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ERNESTO CAFFO

COLLABORATORE DI RICERCA
Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche, Metaboliche e Neuroscienze sede ex-Sc. Biomediche

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Pubblicazioni

2022 - Factors associated with the transition of adolescent inpatients from an intensive residential ward to adult mental health services [Articolo su rivista]
Pontoni, G.; Di Pietro, E.; Neri, T.; Mattei, G.; Longo, F.; Neviani, V.; Neri, G.; Stagi, P.; Caffo, E.; Starace, F.; Galeazzi, G. M.
abstract

Transition of young people from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) to Adult Mental Health Services (AMHS) is a complex process. Transition rates are heterogeneously reported, with wide definitions and ranges. Few data are available regarding predictive factors of a successful transition. We explored factors associated with transition in a cohort of former inpatients of a Children and Adolescents Intensive Treatment Ward (CAITW). Socio-demographic and clinical features of patients previously admitted to CAITW were matched to AMHS data for those patients having reached age requirements. We built multiple logistic regression models to identify factors associated with transfer to AMHS (either inpatient or outpatient) and with successful retention in treatment (RIT) at six (short RIT), 12 (intermediate RIT) and 24 months after transfer (long RIT). From a cohort of 322 inpatients, 126 reached the age threshold for transfer to AMHS in the study period. The transfer rate was 50%. Two years after transition-age boundary, CAMHS-AMHS continuity of care was found in 40% and disengagement in 6% of cases. Longer and multiple hospitalizations, atypical antipsychotics prescription and a diagnosis of psychotic disorders were factors associated with short and intermediate RIT. A positive psychiatric family history was negatively associated with successful short and intermediate RIT. Diagnosis of psychosis and learning-supported school attendance were associated with long RIT. Young adults with a history of psychiatric inpatient admission as children or adolescents have a relatively high rate of transition to AMHS. A diagnosis of psychosis seems to be the strongest predictor for transition in these patients. Further research should focus on patients’ schooling needs and on children of parents with mental health problems to enhance family and educational system engagement.

2021 - Parental Internalizing Psychopathology and PTSD in Offspring after the 2012 Earthquake in Italy. [Articolo su rivista]
Forresi, B.; Caputi, M.; Scaini, S.; Caffo, E.; Aggazzotti, G.; Righi, E.
abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is common in youths after earthquakes, with parental psychopathology among the most significant predictors. This study investigated the contribution and the interactional effects of parental internalizing psychopathology, the severity of exposure to the earthquake, and past traumatic events to predict PTSD in offspring, also testing the reverse pattern. Two years after the 2012 earthquake in Italy, 843 children and adolescents (9–15 years) living in two differently affected areas were administered a questionnaire on traumatic exposure and the UCLA PTSD Reaction Index. Anxiety, depression, and somatization were assessed in 1162 parents through the SCL-90-R. General linear model showed that, for offspring in the high-impact area, predictors of PTSD were earthquake exposure, past trauma, and parental internalizing symptoms, taken individually. An interaction between earthquake exposure and parental depression or anxiety (not somatization) was also found. In the low-impact area, youth PTSD was only predicted by earthquake exposure. The reverse pattern was significant, with parental psychopathology explained by offspring PTSD. Overall, findings support the association between parental and offspring psychopathology after natural disasters, emphasizing the importance of environmental factors in this relationship. Although further research is needed, these results should be carefully considered when developing mental health interventions.

2020 - ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PARENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF PTSD AND OTHER EMOTIONAL/BEHAVIORAL DIFFICULTIES IN CHILDREN AFTER THE 2012 EARTHQUAKE IN ITALY. [Abstract in Rivista]
Forresi, B.; Soncini, F.; Botosso, E.; Di Pietro, E.; Scarpini, G.; Scaini, S.; Aggazzotti, G.; Caffo, E.; Righi, E.
abstract

BACKGOUND: Several studies have shown that parental mental health may have an impact on pediatric PTSD, with a few research focusing on families exposed to disasters. According to recent contributions, the severity of PTSD in children and adolescents can be affected by caregiver psychopathological symptoms and disorders (e.g., PTSD and Depression), This crosssectional study aimed at identifying main predictors of PTSD and other emotional/behavioral difficulties among youths two years after the earthquake that hit Northern Italy in 2012. The focus is on the association between parental and youth psychopathology, and on the role of parental symptoms/disorders in predicting PTSD and specific symptom clusters in offspring. METHODS: 682 children and adolescents (9-14 years) living in two districts (earthquake zone vs control zone) were administered an exposure questionnaire, the UCLA PTSD-Index for DSM-IV, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and 1162 parents were assessed through the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The assessment was made two years after the earthquake. RESULTS: Parents in the earthquake area (EA) referred a high frequency of psychopathological difficulties. 28% had a global score at the SCL-90-R over the cutoff, showing a level of psychopathology and mental distress significantly higher than parents living in the control area (CA) (17.5%; p < 0.001). Parents in the EA had significantly higher scores than subjects living in the CA for most subscales: sleep disturbances was the subscale with the maximum prevalence, followed by obsessivecompulsive disorders, depression, somatization, and anxiety. Compared to fathers, mothers had significantly higher scores, especially in the EA sample. The relationship between caregiver psychopathological symptoms and children/adolescents PTSD was examined, with correlation analysis including all the domains of SCL- 90 and the three symptom clusters of students PTSD. Statistically significant correlations were found for both total scores and all symptoms domains of the SCL90 and PTSD clusters, especially for hyperarousal and reexperiencing. In particular, greater parental symptomatology in the domains of anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive disorder resulted to be specifically associated with hyperarousal symptoms in children. Pearson’s correlations showed moderate positive correlations between parents and children’ symptomatology, with particular reference to Total Difficulties Score and Hyperactivity/Disattention and behavioural difficulties scores. T-test analysis revealed higher SDQ scores in all the subscales and in the Total Difficulties Score for children of parents with higher SCL-90 R scores. Regression analysis showed that parental psychopathology was one of the most powerful predictor for both children total PTSD score (β = 0.147, p < 0.001) and the SDQ total difficulties score (β = 0.137, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Despite some limitations, this study revealed a significant association between parental mental health and both PTSD and emotional/behavioural problems among offspring after earthquakes. These results should be carefully considered in mental health support interventions in the areas affected by earthquakes.

2020 - Post-traumatic stress disorder, emotional and behavioral difficulties in children and adolescents 2 years after the 2012 earthquake in Italy: an epidemiological cross-sectional study [Articolo su rivista]
Forresi, B.; Soncini, · F.; Botosso, · E.; Di Pietro, · E.; Scarpini, · G.; Scaini, · S.; Aggazzotti, · G.; Caffo, · E.; E. Righi., ·
abstract

Despite the occurrence of several earthquakes, only a few studies were conducted in Italy on the psychological impact in children and adolescents, with data mostly collected within one year after the disaster. This cross-sectional study aimed at exploring the prevalence of both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and emotional/behavioral difficulties, as well as at identifying their main predictors, among youths 2 years after the earthquake that hit Northern Italy in 2012. 682 children and adolescents (9–14 years) living in two districts (earthquake zone vs control zone) were administered an exposure questionnaire, the UCLA PTSD-Index for DSM-IV, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and 1162 parents were assessed through the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90). The prevalence of a likely PTSD in the earthquake zone was 1.9% (4.4% near the epicenter) and the total PTSD score in the affected area was significantly higher than in the control zone. 14.9% of youths living in the earthquake zone had a borderline/abnormal SDQ total difficulties score and 87.5% of youth with a likely PTSD also had a SDQ total score in the borderline/abnormal range. Regression analysis showed that the number of lifetime traumatic events (e.g., death of a relative) was the best predictor of children/adolescents psychological difficulties 2 years after the earthquake, followed by severity of exposure (personal injuries and losses) and parental psychopathology. Despite some limitations, this study highlights that youths may exhibit PTSD symptoms years after disasters, often in comorbidity with behavioral/emotional difficulties, stressing the need for long-term surveillance and interventions in exposed populations.

2018 - Sons of a minor god. Immigrant children victims of violence and exploitation [Articolo su rivista]
Ceravolo, R.; Caffo, E.
abstract

The current migration crisis in Europe represents a huge challenge for European governments nowadays. Particularly the Mediterranean countries, and mainly Italy, receive significant flows of migrants. The rate of migrant minors (children and adolescents) included in these migratory waves has grown sensitively during the last years and Unaccompanied Migrant Minors (UMMs) represent a vulnerable target at higher risk of loss, trauma, disappearance, child traffic, PSTD, emotional disorders, deviant behaviors. In this field, SOS II Telefono Azzurro Onlus (no-profit organization) runs the 116 000 hotline for missing children in Italy, promote an advocate and integrative mental-health child- centered approach for counteracting the typical risks to which UMMs' are exposed to. The main aim is to promote a full integration of those children in the hosting countries thanks to a life-project approach.

2017 - The descriptive epidemiology of DSM-IV Adult ADHD in the World Health Organization World Mental Health Surveys [Articolo su rivista]
Fayyad, John; Sampson, Nancy A.; Hwang, Irving; Adamowski, Tomasz; Aguilar-Gaxiola, Sergio; Al-Hamzawi, Ali; Andrade, Laura H. S. G.; Borges, Guilherme; de Girolamo, Giovanni; Florescu, Silvia; Gureje, Oye; Haro, Josep Maria; Hu, Chiyi; Karam, Elie G.; Lee, Sing; Navarro-Mateu, Fernando; O’Neill, Siobhan; Pennell, Beth-Ellen; Piazza, Marina; Posada-Villa, José; ten Have, Margreet; Torres, Yolanda; Xavier, Miguel; Zaslavsky, Alan M.; Kessler, Ronald C.; Adamowski, Tomasz; Aguilar-Gaxiola, Sergio; Al-Hamzawi, Ali; Al-Kaisy, Mohammad; Subaie, Abdullah Al; Alonso, Jordi; Altwaijri, Yasmin; Andrade, Laura Helena; Atwoli, Lukoye; Auerbach, Randy P.; Axinn, William G.; Benjet, Corina; Borges, Guilherme; Bossarte, Robert M.; Bromet, Evelyn J.; Bruffaerts, Ronny; Bunting, Brendan; Caffo, Ernesto; de Almeida, Jose Miguel Caldas; Cardoso, Graca; Cia, Alfredo H.; Chardoul, Stephanie; Chatterji, Somnath; Filho, Alexandre Chiavegatto; Cuijpers, Pim; Degenhardt, Louisa; de Girolamo, Giovanni; de Graaf, Ron; de Jonge, Peter; Demyttenaere, Koen; Ebert, David D.; Evans-Lacko, Sara; Fayyad, John; Fiestas, Fabian; Florescu, Silvia; Forresi, Barbara; Galea, Sandro; Germine, Laura; Gilman, Stephen E.; Ghimire, Dirgha J.; Glantz, Meyer D.; Gureje, Oye; Haro, Josep Maria; He, Yanling; Hinkov, Hristo; Hu, Chi-yi; Huang, Yueqin; Karam, Aimee Nasser; Karam, Elie G.; Kawakami, Norito; Kessler, Ronald C.; Kiejna, Andrzej; Koenen, Karestan C.; Kovess-Masfety, Viviane; Lago, Luise; LARA RIOS, LILIANA DEL CARMEN; Lee, Sing; Lepine, Jean-Pierre; Levav, Itzhak; Levinson, Daphna; Liu, Zhaorui; Martins, Silvia S.; Matschinger, Herbert; Mcgrath, John J.; Mclaughlin, Katie A.; Medina-Mora, Maria Elena; Mneimneh, Zeina; Moskalewicz, Jacek; Murphy, Samuel D.; Navarro-Mateu, Fernando; Nock, Matthew K.; O’Neill, Siobhan; Oakley-Browne, Mark; Hans Ormel, J.; Pennell, Beth-Ellen; Piazza, Marina; Pinder-Amaker, Stephanie; Piotrowski, Patryk; Posada-Villa, Jose; Ruscio, Ayelet M.; Scott, Kate M.; Shahly, Vicki; Silove, Derrick; Slade, Tim; Smoller, Jordan W.; Stagnaro, Juan Carlos; Stein, Dan J.; Street, Amy E.; Tachimori, Hisateru; Taib, Nezar; Have, Margreet ten; Thornicroft, Graham; Torres, Yolanda; Viana, Maria Carmen; Vilagut, Gemma; Wells, Elisabeth; Williams, David R.; Williams, Michelle A.; Wojtyniak, Bogdan; Zaslavsky, Alan M.
abstract

We previously reported on the cross-national epidemiology of ADHD from the first 10 countries in the WHO World Mental Health (WMH) Surveys. The current report expands those previous findings to the 20 nationally or regionally representative WMH surveys that have now collected data on adult ADHD. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) was administered to 26,744 respondents in these surveys in high-, upper-middle-, and low-/lower-middle-income countries (68.5% mean response rate). Current DSM-IV/CIDI adult ADHD prevalence averaged 2.8% across surveys and was higher in high (3.6%)- and upper-middle (3.0%)- than low-/lower-middle (1.4%)-income countries. Conditional prevalence of current ADHD averaged 57.0% among childhood cases and 41.1% among childhood subthreshold cases. Adult ADHD was significantly related to being male, previously married, and low education. Adult ADHD was highly comorbid with DSM-IV/CIDI anxiety, mood, behavior, and substance disorders and significantly associated with role impairments (days out of role, impaired cognition, and social interactions) when controlling for comorbidities. Treatment seeking was low in all countries and targeted largely to comorbid conditions rather than to ADHD. These results show that adult ADHD is prevalent, seriously impairing, and highly comorbid but vastly under-recognized and undertreated across countries and cultures.

2016 - Early-adult outcome of child and adolescent mental disorders as evidenced by a national-based case register survey [Articolo su rivista]
Castagnini, A. C.; Foldager, L.; Caffo, E.; Thomsen, P. H.
abstract

Background Mental disorders show varying degrees of continuity from childhood to adulthood. This study addresses the relationship of child and adolescent mental disorders to early adult psychiatric morbidity. Methods From a population at risk of 830,819 children and adolescents aged 6-16 years, we selected all those (n = 6043) who were enrolled for the first time in the Danish Psychiatric Register with an ICD-10 F00-99 diagnosis in 1995-1997, and identified any mental disorder for which they received treatment up to 2009. Results Neurodevelopmental and conduct disorders were the principal diagnostic groups at 6-16 years and exhibited a characteristic male preponderance; while affective, eating, neurotic, stress-related and adjustment disorders were more common in girls. Over a mean follow-up period of 10.1 years, 1666 (27.6%) cases, mean age 23.4 years, were referred for treatment to mental health services, and they had a markedly higher risk than the general population (RR 5.1; 95% CI 4.9-5.4). Affective, eating, neurodevelopmental, obsessive-compulsive and psychotic disorders had the strongest continuity. Heterotypic transitions were observed for affective, eating, neurodevelopmental, personality and substance use disorders. Conclusions These findings suggest that individuals with psychiatric antecedents in childhood and adolescence had a high risk of being referred for treatment in early adulthood, and many mental disorders for which they required treatment revealed both homotypic and heterotypic continuity.

2016 - IL TERREMOTO DELL’EMILIA ROMAGNA DEL 2012: PREVALENZA E PERSISTENZA DEL DISTURBO POST-TRAUMATICO DA STRESS NEI BAMBINI E NEGLI ADOLESCENTI [Capitolo/Saggio]
Righi, Elena; Forresi, Barbara; Aggazzotti, Gabriella; Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

Il Disturbo Post Traumatico da Stress (PTSD) è uno dei disturbi che più frequentemente si manifesta nei bambini e negli adolescenti a seguito di disastri naturali come i terremoti, con percentuali che, secondo gli studi, oscillano tra il 5 e il 60% dei soggetti esposti. La maggior parte dei casi va incontro a una remissione spontanea entro 12 mesi, tuttavia in circa 1/3 dei soggetti questo disturbo progredisce verso un decorso cronico, con potenziali serie conseguenze a medio e lungo termine associate, tra l’altro, a gravi disturbi del sonno e ad abuso di sostanze. Una indagine epidemiologica di tipo cross-sectional, approvata dal comitato etico provinciale, è stata condotta nella provincia di Modena nel periodo Maggio 2013-Maggio 2014 con l’obiettivo di riconoscere i potenziali casi di PTSD di tipo cronico (con sintomi manifesti a più di un anno dall’episodio stressante) in bambini e adolescenti residenti nella zona del cratere sismico e di identificare i potenziali fattori di protezione e di rischio di natura sociale, familiare e demografica associati con l’insorgenza e la cronicizzazione di tale disturbo.

2016 - Prevalence and risk factors of chronic Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in children and adolescents after the 2012 earthquake affecting the province of Modena (Northern Italy). [Abstract in Rivista]
Righi, Elena; Forresi, Barbara; Caffo, Ernesto; Aggazzotti, Gabriella
abstract

Introduction: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most frequent psychological disorder occurring after natural disasters. Some cases have a chronic, unremitting course causing long term health impacts and relevant social costs. On May 2012, two earthquakes of high Richter magnitude hit Modena (Italy), causing 27 deaths, several hundred of injured citizen and more than 15000 homeless. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of chronic PTSD in children and adolescents, two extremely sensitive subpopulations, and to identify individual and social predictive risk and protective factors Methods: A cross-sectional study approved by Ethical Committee was conducted. Subjects aged 9-14, providing a written informed consent, were recruited from local schools, randomly selected from the earthquake area (EA) and an extra-earthquake area (EEA), with similar demographic and geographic characteristics. The UCLA-PTSD Index for DSM-IV was used to assess PTSD in students; risk/protective factors were investigated using a traumatic exposure checklist and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Parental psychopathology was assessed by Symptom Checklist-90-R. Results: 683 students (2% of residents) and 1161 parents were enrolled. Overall, 9 subjects (1.3%) showed chronic PTSD symptoms. Most (8) were living in EA. The risk of suffering from PTSD symptoms was higher in girls, older students and subjects most directly affected by earthquake. Distressing factors no earthquake-related appeared predictive of distress as well. Further, psychopathological symptoms in parents were significantly associated with high PTSD scores in children. Conclusions: PTSD prevalence appeared lower than observed in similar studies. However, anxiety and depressive symptoms were widespread and correlate with several predictive factors. We hope that our findings will help planning future preventive and supportive effective public health interventions in similar distressing situations.

2014 - The development of perceived maternal hostile, aggressive conflict from adolescence to early adulthood: Antecedents and outcomes [Articolo su rivista]
Valeria, Castellani; Concetta, Pastorelli; Nancy, Eisenberg; Caffo, Ernesto; Forresi, Barbara; Mariagrazia, Gerbino .
abstract

The goal of this study was to investigate the development of mother-adolescent hostile aggressive conflict (MHAC) from late adolescence to young adulthood. The role of child' depressive and delinquency problems and family characteristics, as well as the relation of level and change in MHAC to adolescents' delinquency and depression in early adulthood will be investigated. From the Genzano Longitudinal study 385 adolescents (51% males) participated in this study and completed self report measures. Latent growth curve modeling, separately by gender, indicated that the overall level MHAC exhibited a modest decline over time. For both males and females, depressive problems were associated to higher initial levels of MHAC and early maternal age predicted less decline of MHAC. Starting levels of MHAC were associated with Delinquency in males and with Depression in females, while the growth of MHAC was associated to delinquency in males and females and to depression in males.

2013 - A preliminary study on the relationship between central auditory processing and childhood primary headaches in the intercritical phase [Articolo su rivista]
Ciriaco, Antonella; Russo, Angelo; Monzani, Daniele; Genovese, Elisabetta; Benincasa, Paola; Caffo, Ernesto; Pini, Luigi Alberto
abstract

Recently, an increasing number of articles have appeared on central auditory processing disorders, but in the literature there is only one study that evaluated the possible correlation between migraine in the critical phase and central auditory processing. The aim of our study was to assess the correlation between auditory processing information and childhood primary headaches in the intercritical phase.

2013 - Prevalence and Risk Factors of PTSD in Children and Adolescents after the 2012 Earthquake in the Emilia Romagna Region: implications for intervention [Abstract in Rivista]
Forresi, Barbara; DEL GIOVANE, Cinzia; Soncini, Francesco; Aggazzotti, Gabriella; D'Amico, Roberto; Parmelli, Elena; Righi, Elena; Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

PTSD is one of the psychological disorders that occurs after natural disasters. Many cases will remit within a few months, however in some estimates nearly one-third of cases have a chronic course. Delay-onset PTSD and progressive increase of symptoms seem to be very common. Given the significant rates of PTSD among children and adolescents after earthquakes and the long-term impact on their mental health, it is of primary importance to identify and treat symptoms effectively. The authors will present preliminary data from a cross-sectional study aimed at evaluating the prevalence of PTSD in a sample of children and adolescents nine months after the 2012 earthquake that hit the Emilia Romagna region in northern Italy. Data concerning risk (e.g., level of trauma exposure and parental psychopathology) and protective factors for the development and the persistence of the disorder will be also presented. Children and adolescents (age range: 9–14 years), randomly selected from schools in the Province of Modena, have been assessed using an exposure questionnaire on objective/subjective experiences during the earthquake, the UCLA PTSD index for DSM-IV (UPID), and the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Parental symptomatology has been also assessed, in order to evaluate the influence of parental psychopathology on offspring's adjustment. Given the few studies conducted in Italy about the long-term psychological impact of natural disaster on children and adolescents, the present research has important implications for the prevention and treatment of traumatized children and adolescents in Italy, as well as for the development of effective posttrauma interventions.

2013 - Prevalence and risk factors of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in children and adolescents after the 2012 earthquake affecting the Emilia Romagna Region (Italy). [Abstract in Rivista]
Righi, Elena; Forresi, Barbara; Soncini, Francesco; DEL GIOVANE, Cinzia; D'Amico, Roberto; Caffo, Ernesto; Fantuzzi, Guglielmina; Aggazzotti, Gabriella
abstract

On May 2012, two major earthquakes hit the Province of Modena (Emilia Romagna Region, Northern Italy): the country suffered 27 deaths and several hundred injured citizen; 15000 local resident were left homeless. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a major debilitating psychological disorder that frequently occurs after natural disasters, including earthquakes, with a prevalence ranging, according to different authors, from 28 to 70%. Many cases will remit within 12 months, however about one-third of cases will have a chronic course. Given the high PTSD rates in children and adolescents, the long term impact on their well-being and the relevant social costs of chronic mental disorders, it is of primary importance to recognize and effectively treat cases as soon as possible and to identify potential individual and social risk and protective factors to be addressed in future effective preventive interventions. An epidemiological cross-sectional study has been set up and is on progress in a randomly selected sample of school children and adolescents (9-14 years) exposed to the earthquake with the aim to assess the PTSD prevalence and to explore potential risk (demographic, parental factors and level of trauma exposure) and protective factors (e.g. social support) associated to PTSD development and persistence. The assessment protocol includes the administration of an exposure questionnaire on objective/subjective experiences during the earthquake, the UCLA PTSD Index for DSM-IV questionnaire, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Parental symptomatology will be also assessed using the Symptom Checklist-90-R questionnaire, in order to evaluate the influence of parental psychopathology on children conditions. The present research will have important implications for the prevention in Italy of chronic PTSD, for treatment of traumatized children and adolescents, as well as for the development of effective post-trauma interventions.

2012 - La promozione del benessere psicologico nell’adolescenza. Uno studio controllato [Promoting psychosocial well-being in adolescence. A controlled study] [Articolo su rivista]
Fedra, Ottolini; Chiara, Ruini; Carlotta, Belaise; Elena, Tomba; Elena, Offidani; Elena, Albieri; Dalila, Visani; Caffo, Ernesto; Fava Giovanni, Andrea
abstract

INTRODUCTION: In the recent years a large body of literature has focused its attention to the study of the positive aspects of adolescence, in particular quality of life, happiness and social functioning. The school is an ideal setting for promoting learning abilities, educational processes and also optimal human and social development. AIM: A new school program for the promotion of psychological well-being has been tested and compared to an attention-placebo intervention in a high school setting. METHODS: Nine classes (227 students) were enrolled in the study and randomized to: a) School Well-Being Therapy intervention (5 classes); b)attention-placebo (4 classes). 1) Symptom Questionnaire (SQ); 2) Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB); 3) Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS) were administered at pre- and post-intervention, and after six months. RESULTS: WBT school intervention was associated to an improved Personal Growth (PWB), and to decreased distress (Somatization (SQ), Physical Well-being (SQ), Anxiety (SQ), and RCMAS Physiological Anxiety). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: A school intervention focused on the promotion of positive emotions and psychological well-being has resulted to be effective not only in increasing these dimensions in high school students, but also in decreasing distress, in particular anxiety and somatization.

2011 - Against Le Packing: A Consensus Statement [Articolo su rivista]
D., Amaral; Sj, Rogers; S., Baron Cohen; T., Bourgeron; Caffo, Ernesto; E., Fombonne; J., Fuentes; P., Howlin; M., Rutter; A., Klin; F., Volkmar; C., Lord; N., Minshew; F., Nardocci; G., Rizzolatti; S., Russo; R., Scifo; van der Gaag, R. J.
abstract

Coinciding with the Ninth International Autism–Europe Congress held in Catania, Sicily from October 8 through 10, 2010, the undersigned keynote speakers of the meeting, a group of recognized professionals in the field, were greatly disturbed by the news that in some areas of the world—notably francophone countries—an alleged form of therapy labeled le packing is being applied and recommended for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorders, especially those showing associated severe behavioral problems.

2011 - Psycological, audiological and vestibular assesment in primary paediatric headache [Abstract in Rivista]
Ciriaco, Antonella; Caffo, Ernesto; Genovese, Elisabetta; Monzani, Daniele; Benincasa, P.; Pini, Luigi Alberto
abstract

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2010 - Differential effects of well-being promoting and anxiety-management strategies in a non-clinical school setting. [Articolo su rivista]
Tomba, E; Belaise, C; Ottolini, F; Ruini, C; Bravi, A; Albieri, E; Rafanelli, C; Caffo, Ernesto; Fava, G. A.
abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the differential effects of strategies for promotion of psychological well-being (Well-Being Therapy, WBT) and removal of distress (Anxiety Management, AM) in a non-clinical school setting.162 students attending middle schools in Northern Italy were randomly assigned to: (a) a protocol derived from WBT; (b) an anxiety-management protocol (AM). The students were assessed immediately before and after the interventions, and after 6 months using: Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB), Symptom Questionnaire (SQ) and the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS). In school children, well-being and symptom focused interventions produced slightly different effects on psychological dimensions. WBT, by facilitating progression toward positive and optimal functioning, may integrate symptom-centered strategies. (c) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

2010 - Primo Soccorso psicologico. Guida all’operatività sul campo [Traduzione di Libro]
Caffo, Ernesto; B., Forresi; S., Scrimin
abstract

Un terremoto, un attentato terroristico, lo scoppio di una palazzina, un incidente aereo sono eventi drammatici, improvvisi, sconvolgenti. Il Primo Soccorso Psicologico è un intervento modulare fondato su evidenze scientifiche finalizzato ad aiutare bambini, adolescenti, adulti e famiglie nel periodo immediatamente successivo ad un evento traumatico. È stato ideato e strutturato con l’obiettivo di ridurre lo stress iniziale causato da diverse tipologie di emergenza e promuovere l’adattamento e il coping, a breve come a lungo termine.Si basa sulla consapevolezza che i sopravissuti e le altre persone colpite da tali eventi sperimentano un ampio spettro di reazioni iniziali (sul piano fisico, cognitivo, emotivo e comportamentale). Alcune di queste causano un livello di stress tale da interferire con il funzionamento adattivo e il recupero può essere favorito dal sostegno ricevuto da parte di operatori e professionisti empatici e in grado di offrire un supporto competente. Le strategie di intervento del Primo Soccorso Psicologico possono essere un efficace e valido aiuto anche per i primi soccorritori e tutti gli operatori che intervengono in situazioni di emergenza.

2010 - What are the differences between Well-Being Therapy and anxiety management in the school setting? [Articolo su rivista]
C., Belaise; E., Tomba; E., Offidani; D., Visani; F., Ottolini; A., Bravi; E., Albieri; C., Ruini; C., Rafanelli; Caffo, Ernesto; Ga, Fava
abstract

AbstractBACKGROUND: In the last decade there has been increasing interest in the potential of early preventive interventions capable of promoting psychological well being in order to reduce the risk of childhood psychological distress. This study analyzes the differential effects of strategies for promotion of psychological well-being (Well-Being Therapy, WBT) and removal of distress (Anxiety Management, AM) in a non clinical school setting.METHODS: Our sample consisted of eight classes (N=162 students) attending middle schools in Northern Italy which were randomly assigned to a protocol derived from WBT (4 classes) and to an anxiety-management protocol (AM) (4 classes). Immediately before and after both school interventions students were assessed using the Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB), Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire (SQ) and the Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (R-CMAS). A six month follow-up was performed in the following school year, and students were re-assessed with the same psychometric instruments.RESULTS: Our results lend support to the possibility to change attitudes to psychological well-being and distress with brief interventions in school (both well-being improving and distress removing).CONCLUSIONS: Further investigations should determine whether the combined and sequential integration of well-being and symptom oriented strategies may yield more complete and lasting effects that each strategy alone.

2009 - How to Train Professionals to Effectively Manage Child Abuse Cases? The Case-Example of a University-Based and Multidisciplinary Training Program in Italy [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Forresi, Barbara; Lepri, G. L.
abstract

Despite the increasing number of child psychological, physical and sexual abuse cases, and the subsequentneed for interagency interventions, professional knowledge about the dynamics, nature, strengths and difficultiesof the integrated response to child abuse is not universal. In addition to this, training programsfor the delivery of a multidisciplinary approach to child abuse cases has always received little attention.The purpose of this chapter is to describe the postgraduate training course “Assessment and treatmentapproach when handling child abuse cases and paedophilia”, developed by the University of Modena andReggio Emilia (Italy), as an example of a university based and multidisciplinary training to child abuseprofessionals. This program is aimed at assisting graduated communities’ professionals - such as childpsychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, educators, law enforcement officers, judges and lawyers - todevelop evidence based strategies to respond to child abuse. First the training program will be presented,describing contents and methods used to facilitate critical reflection and analysis of practice/policy: lectures,case studies, work-groups and team-building, web-based and experiential learning. Furthermore, theimpact on trainee knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors will be described and discussed on the basis of theexisting literature. Barriers to multidisciplinary work such as work style and communication differencesamong professions, attitudes and behaviors toward children, will be also critically discussed.

2009 - School intervention for promoting psychological well-being in adolescence [Articolo su rivista]
Ruini, C; Ottolini, F; Tomba, E; Belaise, C; Albieri, E; Visani, D; Offidani, E; Caffo, Ernesto; Fava, Ga
abstract

Objectiveto test the efficacy of a new school program for the promotion of psychological well-being. In this study a school program for promoting psychological well-being has been compared to an attention-placebo intervention in a high school setting.MethodsNine classes (227 students) were randomly assigned to: a) Well-Being intervention (5 classes); b)attention-placebo (4 classes). Assessment was performed at pre and post-intervention, and after six months using: 1) Symptom Questionnaire (SQ); 2) Psychological Well-Being Scales (PWB); 3) Revised Children's Manifest Anxiety Scale (RCMAS).ResultsA significant effect of WB school intervention in improving Personal Growth (PWB), and in decreasing distress (Somatization (SQ), Physical Well-being (SQ), Anxiety (SQ), and RCMAS Physiological Anxiety) emerged.ConclusionsA school intervention based on promoting positive emotions and well-being was effective not only in increasing psychological well-being among adolescents, but also in decreasing distress, in particular anxiety and somatization.

2008 - How children-adolescents with primary headache and their parents evaluate the Headache Centre's intervention [Abstract in Rivista]
Ferrari, Anna; F., Pileri; C., Ruggerini; Caffo, Ernesto; A., Bertolini
abstract

Headache is one of the most common disorders that affect children and adolescents and its prevalence seems to have increased in the last 50 years [1]. Paediatricians often send children and adolescents suffering from headache to the various headache specialists for a diagnostic and therapeutic assessment of the disorder. Nevertheless, while adult headache patients’ satisfaction with the treatments has been widely investigated, less attention has been paid to children and adolescent headache patients’ opinions and their parents’ views. The aim of our follow-up study was to analyse the outcomes of the Headache Centre’ intervention and the evolution of headache according to patients till the age of 16 and their parents. Methods. We included 84 patients (F: 45%, M: 55%; mean age: 12.9+2.9 years) with primary headache (migraine without aura: 66%, tension-type headache: 23%, migraine with aura: 11%) according to ICHD-II criteria [2], seen for the first time in 2005-2006, and at least one of their parents. The duration of the follow-up ranged from 1 to 3 years. To the aims of our study, a specific questionnaire was created and administered by a telephone interview, which was carried out according to Narrative Medicine’s approach [3]. Results. Seventy percent of the patients thought that their headache had improved; in particular, 63% said that the frequency of headache had decreased, while intensity had only diminished in 37% of the sample. More than half the subjects interviewed associated the improvement to the fact of feeling better when at school. The majority (60%) of the patients declared to have followed the Centre’s advice to minimize the factors causing headache; 87% had followed the prescriptions for acute attacks and these medications had been effective according to 77% of the patients. Only 16% of the parents reported to feel still anxious about their child’s health, while 84% declared to feel calmer after attending the Headache Centre; 72% of the subjects interviewed and of their parents reported that attending the Headache Centre had been useful to better understand and manage headache. Conclusions. Children’s and adolescents’ headache has in most cases a favourable prognosis; the Headache Centre’s intervention is seen as effective by most patients and parents. Narrative Medicine’s approach is particularly fit to study headache from children’s, adolescents’, and families’ point of view.

2008 - Promoting resilience and psychological well-being in vulnerable life stages [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto; Belaise, C; Forresi, B.
abstract

The magnitude of children and adolescentmental disorders, taken with the limited investments andavailability of services, argue for preventive and earlytreatment interventions capable of promoting healthy developmentand psychological well-being, both bystrengthening protective factors and reducing risk factors.

2007 - Minori stranieri vittime diabuso: quale ruolo per il pediatra? [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Ghiringhelli, B; Forresi, B.
abstract

Il percorso storico dell’abuso all’infanzia ha acquisito poi ulteriore complessità nell’ultimo decennio, anche a causa dei molti cambiamenti che hanno investito le società occidentali, caratterizzate dall’emergere di nuove strutture familiari, dal progresso tecnologico e dalla multietnicità. Si sono così moltiplicate le forme di violenza tra coetanei, sono emersi con forza i fenomeni della pedopornografia e della pedofilia on line, stanno acquisendo una sempre maggiore rilevanza gli abusi a danno di bambini stranieri e nomadi. Il capitolo si concentra su quest’ultimo tema, di fronte al quale il pediatra si sente spesso impreparato, ma le cui cifre evidenziano un trend crescente.

2007 - Violence and Trauma: Evidence-basedAssessment and Intervention in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Belaise, C.
abstract

This chapter presents an overview of trauma as it relates to children and adolescents and a critical review of literature, focusing on some of the most relevant and controversial clinical and research topics, unanswered questions, and the need for further research.

2007 - Well-Being Therapy in school setting: a pilot study [Articolo su rivista]
C., Ruini; C., Belaise; F., Ottolini; E., Tomba; Caffo, Ernesto; Ga, Fava
abstract

Background: There is increasing interest in the psychobiological mechanisms of resilience and psychological well-being. It is conceivable that activation of such mechanisms in the school setting may entail long-term benefits, both in terms of the developmental process and of prevention of distress. This study wants to apply and test the efficacy of a school-based intervention protocol derived from well-being therapy (WBT) compared to cognitive-behavioral strategies. Methods: School interventions were performed in a population of 111 students randomly assigned to: (a) a protocol using theories and techniques derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy; (b) a protocol derived from WBT. Assessment before and after interventions was performed using two self-rating scales: Kellner’s Symptom Questionnaire and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales. Results: Both school-based interventions resulted in a comparable improvement in symptoms and psychological well-being. Conclusions: This new well-being-enhancing strategy could play an important role in the prevention of psychological distress in school settings and in promoting optimal human functioning among children.

2006 - Child abuse and neglect, amental health perspective [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Strik Lievers, L.; Forresi, B.
abstract

Child maltreatment is one of the major public health issue and a worldwide concern. It is clearly evident that research on child maltreatment lived a scientific maturation during the last two decades. Nonetheless, as highlighted by the US National Institutes of Health, it still “lacks a level of sophistication necessary to address adequately the critical scientific and clinical issues . . . There have been only a handful of longitudinal studies on course and outcome of maltreatment in children” (The neglect of child neglect, Editorial Lancet, 2003). On one side, the time has come to address some fundamental questions relating to definitions, classifications, measurement, interpretation of abuse statistics, effective prevention and treatment interventions. On the other side, research in the field of psychological abuse and neglect has to be promoted. Psychological abuse and neglect seem to remain a low priority, with very few resources, initiatives and studies. As evidenced in a study by the International Journal of Child Abuse and Neglect (Behl et al, 2003), during the past 22 years, the percentage of articles examining child physical abuse declined, while the proportion of research published on sexual abuse rose. At the same time, the percentage of articles examining child neglect and emotional abuse remained consistently low. In this chapter we present advances in the field of child abuse and neglect, both in clinics and research. Central areas will be covered, including epidemiology of child abuse and neglect, definitions, impact of abuse, prevention and treatment. Similarly, controversial topics, unanswered questions and the need for further research will be highlighted.

2006 - Putative identification of susceptibility genes for autism on 15q11-q13: Role of UBE3A and ATP10A [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Masetti, G. G.; Bonati, M. T.; A., Gessi; F., Cavalleri; F., Cogliati; M., Marchi; Lievers, L. S.; Caffo, Ernesto; L., Larizza; F., Macciardi; S., Russo
abstract

The etiology of autism is still largely unknown despite our current understanding from family and twin studies that genetics plays a substantial role in the etiology of the disorder. Moreover, integrating data from linkage studies and analyses of chromosomal abnormalities allow identifying 15q11-q13 as one of the regions of particular etiopathogenetic interest for autism and autism related disorders. In an effort to find the autism susceptibility genes potentially harbored in this chromosomal region we have screened a set of markers spanning two known imprinted, maternally expressed genes, UBE3A and ATP10A, selected because they are both positional and candidate genes. We replicated evidence of Linkage Disequilibrium at marker D15S122, located at the 5’ end of UBE3A and originally reported by Nurmi (2001). In addition, our analyses show also one significant haplotype that includes D15S122 at UBE3A and D15S1535 and SNP3 at ATP10A. These findings are of particular interest considering that the association of D15S122 has never been replicated until now and that UBE3A is the gene responsible for the Angelmann Syndrome, that shares neurological and behavioral abnormalities with the autism spectrum disorders. Despite the limited power to detect genes of minor effect with a low density SNPs, our data support a potential role of UBE3A in the complex pathogenic mechanisms of autism. To strengthen our findings, we are currently genotyping a denser set of SNPs across the region and using a larger sample, with the ultimate goal of identifying the specific polymorphism(s) responsible for the association

2006 - Well-being therapy in school settings: a pilot study [Articolo su rivista]
C., Ruini; C., Belaise; C., Brombin; Caffo, Ernesto; Ga, Fava
abstract

Background: There is increasing interest in the psychobiological mechanisms of resilience and psychological well-being. It is conceivable that activation of such mechanisms in the school setting may entail long-term benefits, both in terms of the developmental process and of prevention of distress. This study wants to apply and test the efficacy of a school-based intervention protocol derived from well-being therapy (WBT) compared to cognitive-behavioral strategies. Methods: School interventions were performed in a population of 111 students randomly assigned to: (a) a protocol using theories and techniques derived from cognitive-behavioral therapy; (b) a protocol derived from WBT. Assessment before and after interventions was performed using two self-rating scales: Kellner’s Symptom Questionnaire and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales. Results: Both school-based interventions resulted in a comparable improvement in symptoms and psychological well-being. Conclusions: This new well-being-enhancing strategy could play an important role in the prevention of psychological distress in school settings and in promoting optimal human functioning among children.

2005 - Children and Adolescents’ psychopathologyafter trauma: new preventive psychotherapeutic strategies [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Belaise, C.
abstract

Stress is a physical response to an undesirable situation. Mild stress can result from missing the bus, standing in a long line at the store or getting a parking ticket. Stress can also be severe. Divorce, family problems, an assault, or the death of a loved one, for example, can be devastating. One of the most common sources of both mild and severe stress is work. Stress can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic). Acute stress is a reaction to an immediate threat - either real or perceived. Chronic stress involves situations that aren't short-lived, such as relationship problems, workplace pressures, and financial or health worries. Stress is an unavoidable consequence of life. As Hans Selye (who coined the term as it is currently used) noted, "Without stress, there would be no life". However, just as distress can cause disease, it seems plausible that there are good stresses that promote wellness. Stress is not always necessarily harmful. Winning a race or an election can be just as stressful as losing, or more so, but may trigger very different biological responses. Increased stress results in increased productivity up to a point. This new book deals with the dazzling complexity of this good-bad phenomenon and presents up-to-date research from throughout the world.

2005 - Impact, psychological sequelae and management of trauma affecting children and adolescents [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto; Forresi, Barbara; L., Strik Lievers
abstract

Purpose of reviewIn this review we examine the most recent literature on theimpact, psychological sequelae and management of traumaaffecting children and adolescents. We focus onconsequences of early traumatic events in childhood,adolescence and adulthood; mediating variables (risk andprotective factors); and intervention strategies and availabletreatments.Recent findingsIncreasingly often, mental health professionals are beingasked to address the needs of children and adolescentswho have been exposed to traumatic events, either asindividuals (e.g. sexual and physical abuse, road trafficaccidents) or in groups (e.g. war, terrorism, naturaldisasters). Studies on a wide range of age groups,populations and types of trauma revealed that traumatizedchildren and adolescents are at high risk for developing arange of differing behavioural, psychological andneurobiological problems. Social support may have aprotective effect on the relationship between exposure totraumatic events and psychosocial symptoms.SummarySeveral recent studies analyze a wide range of earlytraumatic events that may be directly or indirectlyexperienced (including exposure through the mass media).These studies raise many fundamental questions about theimpact such events may have on youths, for example aboutvalidity of current diagnostic criteria for post-traumaticstress disorder, comorbidity with anxiety, depressivedisorders and childhood traumatic grief symptoms.Vulnerability and protective factors, mainly gender, age andsocial support are considered. A common problem inresearch into the impact of trauma on children is thepresence of many limitations; studies are oftenretrospective and use self-report questionnaires, and theresults may not be generalizable (i.e. they are trauma orpopulation specific). There is a lack of well designedstudies, addressing in particular treatments for posttraumaticsymptoms in children and adolescents.Keywordsadolescents, children, post-traumatic stress disorder,psychological trauma

2005 - Indicatori di disagio depressivo e fattori di rischio socio-ambientale: studio su diverse popolazioni scolastiche [Articolo su rivista]
Camerini, Gb; Sannicola, Am; Vezzosi, V; Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

l'articolo presenta una ricerca relativa ai fattori di rischio nell'ambito della depressione.

2005 - La guerra vista attraverso uno schermotelevisivo: possibili conseguenze sui bambini e sugli adolescenti [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Forresi, B.
abstract

Il capitolo affronta il complesso tema della relazione tra bambini e media, anche nei suoi risvolti legati alla salute mentale e all'educazione

2005 - L’abuso all’infanzia e all’adolescenza:prospettiva storica e questioni aperte [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Forresi, B.
abstract

Il capitolo affronta il tema dell'abuso sessuale a danno di minorenni nei suoi risvolti clinici, giuridici, psicoforensi.

2005 - Un approccio evolutivo emultifattoriale alla depressione in adolescenza [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto; Forresi, B.; Strik Lievers, L.
abstract

A lungo considerata entità diagnostica di scarsa rilevanza sociale e dalla vaga definizione sintomatologica, la depressione in adolescenza rappresenta senza dubbio oggi un’emergenza di sanità pubblica. Il presente articolo presenta gli avanzamenti teorici nell'ambito della valutazione e dell'intervento

2004 - Abusi sessuali sui minori. Un approccio basato sulle evidenze scientifiche / David M. Fergusson, Paul E. Mullen [Curatela]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

Questo volume fornisce una rassegna critica delle ricerche sul tema dell'abuso sui minori e offre una guida chiara e concisa alle conoscenze attuali sull'argomento. Gli aspetti trattati comprendono: la diffusione degli abusi sessuali compiuti ai danni dei bambini, l'identikit degli autori di tali reati, gli effetti a breve e a lungo termine dell'abuso, i fattori di rischio dell'abuso e le influenze e gli interventi che possono amplificare o alleviare l'impatto dell'abuso sessuale sulla vittima. Le aree di discussione, come la sindrome dei falsi ricordi, sono affrontate sulla base dei dati di ricerca e sulla base della loro soluzione. Questo testo si propone di informare piuttosto che propugnare una tesi, discute sia le metodologie di ricerca, sia i loro risultati e mette in luce i limiti e la portata dell'attuale informazione.

2004 - Criteri di valutazione nell’abuso all’infanzia. Elementi clinici e forensi (2a edizione) [Monografia/Trattato scientifico]
Caffo, Ernesto; G. B., Camerini; G., Florit
abstract

La seconda edizione di questo volumeè stata curata all’insegna di due esigenzeegualmente fondamentali. Dauna parte, la necessità di affrontarel’argomento dell’abuso all’infanziacercando di fondare le osservazioni el’assessment su dati precisi e critericoerenti, scaturiti da ricerche effettuatesul campo. Sotto questo profilo,il paradigma scientifico della psicopatologiadello sviluppo si è rivelato ilpiù utile per analizzare e interpretaretutte le complesse implicazioni psicologiche,neurobiologiche, sociali epsicopatologiche legate all’abuso e allatrascuratezza, consentendo di abbandonarele interpretazioni clinichee sociali troppo lineari e semplicistichea favore di un approccio integratoe multidimensionale, identificando e pesando i fattori di rischio e protettivipiù significativi.La seconda esigenza investe, invece, l’ambito giuridico e sociale. La crescente enfasiposta sul fenomeno dell’abuso all’infanzia, con particolare riferimento all’abusosessuale, ha fatto scaturire il bisogno di aggiornare il volume con approfondimentiriguardanti la psicologia della testimonianza e la valutazione psicopatologico-forensedell’abuso fisico e sessuale, accompagnati da una revisione delle più recentievoluzioni della legislazione penale e civile riguardante l’abuso sui minori e laloro tutela, alla luce delle recenti evoluzioni culturali e giuridiche

2004 - Innovative interventions in the community [Capitolo/Saggio]
Caffo, Ernesto; Forresi, Barbara; C., Belaise; G., Nicolais; N., Laor; L., Wolmer
abstract

This chapter focuses on the theoretical model adopted in innovative interventions aimed at promoting child and adolescent mental health. These interventions are community-based and multiagency.

2003 - Consulenza telefonica e relazione d’aiuto. La qualità dell’ascolto e dell’intervento con i bambini e gli adolescenti [Monografia/Trattato scientifico]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

A partire dall'esperienza maturata dagli esperti e dai consulenti del Centro di Ascolto di Telefono Azzurro, il volume descrive le modalità e le strategie di base della consulenza telefonica, rivolta sia ai bambini e agli adolescenti che agli adulti.

2003 - Emergenza nell’infanzia e nell’adolescenza. Interventi psicoterapeutici e di comunità. [Monografia/Trattato scientifico]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

Disastri naturali, disastri causati da errori umani, atti di violenza diretta o indiretta, lutti, gravi malattie accompagnano da sempre l’umanità. Ogni anno milioni di bambini e adolescenti ne sono vittima.I soggetti in età evolutiva, inoltre, sono esposti a emergenze del tutto particolari: gravi abusi, maltrattamenti, trascuratezza. Sono in una fase della vita in cui è più facile essere coinvolti in situazioni traumatiche che mettono a serio rischio l’incolumità psicofisica. Il volume analizza, dunque, le diverse tipologie di emergenza che coinvolgono bambini e adolescenti, soffermandosi, nella prima parte, sui possibili esiti clinici a breve e lungo termine, secondo il modello della psicopatologia dello sviluppo.Ma che cosa si può fare per fronteggiare queste emergenze? I metodi e gli strumenti di ricerca in questo campo, analizzati nella seconda parte del testo, sono molto articolati e più avanzati di quanto non si creda. Gli interventi che è possibile proporre a livello individuale, familiare e di comunità - la Well-Being Therapy, il CD-CP Program del Child Study Center di Yale, il Community Reactivation Program sviluppato dal Cohen-Harris Center for Trauma and Disaster Intervention di Tel Aviv e il modello del Team Emergenza di Telefono Azzurro - testimoniano la ricchezza degli studi in materia e sottolineano la necessità di approcci multidisciplinari e interistituzionali.

2003 - Psychological aspects of traumatic injury in children and adolescents. [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto; C., Belaise
abstract

Each year millions of children are exposed to some form of extreme traumatic stressor. These traumatic events include natural disasters (e.g., tornadoes, floods, hurricanes), motor vehicle accidents, life-threatening illnesses and associated painful medical procedures (e.g., severe burns, cancer, limb amputations), physical abuse, sexual assault, witnessing domestic or community violence, kidnapping, and sudden death of a parent. During times of war, violent and nonviolent trauma (e.g., lack of fuel and food) may have terrible effects on children's adjustment. The events of September 11, 2001 and the unceasing suicidal attacks in the Middle East underscore the importance of understanding how children and adolescents react to disasters and terrorism. The body of literature related to children and their responses to disasters and trauma is growing. Mental health professionals are increasing their understanding about what factors are associated with increased risk (vulnerability) and affect how children cope with traumatic events. Researchers recognize that children's responses to major stress are similar to adults' (reexperiencing the event, avoidance, and arousal) and that these responses are not transient. A review of the literature indicates that PTSD is the most common psychiatric disorder after traumatic experiences, including physical injuries. There is also evidence for other comorbid conditions, including mood, anxiety, sleep, conduct, learning, and attention problems. In terms of providing treatment, CBT emerges as the best validated therapeutic approach for children and adolescents who experienced trauma-related symptoms, particularly symptoms associated with anxiety or mood disorders. The best approach to the injured child requires injury and pain assessment followed by specific interventions, such as pain management, brief consultation, and crisis intervention immediately after the specific traumatic event. Family support also may be necessary to help the family through this difficult period. The main conclusion that arises from the research on resilience in development is that extraordinary resilience and recovery power of children depend on basic human protective systems operating in their favor. This finding has produced a fundamental change in the framework for understanding and helping children at high risk or already in trouble. This shift is evident in a changing conceptualization of the goals of prevention and intervention that currently address competence and problems. Strategies for fostering resilience described in this article should be tested in future controlled psychotherapy trials to verify their efficacy on children's protective factors.

2002 - Bambini vittime e testimoni. Il problema di ascoltarli, [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto; G. B., Camerini
abstract

L'articolo analizza le procedure per la raccolta della testimonianza di bambini e adolescenti vittime di abusi sessuali

2002 - Il trauma dell'abuso all'infanzia [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

L'articolo analizza gli effetti del trauma in età evolutiva

2002 - Quale giustizia per i bambini e gli adolescenti? Una riformaannunciata [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

La riforma della giustizia minorile

2002 - Sindrome dell'intestino irritabile ed esperienze di abuso: uno studio epidemiologico [Articolo su rivista]
C., Belaise; S., Romans; J., Martin; E., Morris; Caffo, Ernesto; Ga, Fava
abstract

L'articolo descrive alcune possibili conseguenze dell'abuso all'infanzia

2000 - Prefazione [L'abuso sessuale sui minori in Europa] [Prefazione o Postfazione]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

N/A

1999 - L'ABUSO SESSUALE EXTRAFAMILIARE [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

L'articolo analizza le conseguenze psicopatologiche degli abusi sessuali su bambini e adolescenti

1999 - LE STARTEGIE DI PREVENZIONE DELL'ABUSO ALL'INFANZIA [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

L'articolo descrive le principali questioni aperte legate alla prevenzione degli abusi sui bambini

1999 - Le strategie di prevenzione dell'abuso all'infanzia [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

L'articolo definisce ed analizza il fenomeno dell'abuso sessuale in età evolutiva proponendo un approccio all'intervento orientato alla prevenzione.

1998 - DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND CHILD MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES. RISK AND PROTECTIVE FACTORS IN CHILDREN, FAMILIES, AND SOCIETY [Capitolo/Saggio]
Cohen, J. D.; Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

How to design new mental health services for children and adolescents

1998 - DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATOLOGY: A FRAMEWORK FOR PLANNING CHILD MENTAL HEALTH [Articolo su rivista]
J. D., Cohen; Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

L'articolo analizza l'approccio della psicopatologia dell'età evolutiva e le conseguenze sulla programmazione dei servizi di salute mentale per bambini e adolescenti

1998 - Developmental psychopathology: a framework for planning child mental health. [Articolo su rivista]
Dj, Cohen; Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

a new approach to child mental health

1990 - La violenza in adolescenza. Violenza subita e procurata [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto
abstract

L'articolo introduce al tema dell'abuso in età adolescenziale

1982 - Prevention of child abuse and neglect through early diagnosis of serious disturbances in the mother-child relationship in Italy [Articolo su rivista]
Caffo, Ernesto; Guaraldi, Gp; Magnani, G.; Tassi, R.
abstract

At the obstetrical clinic of Modena University and a family center of the same municipality during the first six months of 1980 a questionnaire based on "Risks of Child Abuse" by Kempe, Gray and others was administered to 33 expectant mothers during the third trimester of pregnancy, a few days after delivery, and a month and one-half after childbirth, for the purpose of examining the mother-child relationship. Two principal groups of "risk factors" which may lead to child abuse and neglect appeared: mothers with preceding personal and social experiences, and cases of medical intervention (e.g., prematurity, caesarean). Use of a questionnaire that permitted early diagnosis made possible help in establishing a good mother-child relationship in the first months of life. Such help can be given by the hospital and public centers both before and after birth