Quaderni Italiani di Psichiatria最新文献

Introduction

Neuroanathomy, neurochemistry and neurophysiology of the sexual orientation are still an enigma.

The topical problem is to draw a systemic theory of the psycho-sexual status of people based on the great and often contradictory experimental data.

Discussion

It seems that one of the brain areas that are mainly involved in the regulation of sexual orientation is the hypothalamic-front interstitial nucleus, whereas, from a neurochemical point of view, the sexual guideline would be mainly attributable to the relationship between the aromatase enzymatic activity (in charge of the transformation of the testosterone in estradiol) and 5-alpha-reductase (in charge of the activation of the testosterone in diidrotestosterone). The psychobrain differentiation in male sense would be induced by the female hormone estradiol, whereas that one in female sense by the activated male hormone. The situation would be opposite in homosexuality, consisting in a greater hypothalamic concentration of 5-alpha-reductase in males, compared with the concentration of aromatase whereas in females, a greater concentration of aromatase compared to that one of 5-alpha-reductase. The sexual orientation of homosexual males could therefore be reoriented in a heterosexual sense by inhibitors of 5-alpha-reductase (such as finasteride), whereas that one of homosexual females by inhibitors of aromatase (such as anastrozole).

Introduction

Behavioral addictions are new forms of dependence that do not involve the use of chemical substances. The object of the addiction is a behavior or activity that is lawful or socially accepted. These types of addiction are manifested by the urgent need to engage in the activity, and they may eventually undermine the very existence of the individual and his/her relational system, becoming a true illness with symptoms similar to those associated with drug or alcohol addiction. This review will provide a description of three new diseases that are becoming widespread in industrialized countries. All 3 are characterized by obsession with the body. Orthorexia is characterized by the spasmodic search for food that is authentic, natural, free of herbicides, pesticides, and other artificial substances. Bigorexia or muscle dysmorphia is an obsessive focus on physical fitness and muscular development, which leads the patient to engage in continuous physical exercise, unbalanced dietary practices, and/or use of doping substances. Finally, tanorexia or compulsive sun-tanning syndrome, is the obsession with tanning at all costs.

Materials and methods

The search engines Cilea and Google Scholar were searched using the following keywords orthorexia, muscle dysmorphia, and tanning addiction. The articles returned were then selected to include the more recent publications that focused on psychopathological aspects of these disorders. We also consulted texts by authors in Italy and abroad who first dealt with these new diseases.

Conclusions

The growing interest in these new diseases should stimulate efforts to increase our understanding of the problems and find effective strategies for their management. What is needed is a profound ethical renewal in which the existing emphasis on “appearances” in our culture is countered with “a culture of being.”

Introduction

Research demonstrates that today's youth are very much involved in gambling. As they take part in these activities, young people develop and maintain irrational thoughts about gambling that may evolve into serious gambling problems.

Materials and methods

A French-Canadian video specifically designed to correct misconceptions and increase knowledge about gambling (Le hasard, Lucky, on peut rien y changer produced by R. Ladouceur of the Centre Québécois d’Excellence pour la Prévention et le Traitement du Jeu, Université Laval) was translated, adapted, and dubbed into Italian. The video was then tested on 220 8^th grade students in Italy to test the following hypotheses: 1) that the efficacy of the film would not be dependent on the cultural and/or language background of the audience; 2) that the results of the intervention would persist over time. The video was shown alone or followed by a 60-min classroom discussion with two expert psychologists. Results in these groups were compared with those obtained in a control group (no exposure). All participants completed questionnaires before the intervention, after intervention, and 6 months after the intervention.

Results

The video significantly improved the students’ knowledge of gambling and corrected their misconceptions, as demonstrated by questionnaire responses after the intervention and 6 months later. These changes persisted over time even if the video viewing was not supplemented by classroom discussion with expert psychologists.

Conclusions

These results show that importing and adapting tools created abroad for the prevention of gambling problems is not only feasible but also effective.

Introduction

Technology addictions are an important form of behavioral addiction because of their increasing frequency and their impact on the life of adolescents, including their social life, school performance, and intrafamily relationships.

We reviewed the scientific literature on dysfunctional uses of technology among adolescents. Our analysis included the psychological features of communication technologies and their patterns of use in adolescence; the psychopathology linked to technological addictions; and general principles of treatment and outcome.

Materials and methods

The addictive behaviors are examined within the framework of the changing needs and culture of adolescents, which render them increasingly prone to the dysfunctional or addictive use of technological tools.

Discussion and conclusions

The rapid spread of communication and information technologies has a deep impact on the psychological, social, and relational development of adolescents, and in vulnerable individuals it can promote or aggravate dysfunctional behaviors. Mental health professionals, parents, and teachers should become more aware of the addictive power of information communication technologies and the risks related to their uncontrolled use.

Background

Compulsive shopping or buying is a condition characterized by frequent uncontrollable purchasing activity that is unrelated to the individual's actual needs or economic means. The phenomenon emerged a few decades ago and has been growing in frequency since then.

This review examines studies conducted on compulsive shopping/buying and highlights the most important aspects and points of view that have emerged from the ongoing debate.

Materials and methods

We conducted a search of PubMed, Psychiatryonline, and PsichoInfo for literature on this subject published during the past few decades. The search terms used were: Compulsive disorders, Impulse control disorders, Compulsive buying, Compulsive shopping, Oniomania, and Behavioral addictions.

Results

Shopping is a very common activity in today's society, and most people make unwise or irresponsible purchases on occasion, particularly during periods of stress. There is a general consensus in the literature, however, that when this behavior becomes chronic and causes serious personal, relational, and social problems, the individual is incapable of controlling his/her impulses to buy. In these cases, most authors would classify the behavior as an obsessive-compulsive disorder, impulse control disorder, or behavioral addiction. Hypotheses on the causes of the disorder focus variably on developmental, psychological, psychodynamic, neurobiological, and the influence of socio-cultural factors, but few are supported by conclusive scientific evidence. The proposed treatments involve integrated approaches that can be adjusted to the individual case in terms of the severity of the disorder and the possibility of change.

Discussion and conclusions

Several studies have highlighted that in certain cases shopping can become extreme and clearly dysfunctional, but debate continues over the inclusion of compulsive shopping in the clinical and diagnostic categories.