Feasibility and effectiveness of the Australian perinatal mental health approach in the Italian health services: progress and challenges.

The perinatal depression is one of the leading pathologies in the world causing disabilities and represents an important public health problem. Since 2003, the Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health (Istituto Superiore di Sanità - ISS) has promoted studies and research on the mental health of women, children, partners and family in the perinatal period, leading to the realization of a structured program adopted in many Italian services. In this article, we describe the feasibility and effectiveness of the perinatal mental health approach in Italian health services and discuss the progress and new challenges.

An international study of middle school students' preferences about digital interactive education activities for promoting psychological well-being and mental health.

Introduction: The present study investigated students' preferences about technology tools and digital education activities to be used in classroom to facilitate the implementation of a mental health promotion program.

Method: Students' preferences have been elicited during one session focus group lasting 60 minutes. Overall, 26 focus groups, facilitated by 33 teachers, were organized in 9 schools of five European countries.

A Universal Mental Health Promotion Programme for Young People in Italy.

In Italy, the Mental Health Unit of the National Institute of Public Health has developed a school-based mental health programme based on a structured handbook. The aim of this programme is to promote self-efficacy, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this programme.

[Positive screening and risk factors of postpartum depression in women who attended antenatal courses].

Aim: This study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of women screened positive for postpartum depression (PPD) and to investigate the main risk factors for PPD, in a large sample of Italian women.

Method: The sample (N=567) was recruited as part of 91 antenatal courses. Women were screened between the 6th and 12th week after birth, by filling the EPDS (Edinburg Postnatal Depression Scale).

A student manual for promoting mental health among high school students.

Objectives: We describe a school program based on a student manual for promoting mental health and preventing mental illness.

Methods: A preliminary version of the manual was assessed for face validity by two focus groups. The final version was evaluated for acceptability among 253 students in 10 high schools and 1 middle school in Italy.

Attachment style and immunity: a 1-year longitudinal study.

Previous cross-sectional studies suggested an association between attachment-related avoidance and altered immune function. We aimed at testing this hypothesis with longitudinal data. A random sample of 65 female nurses provided a blood sample and completed measures of perceived stress, social support, alexithymia, and attachment style.

Residential facilities for older people in Italy: a five-region survey.

Background And Aims: To survey all Residential Facilities (RFs) for older people (more than 50% residents over 65 years of age) in five Italian regions (Calabria, Sardinia, Sicily, Umbria, Veneto), and to evaluate their logistic and organizational characteristics and staff and resident features.

Methods: Structured interviews with RF managers; selected RFs operating in five regions.

Results: A total of 853 RFs were operating in the five regions, with an average of 198.

Combining an SSRI with an anticonvulsant in depressed patients with dysphoric mood: an open study.

Background: Several patients with unipolar depression present with prominent dysphoric mood. We aimed at examining the effectiveness of the combination of an SSRI with an anticonvulsant in such patients.

Methods: Thirty-five newly admitted outpatients with substantial anger, irritability, aggressiveness or hostility who were diagnosed a DSM-IV unipolar depressive disorder were rated on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), the Clinical Global Improvement (CGI) scale, and a scale for the rapid dimensional assessment (SVARAD), were prescribed an SSRI and an anticonvulsant (usually valproate), and were followed up for 12 weeks.

[Residential facilities for the elderly in five Italian regions. The Progres-Anziani Project].

Objective: To survey all Residential Facilities (RFs) for the elderly in five Italian Regions (Calabria, Sardinia, Sicily. Umbria and Veneto), and to evaluate their logistic and organizational characteristics, staff and residents' features.

Design: Structured interviews were conducted with RF managers.

[Randomised controlled trial of a behavioural family intervention: 1 year and 11-years follow-up].

Aim: To test the efficacy of a Behavioural Family Therapy (BFT) in a routine setting, both short and long term, of a community mental health service (CMHS).

Methods: In a randomised clinical trial 24 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, as confirmed by PSE-IX, were assigned to the BFT according to Falloon (n = 12) or to individual usual treatment (n = 12). They were assessed before and at the end of the active treatment (after one year), and after an 11-years follow-up with compared on basic indicators (hospitalisations, length of stay, drop-out rate) and standardised instruments of psychopathological symptoms, social functioning, family burden.