilitation outcomes in psychiatric offenders and non-offenders. The objective is to analyze how neurocognitive...
BACKGROUND: This study explores the relationship between cognitive deficits, cognitive reserve (CR), and rehabilitation outcomes in psychiatric offenders and non-offenders. The objective is to analyze how neurocognitive functioning, impulsivity, and CR influence the duration and effectiveness of psychiatric rehabilitation. METHODS: Fifty-five patients from rehabilitation centers in Southern Italy were assessed using standardized psychiatric and neuropsychological scales. Participants were divided into offenders (n=19) and non-offenders (n=36). Assessments included BPRS, BIS-11, CRIq, T.I.B., and TMT A/B. Statistical analyses involved Pearson's correlation and t-tests using JASP. RESULTS: Significant correlations were observed between months of rehabilitation (MoR) and TIQ in non-offenders and CRIq in offenders. A significant correlation between MoR and TMT was observed only in offenders. Offenders with more than 24 months of rehabilitation showed lower impulsivity scores (BIS-11). These findings indicate distinct rehabilitative trajectories and neurocognitive responses in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Cognitive reserve and neurocognitive assessment can inform individualized rehabilitation strategies in forensic psychiatric populations. Offenders may particularly benefit from longer and more targeted interventions to mitigate impulsivity and enhance cognitive functioning.
PREVENTION IN TEEN DATING VIOLENCE: AN OVERVIEW.
Malherbe I, Kacenelenbogen N, Briganti G
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982880
Teen dating violence affects between 8.2% and 30% of adolescents, leading to significant mental and physical health consequences including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and increased risk of sexually tran...
Teen dating violence affects between 8.2% and 30% of adolescents, leading to significant mental and physical health consequences including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence on prevention interventions for teen dating violence, examining their effectiveness and exploring applications for clinical practice. Based on findings from a comprehensive systematic review of 28 studies, this review identifies several types of effective prevention approaches. School-based universal programs such as Green Dot, Me & You, and Dating Matters have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing violence perpetration and changing attitudes toward violence. Targeted interventions for high-risk populations, particularly adolescents with previous violence exposure, often show stronger effects than universal approaches. Brief interventions using motivational interviewing and personality theory-based approaches show promise for healthcare settings, while digital prevention programs offer scalability and accessibility advantages. The evidence reveals that interventions are generally more effective at changing attitudes and norms than directly modifying violent behaviors, suggesting that cognitive shifts may precede behavioral change. Programs show differential effectiveness across gender, previous violence exposure, and socioeconomic characteristics, highlighting the importance of tailored approaches. Healthcare provider training demonstrates significant improvements in knowledge and screening practices, though implementation barriers remain. Economic evaluation suggests that prevention investments can yield substantial returns, with one program showing a benefit-cost ratio of 62.9. Sustained effects remain challenging to achieve, with some programs requiring multiple years of implementation. The predominantly U.S.-based research raises questions about generalizability across different cultural contexts. Future research priorities include long-term outcome studies, implementation research, culturally adapted interventions for diverse populations, and economic evaluations. Effective teen dating violence prevention requires comprehensive, multi-level approaches that address individual, family, school, and community factors, with sustained commitment and resources for implementation.
CULTURA ANIMI, HUMAN RIGHTS AND MENTAL HEALTH: A HUMANISTIC SYNTHESIS.
Jakovljević M
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982879
This paper describes the multifaceted realm of culture of mind, human rights and mental health and essential link between them. Culture plays an important part in modulating our personalities and how we view self and wor...
This paper describes the multifaceted realm of culture of mind, human rights and mental health and essential link between them. Culture plays an important part in modulating our personalities and how we view self and world we live in, how we interact with others, and how we understand, define and promote mental health and human rights as well as how we cope with mental illness. The intellectual legacy of Ciceron's concept of cultura animi (culture of mind/soul) is today more relevant than ever. Narcissism, paranoidism, maniaism, depressiveness and nihilism today are more than individual mindsets and behavioral patterns. They are toxic cultural conditions and mindsets, modes of perception and mental orientations in the world, self-perception and interpersonal relationships. Toxic psycho-cultures refer to collective psychological and emotional climates in which harmful values, behaviors, and mental states are normalized, celebrated, or weaponized within a culture - particularly in family, political, institutional, or social environments. These psychocultures lead to alienation from oneself and others, erode mental health, civic trust, ethical norms, and human dignity/rights, often producing long-term damage across all layers of society, from family systems to global politics. Common dynamics of toxic psychocultures involves harmful behavior to be culturally acceptable (normalization), toxic emotions and beliefs spread through media and public discourse (contagion), toxic patterns are embedded in law, education, or policy (institutionalization), critical and holistic thinking and self-awareness are discouraged (suppression of reflection) and complex emotions are replaced by entitlement, admiration, suspiciousness, distrust, rage, cynicism, or numbness (emotional flattening). Empathic culture of mind involving human rights respect provides a powerful transformative vision of mental health promotion, protection and restoration.
APPLICATION OF TELEMEDICINE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS IN CHILDREN: A NARRATIVE REVIEW.
Khairetdinov O, Rubakova L, Pavlova M … +3 more , Asatryan E, Tavormina G, Vlasov A
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982878
BACKGROUND: The application of telemedicine technologies in providing psychiatric care to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to describe the typ...
BACKGROUND: The application of telemedicine technologies in providing psychiatric care to children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) became widespread during the COVID-19 pandemic. This review aims to describe the types, structure, and features of tools used for the remote diagnosis of ASDs in children, based on contemporary scientific literature and our own experience. METHODS: We conducted a descriptive review of scientific studies published from January 2013 to December 2024. Works presented in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and eLibrary were analyzed. Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the obtained data. RESULTS: The analysis convincingly demonstrates a sufficient representation of remote tools for screening, assessment scales, and structured diagnostic procedures for ASD across various countries, exhibiting high levels of specificity and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The use of telemedicine diagnostic methods in clinical practice contributes to the early detection of ASDs, potentially enhancing the timeliness and effectiveness of medical and correctional interventions.
OUTCOMES IN MACHINE LEARNING MODELS FOR CHILD PSYCHIATRY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE.
Till AC, Briganti G
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982877
Machine learning (ML) offers powerful tools to address the complexity and data richness of mental health research. By detecting subtle patterns, integrating diverse datasets, and supporting precise decision-making, ML ho...
Machine learning (ML) offers powerful tools to address the complexity and data richness of mental health research. By detecting subtle patterns, integrating diverse datasets, and supporting precise decision-making, ML holds promise for enhancing diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized treatment. In child and adolescent psychiatry - characterized by marked clinical heterogeneity and developmental variability - ML may help disentangle complexity and guide clinical care. This systematic review examined studies applying ML to psychiatric disorders in individuals aged 0-18 years. Of 65 identified studies, 33 met inclusion criteria. Most focused on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with others addressing schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, eating disorders, suicidal behaviors, and depression. Overall, the emphasis was on diagnostic applications. Findings were heterogeneous due to variability in algorithms, datasets, and outcome measures, with performance ranging from modest to high. However, small sample sizes, lack of external validation, and overfitting remain major barriers. ML in child and adolescent psychiatry is at an early stage but shows considerable promise, requiring standardized methods, interpretability, and ethical safeguards for clinical translation.
DIGITAL INNOVATIONS IN SUICIDE PREVENTION: TOWARD A PARADIGM SHIFT.
Litta A
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982876
Despite the implementation of various suicide prevention strategies - such as means restriction, school-based education and follow-up interventions - their overall effectiveness remains limited, particularly in early det...
Despite the implementation of various suicide prevention strategies - such as means restriction, school-based education and follow-up interventions - their overall effectiveness remains limited, particularly in early detection, continuity of care and user engagement. The rapid advancement of digital technologies presents a unique opportunity to transform suicide prevention by enabling timely, scalable and personalized interventions. This article presents a narrative review of emerging digital solutions for suicide prevention, based on a structured literature search (2015-2025) across PubMed, Medline and Google Scholar. Five main categories of tools were identified: (1) mobile applications, (2) empathic chatbots, (3) machine learning-based risk prediction models, (4) passive sensing combined with ecological momentary assessment (EMA), and (5) simulations and embodied conversational agents (ECAs). These technologies show significant promise in enhancing risk identification, user engagement and continuity of care. Among them, blended care models - integrating digital tools with clinician-delivered interventions - emerge as particularly effective, improving adherence, therapeutic alliance and clinical outcomes. However, challenges remain, including algorithm transparency, user dependency and ethical management of acute crises. This paper advocates for a paradigm shift in suicide prevention: from reactive, episodic approaches to proactive, data-driven and human-centered care pathways. Ensuring safety, equity, and clinical relevance will require co-designed development, rigorous validation and governance frameworks tailored to real-world mental health systems.
SAINT JOHN OF THE CROSS AND THE DEVOTION OF THE NAZZARENO OR REDENTUR; THE STORY OF HOW A SINGLE LOCUTION OR THOUGHT SPREAD ACROSS THE WORLD THROUGH EMBODIED COGNITION AND NEUROSCIENCE.
Agius M, Agius M
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982875
Here we describe one Locution-or thought - that Saint John of the Cross experienced, and how this locution led to the important devotion of the Redentur or Nazzareno, - Christ carrying the Cross - which still draws huge...
Here we describe one Locution-or thought - that Saint John of the Cross experienced, and how this locution led to the important devotion of the Redentur or Nazzareno, - Christ carrying the Cross - which still draws huge crowds of devotees worldwide. We have traced how this single thought of Saint John of the Cross has been transmitted across time and space to influence large groups of people across the centuries and continue to do so. To do this we have used numerous disciplines including Church History, Art History, Iconography, Anthropology as in Popular Religion and Story Telling and Neuroscience. In Neuroscience, we attribute this transmission through artworks to Embodied cognition, which is mediated via the Mirror Neuron System and the Default Mode Network, which also mediate Empathy and The Perception of The Self.
HOW SHOULD A DOCTOR REACT WHEN PERSONS EXPRESS A WISH TO SUFFER IN UNION WITH CHRIST? TRUE LOVE AND AN IMPORTANT ISSUE OF NEUROSCIENCE.
Agius M, Agius M
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982874
Here we discuss whether the type of love which is expressed as religious Catholics who want to offer their suffering in union with the suffering of Jesus Christ has the same neurological pathways as the usual pathways re...
Here we discuss whether the type of love which is expressed as religious Catholics who want to offer their suffering in union with the suffering of Jesus Christ has the same neurological pathways as the usual pathways related to love, that is a neurological pathway linked with the the Reward System and based on Dopamine as the main neurotransmitter. We propose that this type of love is probably based on an input from the Mirror Neuron System, which is related to Empathy. and the Default Mode Network. We accept that there are different inputs for the different types of love but the main output in all cases is the release of Dopamine as a Neurotransmitter. We argue that, while all types of love have, as a final pathway, the release of Dopamine from the Reward system, the type of love which is associated with suffering in union with the suffering of Jesus Christ is related to inputs related to Empathy. and the identifying of the self. By highlighting this perspective, we underscore the importance of recognising and respecting the profound dignity of individuals who choose to engage with their suffering in this meaningful way.
RESEARCH ADVANCES IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY OF CHRONIC DISEASES.
Giuseppe MD, Spatola C, Merlo EM … +5 more , Silvestro O, Giorgianni CM, Juli G, Catalano A, Martino G
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982873
Chronic diseases represent one of the most pressing global health challenges, with increasing prevalence due to aging populations and lifestyle-related factors. In recent decades, clinical psychology has played a pivotal...
Chronic diseases represent one of the most pressing global health challenges, with increasing prevalence due to aging populations and lifestyle-related factors. In recent decades, clinical psychology has played a pivotal role in understanding and managing the psychological aspects of chronic illnesses. This paper aims to synthesize current research on the bidirectional relationship between psychological factors and chronic disease progression, emphasizing recent advances in theoretical models, empirical findings, and clinical interventions. Defensive functioning, alexithymia, and psychological flexibility emerge as crucial dimensions. A greater use of mature defense mechanisms appears to be linked to better psychosomatic well-being, while reliance on immature defenses is associated with increased anxiety-depressive symptoms and a more negative perception of health. Similarly, higher levels of alexithymia are connected to greater psychological distress and reduced interoceptive awareness. In contrast, psychological flexibility shows a protective role, promoting better mental health and adaptive functioning. These findings highlight the need to deepen our understanding of the psychological underpinnings of chronic illness, especially through approaches that account for individual differences in emotional regulation and coping. While existing research has offered promising directions, the field would benefit from longitudinal studies and the systematic inclusion of psychological variables in chronic care pathways. Integrating such perspectives may support more comprehensive and person-centered interventions, improving both clinical outcomes and patients' subjective experiences.
THE IMPACT OF VISUAL ART THERAPY ON ANXIETY: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW.
Mizera S, Krysta K
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982872
BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one-third of people globally and often persist despite standard treatments. Visual art therapy, involving guided creative activities such as drawing or painting,...
BACKGROUND: Anxiety disorders are common, affecting about one-third of people globally and often persist despite standard treatments. Visual art therapy, involving guided creative activities such as drawing or painting, has emerged as a complementary approach to alleviate anxiety. We systematically reviewed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of visual art therapy for reducing anxiety in adults. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL, Scopus, and Web of Science (October 2017-June 2025) was conducted. We included RCTs of adults (18-65 years) receiving a visual art therapy intervention (e.g., painting, drawing, coloring) versus any control condition. Fourteen RCTs (total N = 1,686) met the inclusion criteria. RESULTS: All 14 trials found significantly greater anxiety reduction in art therapy groups compared to controls, with interventions ranging from a single 15-30 minute art-making session to 5-12 week art therapy programs. Anxiety scores improved more in art therapy participants across both clinical and high-stress non-clinical groups. Although no meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity, all trials reported positive outcomes for art-based interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence strongly supports visual art therapy as an effective intervention for reducing anxiety symptoms in adults. It yields meaningful anxiety reductions across diverse formats (from brief art-making sessions to multi-week programs). As an accessible intervention complementing standard treatments, art therapy represents a valuable integrative approach to anxiety management.
THE DEATH OF VICTIMS AS A RESULT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA OR OTHER SERIOUS MENTAL ILLNESS; WHAT HAVE WE LEARNT OVER THE YEARS?
Agius M, Agius M, Grech A
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982871
From time to time, tragic cases occur when patients with serious Mental illness commit homicide. We describe two cases which are in the public domain.These cases are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, systemic...
From time to time, tragic cases occur when patients with serious Mental illness commit homicide. We describe two cases which are in the public domain.These cases are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, systemic failure to provide sustained, assertive, and well-resourced community-based mental health care. It is crucial that the techniques of Assertive Outreach we have discussed are not only adopted in principle but also fully integrated into everyday practice, backed by proper funding, staff training, and institutional support. Without this commitment, we risk continuing the tragic cycle of preventable deaths, where both patients with severe mental illness and innocent bystanders pay the price for gaps in the system. By applying assertive outreach models effectively, we have the opportunity to change the trajectory of care, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the intensive, proactive support they need to remain stable, safe, and ultimately, to prevent such tragedies from happening again.
EKBOM SYNDROME (DELUSIONAL PARASITOSIS): A 9 YEAR LONG CASE REPORT.
Naviaux AF, Saku R
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982870
BACKGROUND: Delusional Parasitosis (DP), or Ekbom Syndrome, is a rare psychodermatological condition marked by a fixed false belief of infestation with parasites despite the absence of objective evidence. Patients often...
BACKGROUND: Delusional Parasitosis (DP), or Ekbom Syndrome, is a rare psychodermatological condition marked by a fixed false belief of infestation with parasites despite the absence of objective evidence. Patients often resist psychiatric referral and frequently disengage from mental health services. Complex identity factors, including professional roles, may complicate insight and treatment engagement. This report presents a longitudinal case of a female psychotherapist with DP who remained engaged with psychiatric services for nine years, offering an opportunity to explore the ethical and therapeutic implications of professional identity in the context of psychosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A retrospective case analysis of a 58-year-old psychotherapist with DP, incorporating clinical observations, interdisciplinary input, and critical review of current literature. RESULTS: The patient exhibited classic DP features and underwent multiple antipsychotic trials, with varying adherence and outcomes. Her status as a mental health professional presented unique challenges, including denial of psychiatric pathology, ethical conflicts, and difficulty establishing a therapeutic alliance. Despite persistent delusional conviction, a longitudinal therapeutic relationship was maintained through multidisciplinary strategies and adapted communication. Clozapine was considered but not initiated. CONCLUSIONS: This case illustrates that sustained psychiatric engagement is possible even in treatment-resistant DP and emphasizes the need for individualized care, especially when professional identity intersects with psychosis. The case contributes to emerging perspectives on interdisciplinary management and therapeutic alliance in chronic psychodermatological conditions.
NON-SUICIDAL SELF-INJURY IN ITALIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS: 5 CASE REPORTS.
Costa D, Tavormina G
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982869
By definition, adolescence is an age of transition, full of numerous small and major crises. Over the past few years, various data underscore the prominence of adolescent distress. In some cases, the malaise manifests th...
By definition, adolescence is an age of transition, full of numerous small and major crises. Over the past few years, various data underscore the prominence of adolescent distress. In some cases, the malaise manifests through acting out and self-destructive behaviours. During adolescence, young people may experience a range of physical, emotional and social changes that can increase the risk of non-suicidal self-injury. Non-suicidal self-injury is a complex behaviour of intentionally inflicting pain or injury on oneself, frequently as mechanism to handle stress, anxiety, or other negative emotions. The scientific literature on self-injury is complex and multifactorial, encompassing several psychological, social, and biological factors. This paper describes the risk factors, the prevalence of the phenomenon, and its potential psychological meanings. Furthermore, 5 case reports are presented, involving female adolescents aged 15 to 18 who exhibit non-suicidal self-injury. Anamnestic data and each adolescent's own life history were collected through in-person and online interviews in school-based listening services. Non-suicidal self-injury is a significant problem which requires an integrated prevention approach among the various stakeholders in the school system. Network synergy between school, family and social workers is crucial in order to promote the adolescent well-being.
THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON MENTAL HEALTH.
Nowak-Andraka M, Bednarski W, Siemieniuk W … +2 more , Feret M, Krysta K
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982868
BACKGROUND: Climate change is increasingly affecting not only physical health but also mental well-being. Psychological consequences such as eco-anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following cl...
BACKGROUND: Climate change is increasingly affecting not only physical health but also mental well-being. Psychological consequences such as eco-anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following climate-related disasters are being reported with growing frequency. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This study was conducted with mental health professionals who attended the Medforum Psychiatry Congress in 2024. A 22-question, closed-ended questionnaire was used to assess perceptions of the impact of climate change on mental health, the prevalence of eco-anxiety, and workplace preparedness for responding to climate-related disasters. RESULTS: A total of 208 individuals participated in the survey. Of those, 51.9% rated the impact of climate change on mental health as moderate, and 13.9% considered it to be very significant. Although eco-anxiety is increasingly recognized by professionals, most admitted that they rarely encounter patients who report this issue directly. CONCLUSIONS: Climate change affects mental health in two ways: directly, through the experience of disasters, and indirectly, by inducing chronic anxiety. Educational initiatives and the implementation of procedures to support mental health during climate-related crises are essential.
"FareAssieme". A MODEL OF PARTICIPATORY CO-PRODUCTION BY USERS AND FAMILIES IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES.
Napoli WARD, Scordato D, Andreatta O … +3 more , Biasi S, Pederzolli R, Agostini C
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982867
"FareAssieme" is a recovery-oriented community psychiatry model that has been implemented by the Mental Health Service of Trento since 1999. The approach is grounded in the active involvement of users and family members,...
"FareAssieme" is a recovery-oriented community psychiatry model that has been implemented by the Mental Health Service of Trento since 1999. The approach is grounded in the active involvement of users and family members, with particular emphasis on experiential knowledge - the insights derived from lived experience of mental illness and recovery - as a resource for improving the quality of care and rehabilitation processes. At its core, the model involves the structured integration of Peer Support Experts (ESPs, Esperti in Supporto tra Pari), individuals with personal or familial experience of psychological distress who have attained a stable life balance and developed effective coping strategies. ESPs are embedded across all domains of the mental health service (SSM), including community teams, crisis services (territorial and hospital-based), residential settings, and front-office activities. Their role is to support others in their recovery journeys through narrative sharing and emotional proximity. ESPs have contributed to enhanced user engagement, improved service climate, and increased trust in providers. They have proven particularly effective in engaging individuals initially resistant to treatment, thereby facilitating stronger therapeutic alliances. The model also fostered the creation of the Participatory Planning Group (GPP), a deliberative body comprising users, families, ESPs, and professionals, which has developed several Operational Guidelines to standardize and disseminate shared practices within the SSM. "FareAssieme" stands as a validated model of participatory, recovery-oriented psychiatry. It highlights the transformative value of experiential knowledge within mental health services and makes a meaningful contribution to anti-stigma efforts and the co-construction of inclusive care pathways.
TINNITUS TREATMENT AND USE OF BENZODIAZEPINES.
Martin P, Dubois T, Jacques D
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982866
BACKGROUND: In Europe, 14.7% of the population suffer from chronic tinnitus. Regarding pharmacological treatment of tinnitus, there is currently no evidence-based protocol recommendation. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is t...
BACKGROUND: In Europe, 14.7% of the population suffer from chronic tinnitus. Regarding pharmacological treatment of tinnitus, there is currently no evidence-based protocol recommendation. Tinnitus Retraining Therapy is the only effective method available in specialized multidisciplinary centers. SUBJECT AND METHOD: By analyzing 116 patients who underwent rehabilitation in a multidisciplinary audiophonology center, we quantified the use of benzodiazepines before and after treatment. RESULTS: Among patients suffering from chronic tinnitus, there is an over-prescription of benzodiazepines, which can be reduced through proper care. CONCLUSION: Better awareness among frontline healthcare professionals about treatment in specialized multidisciplinary centers should be reinforced in order to enable quicker referrals and avoid therapeutic wandering or inappropriate use of benzodiazepines.
THE USE OF HUMOUR IN SELF-HELP GROUPS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY.
Amici P
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982865
This article presents a qualitative study on the use of humour in Self-Help Groups. It investigates four Self- help Groups with different targets, in order to understand what motivates individuals to use humour, whether...
This article presents a qualitative study on the use of humour in Self-Help Groups. It investigates four Self- help Groups with different targets, in order to understand what motivates individuals to use humour, whether its perception differs when used by a participant or by the facilitator, and what types of humour are employed, following Martin's classification: Affiliative, Self-Enhancing, Aggressive, and Self-Defeating. The results show that humour serves the function of cohesion, cognitive restructuring, and emotional management. It appears to benefit both the individual and the group as a whole (e.g., reducing anxiety and sadness). No significant differences were found in the perception of humour when used by a participant versus the facilitator.
IMPULSIVITY AND PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION INTERVENTIONS: A STUDY ON A SAMPLE OF PATIENTS INCLUDED IN REHABILITATION PROGRAMS.
Minò MV, Vacca A, Litta A … +2 more , Franza A, Franza F
Psychiatr Danub · 2025 Sep · PMID 40982864
Impulsivity is a frequent feature in patients with psychiatric disorders. Its evaluation can facilitate therapeutic interventions. In our study, we evaluated the impulsivity of 55 patients residing in psychiatric rehabil...
Impulsivity is a frequent feature in patients with psychiatric disorders. Its evaluation can facilitate therapeutic interventions. In our study, we evaluated the impulsivity of 55 patients residing in psychiatric rehabilitation facilities using the BIS-11 scale. We evaluated its relationship with educational and social rehabilitation intervention programs.
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