Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is defined as any deliberate destruction of one’s body tissue, engaged in for reasons that are non-suicidal. Online platforms, notably social media, witness a surge in NSSI-related content, amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Young individuals increase video and post uploads, prompting scholarly inquiry into the impact on vulnerable demographics in the online environment. Despite potential benefits, concerns surface regarding content reinforcing self-injurious behavior. The Blue Whale phenomenon exemplifies serious consequences in this digital landscape.

The present study aims at screening the prevalence of NSSIs on SNS among Italian young people.

An observational cross-sectional study was conducted by recruiting 373 Italian young people (aged 18-25). Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS), Fear Of Missing Out Scale (FOMO), Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS) were administered to investigate the relationship between NSSIs, social media use and frequency and underpinned motivations.

Overall, 99.7 % (n=372) of participants declared to have used at least one social network. Around 92.5 % (n=345) declared to know Blue Whale Challenge and more than half of the sample (51.5%) referred to have looked for NSSI contents on SNS, mostly (28.7 % (n=107)) have sought for curiosity, 17.7 % (n=66) have sought for help/support. 53.4 % (n=199) of the sample was found to have problematic social media use (PSMU) according to BSMAS. 85 % (n=317) have committed self-injurious gestures in the past, 66.2 % (n=247) practice NSSI currently, most subjects practice them to vent 51.7% (n=193), calm themselves 41.6% (n=155), and punish themselves 30% (n=112). The mean age of transgender and nonbinary subjects (30 % n=112)) who sought/saw content pertaining to NSSIs appears to be lower (p=0.033) than cisgender subjects. Those who searched for content inherent to NSSIs scored higher mean scores on the FOMO (p=0.022) and BSMAS (p=0.013) scales. Those who follow social pages inherent to NSSIs scored higher on the FOMO scale (p=0.035). Subjects who practice NSSIs at their present state, on average, have higher scores on the FOMO and BSMAS scales (p=<.001). Linear regression analysis was conducted showing an association between BSMAS and FOMO (R²=0.199, B=0.260; F(1.371)=92.334; p=<.001). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to define the effects of FOMO, PMSU, sex, and NSSI search on the development of self-injurious conduct. The logistic regression model was statistically significant, χ2 (1)=3.909; p=0.048.

The study examines NSSI behaviors among young Italian college students on digital platforms, particularly social networks. It stresses the critical need for targeted interventions, addressing concerns like social media addiction, to provide essential mental health support and foster a safer online environment for this population.

None Declared

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by difficulties in attention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Its subtypes—predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, and combined—vary in symptom presentation and impact on daily functioning. Understanding these subtypes is crucial for tailored interventions and support.

Our aim is to clinically characterize the psychopathological aspects of the subtypes of ADHD.

Our study is conducted on patients (>18 years) referred to the adult ADHD outpatient service of the Psychiatric Clinic of Ancona (Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy). The Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in adults (DIVA 5.0) was used for diagnosing ADHD. The following rating scale were administered: Temperament Evaluation in Memphis, Pisa and San Diego (TEMPS-M), and Temperament and Character Inventory-Revised (TCI-R).

76% (n=170) of all screened patients were diagnosed with ADHD in adulthood. 57.6% (n=98) were diagnosed with ADHD combined subtype, 35.3% (n=60) with ADHD inattentive subtype, and 7.1% (n=12) with ADHD hyperactive subtype. Only 12.9% (n=22) were diagnosed with ADHD in childhood. Based on the results obtained at TEMPS-M, 43.8% (n=32) of patients were found to have cyclothymic temperament. Subjects with ADHD combined subtype scored significantly higher mean on the irritable temperament subscale of the TEMPS-M than those with ADHD inattentive subtype (p=0.016), while patients with ADHD inattentive subtype had a significantly higher mean score on the disorderliness subscale of the TCI-R than those with ADHD hyperactive and combined subtype (p=0.010). Given the logistic regression analyses using the TCI-R, developing an inattentive type of ADHD is negatively predicted by the disorderliness subscale of the TCI-R (exp(B)=0.788, IC95%=0.669-0.929, p=0.005) and positively predicted by the extravagance subscale of the TCI-R (exp(B)=1.104, IC95%=1.009-1.208, p=0.031), the hyperactive subtype of ADHD is negatively predicted by the fatigability subscale of the TCI-R (exp(B)=0.775, IC95%=0.597-1.005, p=0.055) and the combined subtype that is positively predicted by the disorderliness subscale of the TCI-R (exp(B)=1.140, IC95%=1.011-1.287, p=0.033). Regarding temperament, through a logistic regression analysis, the inattentive subtype of ADHD is negatively predicted by the irritable temperament subscale of the TEMPS-M (exp(B)=0.904, IC95%=8.39-0.974, p=0.008), while for the combined subtype of ADHD it is positively predicted by the irritable temperament subscale of the TEMPS-M (exp(B)=1.088, IC95%=1.014-1.167, p=0.019).

The results show that irritable temperament is a predictor for the inattentive and combined subtype, but with different polarities. In addition, how different patterns of personality are specific to the various subtypes of ADHD are highlighted.

None Declared

Nomophobia, a neologism derived from the combination of “no mobile,” “phone” and “phobia,” represents one of the syndromes of today’s digital and virtual society. By this term, we refer to the discomfort, anxiety, nervousness, and distress generated by the individual’s loss of connection to his or her cell phone or other technological medium that allows connection to the Internet. No study has attempted to evaluate the impact of disconnection syndrome on a clinical sample of patients with Severe Mental Illness (SMI).

Our study has the objective of characterizing subject affected by SMI with nomophobia.

Our study is conducted on inpatients (>16 years) referred to our Psychiatric ward in Ancona (Università Politecnica delle Marche, Italy). The following rating scales were administered to these subjects: Nomophobia Questionnaire (NMP-Q), Smartphone Addiction Scale - Short Version (SAS-SV), Multidimendional State Boredom Scale (MSBS), Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS), Temperament Evaluation in Memphis, Pisa and San Diego (TEMPS-M), Coping Orientation to the Problems Experiences-new Italian version (COPE-NVI).

Most of the subjects included in the study tested positive for nomophobia (99%; n=97). The mean score scored on the NMPQ is 69.2±27.9, while the mean score obtained at SAS-SV is 25.1±12.7. Gender has no influence on the scores obtained at the NMPQ (p=0.823), as well as the type of SMI (p=0.376). Those not in a relationship scored a higher mean score than who has a relationship (p=0.02). Patients who suffer from insomnia scored higher mean score on the NMPQ (p=0.21). A linear univariate regression between SAS-SV and NMPQ was observed (R2=0.575, F=129.731, p<0.001). A multivariate linear regression was observed between the NMPQ (R=0.556, R2=0.2830, F=12.057, p<0.001) and the IUS (B=1.343, p<0.001), the irritable temperament subscale of the TEMPS (B=1.293, p=0.003) and the inattention subscale of the MSBS (B=-1.029, p=0.033). In the men-only sample, a multivariate linear regression was observed between the NMPQ (R2=0.437, F=9.847, p<0.001) and the IUS (B=1.361, p<0.001), the anxious temperament subscale of the TEMPS (B=1.687, p=0.005) and the inattention subscale of the MSBS (B=-1.465, p=0.002).

Patients with higher intolerance to uncertainty, irritable temperament and lower inattention have higher risk to develop nomophobia. In men with SMI, nomophobia is associated with higher intolerance to uncertainty, anxious temperament, and lower inattention. Further study have to be conducted to expand data and results.

None Declared

Coping and emotional regulation mechanisms may play a significant role in the neurodevelopment and in the subsequent psychopathological trajectories, especially in youth. The boredom dimension may also have a pathoplastic role.

Considering the poor literature in adolescents and young people (15-24 years-old), our study aims at investigating the relationships between coping patterns and emotional dysregulation as well the mediatory role of boredom, by particularly focussing on a sample at early onset of mood disorders.

Cross-sectional, observational design study. Descriptive analyses were performed considering a set of socio-demographic and clinical variables (DERS, MSBS, COPE-NVI). Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman correlations and linear regression models were performed between DERS (dependent variable) and COPE-NVI (independent variable), together with mediation analyses (MSBS as mediator).

86 subjects (mean age=18.4±2.8) were enrolled. DERS score was 114.8±33.3, COPE-NVI was 129.1±22.1, MSBS was 136.22±45.8. Positive correlation between DERS total and avoidance strategies (r=+0.6,p<0.001) and negative correlation between DERS total and problem orientation strategies (r=-0.467,p=0.023) were found. Linear regression analyses showed statistically significant differences between DERS and COPE-NVI avoidance strategies (p<0.001) and COPE-NVI problem orientation (p<0.023). Mediation analyses confirmed the mediatory role of boredom dimension in the association between COPE-NVI avoidance subscale and DERS total (B=0.6849, p <0,001), between avoidance subscale and DERS lack of acceptance subscale (B=0.1286, p<0.001). Moreover, a mediatory role of MSBS inattention subscale was found in the association between COPE-NVI avoidance subscale and DERS lack of control subscale (B=0.1027, p<0.001).

Maladaptive coping strategies (particularly avoidance) were associated with increased DERS levels. A predominant use of more adaptive coping strategies (i.e., problem solving, planning) were associated with lower DERS levels. Their relationship appears to be mediated by boredom dimension.

None Declared

In recent years, more evidence is emerging in favor of a new form of depression, aka “Modern-Type Depression” (MTD). It has also been theorized that MTD may have multiple relationships with other psychiatric disorders, including techno-addictions.

Our study aims at clinically characterizing subjects with MTD in a sample of individuals affected with Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD).

1,157 subjects were recruited from a sample of Italian young people (aged 18-35), and selected only if they declared to be video game players (48.6%, n=542). Video game players filled out the 22-item Tarumi’s Modern-Type Depression Trait Scale (TACS-22), Motives for Online Gaming Questionnaire (MOGQ), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF), Problematic Online Gaming Questionnaire (POGQ), Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS), Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). Subjects were classified as IGD+/IGD- and MTD+/MTD-. Descriptive analysis, Mann-Whitney’s U-test for independent data and Chi-square tests were carried out.

60.5% (n=328) of the sample were male. 21.7% (n=118) were positive to MTD. MTD subjects reported significantly higher scores at IGDS9-SF (p<0.001), POGQ (p<0.001), MOGQ (p=0.003), MSBS (p<0.001). Significant higher scores were found at the MOGQ subscales “reality avoidance” (p<0.001), “coping” (p=0.001), and “fantasy” (p<0.001) and at the SCL-90 subscales “interpersonal sensitivity” (p<0.001), “phobic anxiety” (p<0.001), and “psychoticism” (p<0.001).

MTD displayed a strong association with technopathies, particularly IGD. Therefore, further studies should evaluate whether MTD could represent a predictor to IGD onset and/or maintenance and adequately address this aspect from a preventive and treatment perspective.

None Declared

Peripartum period is a risky period for mental ill health among women. Biologically endocrinal changes, pregnancy complications, and lack of sleep due to childcare may increase psychopathology. From a social perspective, there is a role translation from women into mother, which is highly demanding. Moreover, the psychological approach underlines interpersonal relationships during the peripartum period. Even though the clinical focus is on postpartum depression, research shows its roots in pregnancy depression.

The present study aims to detect predisposing factors to pregnancy depression.

One hundred-six pregnant women admitted to Salesi Pediatric Hospital of Ancona, participated in the study between April 2021- February 2022. Participants completed the sociodemographic form and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). EPDS scores higher than or equal to 9 are considered psychometric depression.

The mean age of participants were 33.30 ± 4.64. Most were Italian (97.2%) and cohabiting/married (97.2%). Almost half of the participants were university graduates (50.9%). 84% were employed. The pregnant women were predominantly in the third trimester (71.7%). 58.5% had no children before. No participants were using alcohol or drugs. Pregnancy depression was 13.2% prevalent (See Table 1). Table 2 summarizes binary logistic regression analysis: Higher age, gestational comorbidity, and pregnant women’s and their partner’s psychiatric disorder history predicted depressive symptoms above the threshold.

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Our study reveals well-known risk factors for pregnancy depression and a new finding: expectant fathers’ mental health history predicts actual depressive symptomatology in pregnant women. Fathers should be included in perinatal mental health care. Prevention programs targeting peripartum depression should cover fathers’ mental health.

None Declared

During the last decade, a growing digitalization allowed to implement technologies in daily life activities. Conversely, the increased use of technologies in general population, particularly in youths, facilitated the emergence of new web-based psychopathologies, including Pathological Internet use (PIU).

Our study aims at investigating the relationship between PIU and boredom as well as loneliness dimensions in youths, by also focusing on the association with the main psychopathological symptomatology (i.e., depression, anxiety and stress).

A nationwide population-based cross-sectional case-control study was conducted by recruiting a sample of Italian young adults (aged 18-24), using a snowball sampling strategy. After data cleaning, only 1,643 participants were selected for analysis based on age and classified according to the presence/absence of PIU/non-PIU. Linear regression analyses as well as Pearson correlation analyses were conducted to check for possible associations and correlations between PIU and stress/anxiety/depression. Subsequently, mediation analyses regarding boredom and loneliness were conducted on these relationships.

Participants were predominantly females (68.7%; n = 1,129). The mean age was 21.8 years (SD = 1.7), particularly ranging 20-24 years-old (88.5%; n = 1454). Around 41.7% (n = 685) of the sample declared previous psychological issues without a history of professional support (psychological and/or psychiatric), while 32.7% (n = 538) stated that they had an overt mental disorder and were currently receiving professional support. Mediation analysis demonstrated that both boredom and loneliness act as mediators in the association between PIU and depression.

Further studies are needed to evaluate how boredom and loneliness dimensions could be managed in order to alleviate the emergence of PIU in youths with clinically relevant depressive symptomatology.

None Declared

COVID-19-related physical isolation, fear and anxiety determined de novo mental illnesses, by potentially facilitating the emergence of Hikikomori traits (i.e., a severe social withdrawal condition).

The present study aims at screening a cohort of university students for the Hikikomori traits and assessing a set of psychopathological determinants associated with Hikikomori, particularly boredom and loneliness dimensions.

A cross-sectional web-based survey was carried out by administering Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-11), Italian Loneliness Scale (ILS), Multidimensional State Boredom Scale (MSBS), Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) and Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20).

1,148 respondents (767 women and 374 men, mean age: 23.2±SD=2.8 years old) were recruited. 70.7% declared to have experienced psychological distress. HQ-11 average total score was 18.4±SD=7.5 with statistically significant higher values in the males (p=0.017) and amongst students studying Informatics, Mathematics/Physics/Chemistry, Science of Communication and Engineering. The HQ-11 positively correlated with ILS (r=0.609), MSBS (r=0.415), TAS-20 (r=0.482) and DASS-21 (r=0.434).

This study represents the first screening of the Hikikomori phenomenon in Italian university students. Hikikomori traits appear to be particularly represented in the Italian youth population and should be carefully investigated in future studies.

No significant relationships.

Hikikomori represents the severe social withdrawal condition of the so-called ‘modern type-depression” (MTD). Digital addictions, including Internet addiction (IA), Internet gaming disorder (IGD) and smartphone addiction, have been associated with MTD and Hikikomori.

This is a post-hoc study aimed at assessing digital addictions in a cohort of university students with a positive screening for MTD and Hikikomori.

A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted by administering the Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ-11), Internet Addiction Test (IAT), Internet Gaming Disorder Scale-Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) and the Smartphone addiction scale-Short Version (SAS-SV).

Among 1,148 respondents, a significant association was found between the HQ-11 scale and the DASS-21 total score (r=0.434). The HQ-11 positively correlated with IAT, IGDS9-SF and SAS-SV (r=0.329; r=0.292 and r=0.205 respectively).

Digital addictions appear to be widely diffuse among university students positive to the Hikikomori and MTD screening. Further longitudinal studies are needed to weight and balance the potential consequences of digital tools in Hikikomori subjects.

No significant relationships.

Second generation antipsycotics (SGAs) represent an essential treatment for Psychotic Disorders. However SGAs cause weight gain and metabolic disorders with an unknown mechanism.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether weight gain may be caused by a reduction in resting energy expenditure (REE).

We recruited 34 pazients who received a clinical diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder I, Schizoaffective Disorder or Schizophrenia. Patients were in antipsychotic monotherapy (clozapine, olanzapine or aripiprazole). We measured REE by indirect calorimetry and we calculated theorical REE utilizing LARN and Harris-Benedict (H-B) equation.

The difference between the average value of REE measured in patients (1295Kcal/die) and the average value of REE estimated by LARN and H-B equation (1719Kcal/die and 1741Kcal/die) was respectively 423Kcal/die and 445Kcal/die: both the differences resulted statistically significative (p< 0.01). This reduction of REE results in a weight gain of 1,7 kg in a month.

It is necessary to inform patients about the side effects of SGAs. Lifestyle counseling and pharmacological assistance, or switching to another antipsychotic are possible strategies.

Due to the growing demand for alternatives to arylcyclohexylamine-type substances, a new dissociative and hallucinogenic drug, Methoxphenidine (2-MXP; (±)-1-[1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-2-phenylethyl] piperidine; 2-Meo-diphenidine) has been recently appeared in the drug market. Very little information is still available in the scientific literature on this new compound. Recently, it was identified in UK a death associated to this drug. Aims of this paper is here to provide a comprehensive overview on pharmacology, chemical and psychoactive effects of 2-MXP.

Given the limited available evidence, data in scientific literature were integrated with a qualitative assessment of online drug-user-oriented fora and blogs. A Multilanguage internet snapshot study was undertaken by typing a specified set of keywords on Google® and Yahoo® search engines.

2-MXP, structurally analogue to diphenidine, was introduced in the market as the replacement to illegal methoxetamine (MXE). Anecdotal reports suggest 2-MXP has greater oral potency. 2-MXP may act as a selected NMDA antagonist and probably it may have a dopamine reuptake inhibitor action, according to the effects reported by online drug users. Currently, there are not peer-reviewed epidemiological, toxicological, pharmacological and clinical data about recreational use of 2-MXP. According to online drug users, it induces dissociation, visual effects and seems to be associated with seizures at heavy dosages.

There is the need of further studies on its toxicological and pharmacological pattern as well as investigate its potential psychotropic and adverse effects, in order to confirm and better describe its recreational use.

Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are complex neuropsychiatric conditions of multifactorial etiology whose diagnosis is currently based solely on clinical interview methodology. Therefore, biomarkers which could improve the current classification and in perspective stratify patients on a biological basis into more homogeneous clinically distinct subgroups, are highly needed.

We describe here the preliminary data on the application of a protein profiling investigation for the identification of peripheral markers for psychotic disorders, based on a proteomic approach.

To identify serum protein biomarkers in patients with acute phase psychotic disorder compared with anxiety or depressive disorders with no history of psychosis.

Patients were sampled and evaluated by means of SCID-I, PANSS, YMRS, HAM-A, HAM-D.

Lymphocytes have been separeted and Two-Dimensional Electrophoresis (2-DE) was carried out on protein extracts. Analysis was performed using Progenesis Same Spot software.

2-DE showed significant differences in protein patterns between the two groups, in particular some protein spots are upregulated in a statistically significant manner and are under identification by mass spectrometry. PCA underlies a clear separation between the two groups, with a t1 value for the first component of 54%.

Preliminary analysis of a small sample shows significant differences in protein pattern between acute psychotic patients compared with non-psychotic psychiatric controls. Further work will widen the sample and will identify the single proteins.

In the online drug forum communities there are some 'educated and informed” users who can provide somehow reliable information on psychoactive compounds/combinations. These users, also called 'e-psychonauts”, may possess levels of technical knowledge relating to a range of ”novel psychoactive substances“ (NPS). Our project aimed at identifying and describing what available in terms of the socio-demographic and psychological characteristics of e-psychonauts.

An unobtrusive observational approach of a list of cyber drug communities (blogs, fora, Facebook® and Twitter® pages) was here carried out. The forum posts/threads were accurately reviewed, analysed and compared according to the presence of common clusters in order to obtain appropriate consistency/homogeneity levels. Data were collected in the time frame January- February 2014.

Psychonauts typically considered themselves as 'psychedelic researchers”,new Shamans, 'philosophers” or 'alchemists”.They appeared here to be mainly young, males, unmarried, and Caucasians. They presented with good/excellent employment conditions and with a set of ‘key skills’, including: attention to the inner ‘soul’; high standards of knowledge about drugs’ pharmaceutical/chemical properties; high levels of both verbal fluency in reporting own drug experiences and of IT skills.

The e-psychonauts seemed to perceive themselves as amateur chemists, sampling and at times synthesizing a range of drugs to achieve the state of consciousness they find most pleasurable. There is the need to improve both the existing levels of professional knowledge on this novel generation of drug misusers and to design/develop novel prevention approaches, able to ‘attract the attention’ of the e-psychonauts.