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Biomedical subjects

S Fassino

Publications and source records attributed to S Fassino.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Earliest recollections in anorexia and bulimia.

Earliest Recollections (ER) are very useful as they reveal information about a person's main aims and lifestyle, according to the Individual Psychology assumption of the inner coherence of the personality. This paper looks at the utility of analyzing ER in psychopathological research, diagnosis and therapy. Its purpose is to compare particular ER in a group of anorectic outpatients, a group of bulimic outpatients and in a control group. The results provide further evidence that ER are a useful instrument to identify various aspects of family dynamics, particular pathological nuclei which are often of the borderline type. They can also help to overcome the initial hostility towards any therapy that is often present in anorectic and assist the therapist early on in drawing a mental picture of the premises for understanding the lifestyle of the subject both as a child, and now as a patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

The image of self and of the environment in drug abusers: a comparative study using the TAT.

This study attempted to add to our understanding of the heroin abusers' identity problems, using images of the self and the environment. Murray's Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) was applied to a group of male drug users undergoing withdrawal treatment with methadone and also to a group of male, non-drug using controls. The needs of the subjects and the demands of the environment, plus interaction between the two, were compared between the two groups to obtain information about the self and lifestyle. Among the data which emerged, is an increased need for destructive aggression and an environment experienced as coercive and emarginating. Among the interactions we observed coerced imagination, difficulties in identification, personal relationships based on abandonment with persecutory projection of the female figure and a tendency toward immature defences such as avoidance, denial and acting out. This information is discussed in relation to possible means of treatment.

Adult↗
PubMed1982

[Effect of morphine on the exploratory behavior of mice].

The authors, after going carefully over the specific bibliography on the matter, report their results relating to exploratory behaviour in mice after administration of morphine (1 mg/kg i.p.). Exploratory behaviour was evaluated using an automatic recording hole-board, that simultaneously registered the locomotor activity. At the used doses, morphine did not produce variations either in exploratory behaviour or in locomotor activity of utilized mice, in comparison with drug-naive subjects. At the end, some possible interpretations are proposed about obtained results.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[Effect of naloxone on the exploratory activity of mice].

The authors after going carefully over the specific bibliography on the matter, report their results relating to exploratory behaviour in mice after administration of naloxone (0, 05 mg/Kg i.p.). Exploratory behaviour was evaluated using an automatic recording hole-board, that simultaneously registered the locomotor activity. At the utilized doses, naloxone produced a significant decrease of exploring activity and a significant increase of motility, in comparison with drug-naive subjects. At the end, some possible interpretations are proposed about obtained results.

Animals↗
PubMed1982

[Effect of simultaneous administration of morphine and naloxone on the exploratory behavior of mice].

The authors, after going carefully over the specific bibliography on the matter, report their results relating to exploratory behaviour in mice after simultaneous administration with morphine (1 mg/kg i.p.) and naloxone (0,05 mg/kg i.p.). Exploratory behaviour was evaluated using an automatic recording hole-board, that simultaneously registered the locomotor activity. Morphine and naloxone simultaneously administered produced, at the used doses, a significant statistic decrease in exploratory behaviour, while locomotor activity was unchanged, in comparison with drug-naive subjects. At the end, some possible interpretations are proposed about obtained results.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Short-term memory. An experimental model].

In the present work we aimed to elaborate an experimental model to evaluate and quantify the short-term memory in experimental animals, in this case in mice. It seemed ideal to us the employment of a spontaneous behaviour, i.e. the re-exploration of the hole board, automatically recorded by animals which had previously explored at a 24 h interval. The data obtained show that, when re-exploring, the animals show a statistically significant decrease, compared to the previous exploration. It can be concluded that the animals had a mnestical retention and that it can be validly quantified. This shows the validity of this experimental model, in order to study the short-term memory in mice.

Animals↗
PubMed1980

[Inhibitory effect of scopolamine on recent memory of mice].

In this research the Authors have studied the action of scopolamine on the memorization of the explorative behavior of the mice. They gave scopolamine before each of the 2 explorations made at an interval of 24 h one from the other. The results obtained show that in these experimental conditions, scopolamine cancels the short-time memory in a more complete fashion compared to the only administration before the second exploration. The Authors advance the hypothesis that this effect of scopolamine can be in relationship to its action on the cholinergic system.

Animals↗
PubMed1979

[Effect of scopolamine on the memory of exploratory behavior in the mouse].

In the present work it has been evaluated the action of scopolamine on the extent of exploration in mice, whose exploring behaviour had been already earlier examined. Such behaviour has been evaluated using a hole-board. The goal has been to detect the influence of the substance on the short-term memory of mice. The method used has shown to be effective. By the exam of the results of this work it can be concluded that the scopolamine at a dose of 1 mg/kg has an evidence effect of short-time memory in mice by causing a hypomnesia.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Evidence for a positive correlation between serum cortisol levels and IL-1beta production by peripheral mononuclear cells in anorexia nervosa.

A hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been reported in anorexia nervosa (AN), together with some immunological abnormalities, involving citokine - and particularly Tumor Necrosis-Factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) - production by polymorphonuclear cells. The ability of pro-inflammatory cytokines to activate the HPA axis is well known; however, there are no data demonstrating an interdependence between immunological and endocrine response in AN. To investigate the presence of a correlation between immune response and pituitary-adrenal function, plasma ACTH and serum cortisol concentrations were measured in 13 AN patients and in the same number of controls. TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL)-1beta production by ex-vivo unstimulated and LPS-stimulated peripheral mononuclear cells was also assessed. Circulating cortisol concentrations were higher (p<0.01) in AN (156.7 +/- 45.1 microg/l, mean +/- SD) than in controls (105.9 +/- 25.7 microg/l). Unstimulated IL-1beta release in supernatants of mononuclear cell cultures was slightly but not significantly higher in AN than in controls, while TNF-alpha release was similar in the two groups. A positive correlation was found between IL-1beta concentrations in unstimulated culture supranatants and serum cortisol levels in AN (r=0.782, p=0.002), while in normal subjects there was a trend toward a negative correlation; a slight positive correlation, while not significant, between IL-1beta and plasma ACTH, as well as between TNF-alpha and serum cortisol was also found in AN. These data suggest that the normal relationship between pro-inflammatory cytokines release, particularly IL-1beta, and cortisol secretion is deranged in AN.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Bulimic family dynamics: role of parents' personality--a controlled study with the Temperament and Character Inventory.

The numbers of studies on the familial environment and personality of bulimic women have increased in recent years and results have revealed interesting features. In this study, we evaluated the temperament and character traits of patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and their mothers and fathers, and we analyzed the correlation of temperament and character traits among members of these bulimic families. Finally, we tested the ability of the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) to discriminate between normal controls and bulimic subjects, their parents, and their families. Using the TCI, temperament and character features of 28 bulimic patients and their parents (23 fathers and 28 mothers) were analyzed and then compared with a control group of 29 women and their 27 fathers and 29 mothers. Data suggest that both temperament and character factors are involved in BN. Bulimic individuals were high in harm avoidance and low in self-directedness. Their mothers were distinguished by low self-directedness. The fathers were low in persistence. Harm avoidance of bulimic women positively correlated with harm avoidance and negatively with self-directedness of their mothers. The bulimic family had low self-directedness as a common denominator observed in all family members. The observation that both temperament and character have important roles in the etiopathogenesis of bulimia nervosa has important treatment ramifications. The TCI was useful in discriminating between normal controls and bulimic subjects, their parents, and the whole family.

Body Mass Index↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Outcome predictors in anorectic patients after 6 months of multimodal treatment.

BACKGROUND: Anorexia nervosa is a severe disorder that often responds poorly to treatment. At this time, little is known about pretreatment predictors of response. METHODS: A sample of 42 restrictor type anorectics was tested at the assessment phase and after 180 days retested using the Temperament and Character Inventory and Eating Disorder Inventory 2 along with other clinical evaluation instruments. After 180 days of treatment with multimodal 'network' therapy, the patients were divided into two groups. The first group included patients who showed relevant clinical improvement; the second group included patients considered 'not yet responding'. Data collected from the not-yet-responding group were compared by the t test with the other group's data to evaluate prognostic indexes. RESULTS: Diagnosis of personality disorder, which afflicted about 50% of patients, seemed not to be a relevant prognostic factor. However, a lower novelty seeking was characteristic of the nonresponder group. Higher levels of asceticism and maturity fears also characterized the nonresponder group. CONCLUSION: Present data suggest some elements that could be useful to focus pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy and family counseling on the current psychopathology of each patient.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dropout from brief psychotherapy in anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Dropout from psychotherapy is an important issue that has received little systematic attention. This study investigated the phenomenon of dropout from brief psychotherapy for anorexia nervosa (AN). METHODS: 99 outpatients suffering from AN of the restrictor type (n = 53) or binge/purging type (n = 46) were evaluated. Their clinical and personal characteristics were recorded, and body mass index was calculated for participants. They were administered the Eating Disorder Inventory-II (EDI-II), the State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (STAXI) and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). RESULTS: Significant differences in some baseline psychopathologic (EDI-II, STAXI) and personality (TCI) variables emerged from the comparison between dropouts and completers. Patients who dropped out of the treatment showed higher levels of anger temperament, anger expression-in and expression-out and lower scores for the dimensions of character (low self-directedness and low cooperativeness). No differences were found between the two groups regarding sociodemographic and clinical variables. CONCLUSIONS: Dropout from brief psychotherapy seems to be related to either psychopathologic or personality aspects, such as the tendency to repress anger, which is encountered also in psychosomatic disorders, and the presence of more compromised dimensions of character, typical of subjects with personality disorders. This study of dropout from brief psychotherapy in AN provided interesting results that will need further confirmation. Possible implications for treatment are addressed.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Combining the Rorschach test and the Temperament Character Inventory: a new perspective on personality assessment.

BACKGROUND: The numerous reports on research involving the clinical assessment of personality in axis I disorders highlight the importance of temperament features in the current approach to all mental disorders. However, the available instruments of personality assessment have many limits. Self-administered questionnaires depend on the patient's insight, and projective instruments (i.e. the Rorschach test) often lack objectivity. This study compared the results of personality assessment with the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and the Rorschach test to verify their validity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: TCI and Rorschach tests were administered to a wide sample of patients (n = 180) in a short period. The most common Rorschach siglatures were correlated with the TCI raw scores using the Pearson correlation test. RESULTS: All TCI temperament dimensions and facets displayed at least two correlations with Rorschach siglatures. The description of each dimension and facet of the TCI obtained with the interpretation of Rorschach siglatures was consistent with its original meaning. CONCLUSIONS: The TCI and Rorschach tests adequately validated each other. In the future, the administration and integration of these tests will overcome the biases of both. Further, the theoretical bases of the TCI could facilitate the study of psychological functions, whereas the psychodynamic bases of the Rorschach test provide an in-depth insight into temperament traits.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Borderline pathology: follow-up study. Preliminary report].

The work is based on the frequent use of the term "borderline" in clinical practice, in spite of the fact that this word still tends to have a controversial and ambiguous meaning. Patients who were admitted to the Psychiatric Clinic at the University of Turin between 1974 and 1980 with diagnoses of borderline pathologies or marginal psychoneurosis were followed-up in the study. The subjects in question were reexamined after an interval of between 8 and 14 years (the majority between 10-12 years). An attempt was made to compare the two diagnoses using DSM III R criteria. Family status and employment were also taken into account. It was observed that the diagnosis of marginal syndromes recorded in the patient's clinical records did not correspond to the DSM III R borderline diagnosis, and rather than referring to a precise syndrome it reflected an area of diagnostic uncertainty. This raises various questions both with regard to the role of psychiatry, and in relation to the incidence of cultural factors in influencing observations.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Discussion groups with chronic psychotics in the context of community therapy].

The paper describes the Authors clinical experience of "discussion groups" with psychotic patients. Attention is focused on the problems arising from the community therapy context, the general layout of the setting, the definition of objectives and methods, and in particular the attitude of group leaders.

Chronic Disease↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Intellectual efficiency and drug addiction].

The intellectual efficiency of a group of drug addicts and a group of neurotic and senile subjects was tested against the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale. Alongside an anxiety-related reduction in the efficiency of certain functions and a reduction in the ability to concentrate, the addicts evidenced a reduction in efficiency in the organisation of tasks and prediction of results related to depression of disharmony in the interaction of the various functions.

Adolescent↗