F. Madeddu’s research while affiliated with Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca and other places

What is this page?


This page lists works of an author who doesn't have a ResearchGate profile or hasn't added the works to their profile yet. It is automatically generated from public (personal) data to further our legitimate goal of comprehensive and accurate scientific recordkeeping. If you are this author and want this page removed, please let us know.

Publications (8)


University Students with Current Suicidal Ideation and Perceived Changes during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study
  • Article

June 2024

·

35 Reads

·

·

Andrea Prebilic

·

[...]

·

Introduction: Mental health problems seemed to have increased among university students during the COVID-19 pandemic. To deepen our understanding of the pandemic's effects in this population, we conducted qualitative research to investigate any perceived changes in students during the pandemic, differentiating the sample based on the presence or absence of current suicidal ideation (SI). Methods: A wide sample of Italian university students (n = 1,214) completed an online questionnaire during the COVID-19 pandemic, March 2020-June 2021. We conducted a computer-assisted content analysis of an open-ended question about the perceived changes that occurred to them during the pandemic. Results: (1) Four thematic clusters were identified: "The psychological impact of the pandemic," "New ties and new loneliness," "An uncertain forethought" and "Discovering the value of relationships." (2) In subjects characterized by severe SI, the state of confinement at home was related to the most intense emotional states and worries. (3) Students with severe SI were different from the others, in particular using the lemma "panic," which was the only psychological state specifically associated with this group. Conclusions: Students with current severe SI experienced higher level of psychological distress and suffering compared to the other groups during the pandemic.


Can narcissism be considered a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors? A systematic review of the literature
  • Article
  • Full-text available

April 2021

·

422 Reads

·

2 Citations

European Psychiatry

Introduction Although suicide showed an association with personality disorders, few studies focused on narcissism. This association is interesting, especially in what authors called a “narcissism epidemic”, considering narcissistic wounds to which subjects could be subjected. Objectives To systematically review studies investigating the association between narcissism and suicidal risk. Methods We focused on the association between narcissism (NPD, narcissistic traits) and suicide (Suicidal Ideation (SI), Non-suicidal Self-Injury (NSSI), Deliberate Self-Harm (DSH), Suicide Attempt (SA) and Suicide (S)). Studies were identified through a PubMed-based search. Reference lists were examined to extract additional articles. This review was performed according to PRISMA Statement. Results We included 33 studies. Most studies evaluated narcissism through DSM, showing heterogeneous results. NPD was associated with low impulsivity and high planning, but also with a higher number of SAs. Studies evaluating narcissism as a trait were more coherent. SI, NSSI and DSH showed an association with vulnerable narcissism. These associations were explained by mediation and moderation models including shame and dissociation. The grandiose component was associated with severe repetitive NSSIs and S in high suicidal risk samples. Impulsivity showed no effect. Conclusions It is possible to develop hypothesis, even if not causal relationships, on the association between narcissism and suicidal risk. Grandiose narcissism seemed to be protective for suicidal outcomes with low intent to die, while vulnerable narcissism seemed to be associated. However grandiose narcissism seemed to be a risk factor for suicidal outcomes with high intent to die, showing low impulsivity and high planning and severity. New studies, differentiating between narcissistic components, are needed.

Download

The relationship between physical pain and suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adolescents: A meta-analysis

April 2021

·

51 Reads

·

1 Citation

European Psychiatry

Introduction Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents (15-19 years). Physical pain is an important risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors, especially in a delicate phase as adolescence. Objectives Several studies investigated this association and the aim of this meta-analysis was to synthesize data in literature about this topic in adolescents (11-20 years). Methods We started from a systematic review published by Hinze and colleagues in 2019 and we searched on PubMed (January 2019-June 2020) studies comparing rates of suicidal outcomes (Suicidal Ideation, Suicide Plan, Attempt, Self-Harm: SI, SP, SA, SH) in individuals with any type of physical pain (head, back, neck, chest, stomach, abdomen, muscle, joint, arthritis) vs. those without it. Data were analyzed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software (CMA, version 3). Results Of the 16 included studies, eleven focused on SI (68.8%), six (37.5%) on SA, four (25%) on SH and two (12.5%) on SP. Adolescents with physical pain were more likely to report SI (p < .001), SH (p < .001), SA (p = .004) and SP (p = .006). In all analyses, the between study heterogeneity was high. The presence of publication bias has been detected in SI (k≥10). Conclusions Results are in line with previous literature on this topic. Future research should investigate the specific impact of: acute vs. chronic pain; different types and intensities of pain; planned vs. impulsive action and therefore suicidal intent; role of psychological factors (in particular sensitivity and tolerance to physical pain).


Italian validation of the interpersonal needs questionnaire (INQ-15-I) in a sample of university students

April 2021

·

86 Reads

European Psychiatry

Introduction The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide posits that thwarted belongingness (TB) and perceived burdensomeness (PB) are proximal causes of current suicidal desire, while the acquired capability predicts suicide attempts (Joiner, 2005). Objectives This study examined the psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ-15-I), as a measure of the two constructs, on a sample of 458 Italian university students. Methods After examining the socio-demographic, clinical and psychosocial characteristics of the sample, we tested the differences in current suicidal ideation and lifetime suicide risk among students. We conducted a confirmatory factor analyses to identify the latent structure of the INQ-15-I and we tested the reliability, criterion concurrent validity and convergent/discriminant validity. Results The socio-demographic, clinical and psychosocial features of the sample are in line with the literature on the topic. A two-factor related model with 15 item, showed a good fit to the data and subscales showed excellent internal consistencies (α ≥ 0.84). TB, but mostly PB, were mainly correlated with concurrent suicidal ideation and less with suicidal risk. Divergent validity has emerged with the constructs of the acquired capability. Convergent validity is supported for similar constructs such as depression, low reasons for living, anxiety, interoceptive awareness, psychological pain, loneliness, absence of social support and low self-esteem. Conclusions INQ-15-I provides a valid measure of the interpersonal needs among Italian university students by indirectly investigating suicidal risk factors. It also suggest specific clinical intervention areas in suicide prevention. Thus it may be included in suicide risk assessment protocols in Italy.


Figure 1: Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (IPTS)
Italian validation of the ACSS-FAD in a sample of university students

April 2021

·

79 Reads

European Psychiatry

Introduction Suicide is one of the most relevant cause of death especially in young populations. The Interpersonal Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005) is an important contribution tends to explain variability in suicidal behavior, particularly the difference between suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. Objectives This study aimed at the Italian validation of the Acquired Capability for Suicide Scale – Fearlessness About Death (ACSS-FAD), assessing fearlessness about death, one of the facets of the acquired capability (AC) to commit suicide as postulated by the Interpersonal Theory of Suicide by Thomas Joiner. Methods This cross-sectional research was conducted on a sample of university students (n = 458) assessed with a battery including ACSS-FAD. The sample was evaluated for the presence of suicidal ideation and suicide risk. Factor structure, internal consistency and convergent/divergent validity of the scale were assessed. Results One-factor structure with good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α: 0.84) was derived. ACSS-FAD correlated with suicidal ideation and suicidal risk, and there was a tendency towards significance considering its capacity to discriminate between those who had a history of suicide attempts and those who did not. 4.1% of the sample attempted suicide at least one time. The tool showed good convergent/discriminant validity results, but the relationship between ACSS-FAD and pain needs further investigations. Conclusions ACSS-FAD seems to be a useful and valid measure of fearlessness about death especially in young adults, which could be really important to enhance suicide risk assessment. Conflict of interest No significant relationships.


Physical pain – suicidality association in adults: A meta-analysis

April 2021

·

47 Reads

European Psychiatry

Introduction Multiple epidemiologic and clinical studies have explored the relationship between physical pain and suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Objectives The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide an update of the data already present in literature about this specific association in adults. Methods Starting from a meta-analysis published by Calati and colleagues in 2015, 28 studies were included in this work. After searching on Pubmed (until March 2020), data were extracted from articles comparing the rates of current and lifetime suicidal thoughts and behaviours (death wish, suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, suicide attempt and suicide death: DW, SI, SP, SA, and SD) in adults with any type of physical pain and in individuals who did not report this condition. Data were analysed using Cochrane Collaboration Review Manager software (RevMan, version 5.4). Results Although high between-study heterogeneity was detected in most analyses, results suggested that adults with physical pain are more likely to report any form of suicidal outcome, except for death by suicide, compared to individuals not affected by pain. No evidence of publication bias was reported in the main analysis (lifetime SA). Conclusions Collected data are therefore in line with previous literature on this topic, which considered physical pain an extremely relevant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviours. Future studies should specifically focus on alternative types of physical pain (such as medically unexplained pain or psychogenic pain) or explore the different impact of acute versus chronic pain in terms of increased suicide risk.


Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide In Psychiatric Patients: A Systematic Review Of The Literature

December 2020

·

258 Reads

·

68 Citations

Journal of Psychiatric Research

The number of psychiatric patients requesting Euthanasia or Assisted Suicide (EAS) continues to increase. The aims of this systematic review were to: 1) describe the available data related to psychiatric patients having received or requesting EAS (pEAS) for each country in which is allowed; 2) and describe the ethically salient points that arise. PubMed, PsycINFO, and Scopus databases were used to identify articles published up to September 2020. Among the retrieved publications, only studies on pEAS cases (pEAS-C), pEAS requests, or physician reports/attitude towards pEAS reporting some quantitative data on patients having received or requesting pEAS were retained. Among the 24 selected studies, thirteen (54%) were about pEAS in the Netherlands, four (17%) in Belgium, and seven (29%) in Switzerland. Results were different across different countries. In the Netherlands, pEAS-C were mostly women (70-77%) and often had at least two psychiatric disorders (56-97%). Mood disorders were mainly represented (55-70%) together with personality disorders (52-54%). History of suicide attempts was present in 34-52%. Moreover, 37-62% of them had at least one comorbid medical condition. In Belgium pEAS-C were mostly women (75%), but the majority (71%) had a single diagnosis, mood disorder. In Switzerland available data were less detailed. As pEAS-C seem to be very similar to ‘traditional suicides’, pEAS procedures should be carefully revised to establish specific criteria of access and guidelines of evaluation of the request. A deeper focus on unbearable suffering, decision capacity and possibilities of improvements is warrented as well as the involvement of mental health professionals.


Psychological/psychiatric impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak: lessons learnt from China and call for timely crisis interventions in Italy

May 2020

·

895 Reads

·

11 Citations

Background: The World Health Organization declared the Corona Virus Disease 19 (Covid-19) a pandemic in March 2020. Psychological impact of Covid-19 can be consisent and should be prevented with adequate measures. Methods: We performed a literature mini review searching for studies in PubMed focusing on the psychological/psychiatric impact of Covid-19.Results: The selection process yielded 34 papers focusing on the relation between Covid-19 and mental health: 9 correspondence, 8 letters to the editor, 7 commentaries, 3 editorials, 4 original studies, 2 brief reports, and 1 a rapid review. The majority of the articles were performed in China. They focused on the general population and particular categories considered more fragile, e.g., psychiatric patients, older adults, international migrant workers, homeless people. Authors are unanimous in believing that Covid-19 will likely increase the risk of mental health problems and worsen existing psychiatric disorders/symptoms in patients, exposed subjects, and staff. Together with the negative emotionality related to the unpredictability of the situation, uncertainty concerning the risk, excessive fear, fear of death, loneliness, guilt, stigma, denial, anger, frustration, boredome, some symptoms might appear such as insomnia until patophobia (specifically, coronaphobia), depressive and anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal risk.Limitations: Literature is rapidly increasing and present results are only partial. Conclusions: Mental health care should not be overlooked in this moment. The experience of China should be of help for all the countries facing with Covid-19, among them Italy.

Citations (3)


... Williams, et al (2021) equally explained that suicidal ideation appears to perform the task of repairing a sense of control and self-worth in narcissistic persons in a condition of emotional dysregulation. Conversely, Sprio, et al (2021) found inverse association between narcissistic grandiosity and suicidal ideation noting that grandiose narcissism looked to be a defensive factor against suicidal outcomes. On the contrary to dissimilarities in result on grandiose narcissism and suicidal ideation, there appeared to be congruence of results on relationship between vulnerable narcissism and suicidal ideation. ...

Reference:

Exploring The Nexus: Pathological Narcissism, Substance Abuse, and Self- Regulation as Predictors of Suicidal Ideation in College Students the CC BY NO SA. Link: Creative Commons -Attribution-NonCommercial- ShareAlike 4.0 International -CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Can narcissism be considered a risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors? A systematic review of the literature

European Psychiatry

... The latest official data indicates that since its implementation, 651 euthanasia procedures have been performed, with oncological and neurological diseases being the most common (Ministerio de Sanidad, 2022). Little is known about euthanasia for mental health issues compared to other countries where it is decriminalized (Calati et al. 2021;Evenblij et al. 2019;Verhofstadt M., et al., 2017). ...

Euthanasia And Assisted Suicide In Psychiatric Patients: A Systematic Review Of The Literature
  • Citing Article
  • December 2020

Journal of Psychiatric Research

... These activities may have unknowingly reduced or delayed care for people who were at increased risk of encountering OHCA. Fear of getting the COVID-19 virus may have caused patients to avoid seeking treatment [44,45]. Indeed, new advanced research has shown that more than 25% of OHCA victims had contact with the healthcare system in the 90 days before the pandemic, and hospitalisation rates for acute MI, cardiac arrest, and stroke fell significantly during COVID-19 [46][47][48][49][50]. ...

Psychological/psychiatric impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak: lessons learnt from China and call for timely crisis interventions in Italy