Psychopathological Distress Research Articles

Eating disorder risks and psychopathological distress in Italian high school adolescents

BackgroundPsychopathological disorders are often comorbid diagnosis in eating disorders (EDs). We aimed to assess the presence of psychopathological traits and symptoms associated with EDs in an Italian high school adolescent population.MethodsA sample of high school adolescents was enrolled, and demographic and clinical data were collected. Two self-report questionnaires, the Eating Disorder Inventory-3 (EDI-3) and the Questionnaire for the Assessment of Psychopathology in Adolescence (Q-PAD), were administered.Results548 adolescents (333 F/215 M; 16.89 ± 0.85 years) were included. Symptoms associated with EDs of clinical or high clinical concern were prevalent in a range of individuals, with percentages varying from 26.82% for body dissatisfaction to 51.83% for Interoceptive Deficits. The findings from the Q-PAD assessment indicated the presence of psychological distress, leading to discomfort or challenging situations requiring potential intervention in a percentage of adolescents ranging from 2.93% for psychosocial risks to 23.77% for anxiety. These percentages showed differences between genders (F > M, p < 0.001). Our study also highlighted an association between symptoms of EDs and lifestyle factors within families. We observed correlations between Q-PAD measures and EDI-3 scores, including a positive correlation between Q-PAD and EDI-3 body dissatisfaction (r = 0.7), Q-PAD interpersonal conflicts and EDI-3 interpersonal problems (r = 0.6) and a negative correlation between Q-PAD self-esteem and well-being and EDI-3 ineffectiveness Composite (r=-0.7).Conclusionsa substantial prevalence of ED symptoms and psychological distress among high school adolescents were recorded. These conditions are interrelated, suggesting the importance of addressing them comprehensively. Early detection is essential to improve treatment outcomes and to implement preventive strategies.

Statistical predictors of the co-occurrence between gambling disorder and problematic pornography use

Co-occurrence between gambling disorder (GD) and other mental disorders is common, but its association with problematic pornography use (PPU) remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate relationships between sociodemographic variables, personality measures, psychopathology, emotional regulation, and impulsivity and the co-occurrence of GD and PPU using structural equation modeling (SEM). The sample consisted of 359 adults seeking treatment for GD. The short version of the Problematic Pornography Consumption Scale (PPCS-6) identified patients with GD + PPU. Psychopathology, impulsivity, emotional regulation, and personality were also assessed. Higher impulsivity levels statistically predicted co-occurrence between GD and PPU. Impulsivity mediated the relationship between younger age, maladaptive personality features, and emotional dysregulation and co-occurrence. Psychopathological distress did not directly associate with GD + PPU co-occurrence. Impulsivity relates importantly to the co-occurrence of GD and PPU. Younger age, maladaptive personality, and emotional dysregulation contribute to increased impulsivity levels and co-occurrence. The findings highlight the importance of addressing impulsivity in understanding and treating co-occurring GD and PPU.

A Network Approach of Gambling Disorder Profile with and Without Related Illegal Acts

AbstractGambling disorder (GD) is a complex mental health condition that can cause many severe psychological, physical, and social impairment. Illegal acts have been recognized in quite a few cases because of the debts related with the gambling activity. This study used network methodology to visualize the relationships among patients seeking treatment for gambling related problems, separately for the patients with and without illegal behaviors. The aim is to identify the diverse and differentiate mechanisms, as well as the central nodes, that occur within GD patients depending on the presence/absence of illegal acts. The sample included N = 401 patients (age range 18 to 80 years). Network analysis was performed considering the nodes that measure gambling features (the core symptoms based on the DSM-5 taxonomy, global symptom severity, and forms of gambling), psychopathology distress, substance use (tobacco, alcohol, and illegal drugs), and personality traits. Two separate networks were adjusted for patients with illegal acts (n = 105) and without these behaviors (n = 296). The most relevant nodes among patients with GD plus illegal acts were self-transcendence and the GD DSM-5 symptom “A7-lies to conceal the extent of gambling” (these variables were also identified as the bridge nodes, those with the highest linkage capacity). Among the patients with GD without illegal acts, the node with the greatest authority was the GD DSM-5 symptom “A5-often gambles when feeling distressed” (this was also the variable with the highest linkage capacity). The study provides empirical evidence of the most relevant features and the linkage capacity among patients seeking treatment for problematic gambling, which can support the development of precise plans for treatment and prevention of the risk of GDRIA.

The Development of Self-Identity During Emerging Adulthood and Relevant Factors

This review paper examined the relationship between self-cognition development and related factors during the emerging adulthood phase. Extensive literature, including studies, surveys, and experiments, was analyzed to understand the influence of various factors on self-cognition development. In the research, it was found that self-cognition development has significant connections with daily identity dynamics, family and peer attachment, stress, and psychopathological distress. Two main factors, namely identity confusion and mental health issues, show a positive correlation with the development of self-cognition. As self-identity confusion deepens, individuals may increasingly avoid emotional challenges, potentially increasing the risk of internet addiction and negatively impacting their self-identity development. While emerging adult college students shape their online identities, their choices are not solely influenced by their self-perception but also by their emotional well-being and the social environment in which they exist. Furthermore, unique cultural backgrounds also play a crucial role in the development of self-identity during emerging adulthood. These research findings hold critical implications for the development of adolescent self-cognition and mental health interventions. Future research should delve deeper into the self-cognition development of individuals in emerging adulthood in different regions and the associated factors, as well as the effectiveness of various intervention strategies in diverse contexts.

A psychological intervention based on cognitive‐behavioural therapy reduces psychopathological symptoms that indirectly influence the heart rate via cortisol in hypertensive patients: Preliminary results of a pilot study

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of cognitive‐behavioural therapy (CBT) integrated with psychoeducation in a group of hypertensive patients with clinically significant psychopathological symptoms.MethodsOne hundred hypertensive patients completed the Symptom Checklist‐90‐Revised. Of them, 17 scored above the clinical range (cut‐off = 0.75) on the Global Severity Index and were included in the study. Psychological distress was assessed again after the intervention (T1) and 6 months after the end of treatment (T2). In addition, the cortisol dosage and the heart rate (HR) measurement were collected at both T0 and T2. Then, mediation analyses were carried out to calculate whether psychopathological distress might predict HR through elevated serum cortisol levels, at both T0 and T2.ResultsThe psychological intervention (CBT integrated with psychoeducation) reduced most of the psychopathological symptoms (anxiety, depression, somatisations, obsessions and compulsions, hostility, interpersonal sensitivity and paranoid ideation) but not cortisol dosage and HR measurement. However, psychological distress indirectly predicted HR via cortisol at T0 but not at T2.ConclusionThese results suggest and encourage the replicability of data in larger sample sizes and the comparison with a control group. Nevertheless, these results highlight a need for a multidimensional assessment of disorders affecting the mental and physical spheres of patients to support their overall well‐being.

Capacity to love and problematic sexuality: the role of defense mechanisms and psychopathological suffering.

Limitation to the capacity to love is often a feature of a suffering personality. We aimed to investigate the role of the capacity to love in hypersexual behavior, considering both distress and defense mechanisms as possible psychological mediators. Through an online platform, we recruited a convenience sample of 521 subjects (390 [74.9%] females and 131 [25.1%] males; mean [SD] age, 26.46 [5.89] years). Recruited subjects completed a psychometric protocol that included completion of the following measurement tools: (1) the Capacity to Love Inventory (CTL-I), (2) the Hypersexual Behavior Inventory (HBI), (3) the 30-item self-report Defense Mechanisms Rating Scale, and (4) the Brief Symptom Inventory. We then performed correlation and regression analyses and used a mediation model for data analysis. A significant negative relationship between the capacity to love and hypersexual behavior was found. Furthermore, indirect effects were also statistically significant, supporting the hypothesis that limitation to the capacity to love is related to hypersexuality through the paths of psychological distress and immature defense mechanisms. Finally, compared to the other subjects, those with pathological scores for the HBI showed significantly lower scores on the CTL-I, which suggested limitations to the capacity to love. The relationship between limitation to the capacity to love and hypersexuality is fundamental to the diagnostic process in persons with problematic sexuality and psychopathological distress. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to highlight the role of the capacity to love in sexual behavior, although future studies in specific clinical sample groups would be suitable for further investigation of the relationships among the considered variables. The etiology of limitation in the capacity to love is related to dysfunctional aspects of psychological functioning, such as psychological distress and immature defense mechanisms, and these factors together generate problematic sexuality such as hypersexual behavior. Our results highlight the central role in mental and sexual health of the capacity to love. Based on these findings, clinicians should take these aspects into consideration for diagnosis and treatment of patients presenting with problematic sexuality.

Psychological distress during pregnancy and adverse maternal and perinatal health outcomes: The role of socioeconomic status.

To study the contribution of socioeconomic status (SES) to the prevalence of psychological distress during pregnancy, and to investigate the association between psychological distress and maternal and perinatal health among different SES groups. This study was embedded in the Generation R study. Multiple self-reported questionnaires were used to measure psychological distress. Prevalence differences between SES groups were tested with the χ2 test. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between psychological distress and maternal and perinatal health outcomes. Women of low SES experience symptoms of psychopathology distress 4.5 times as often and symptoms of stress 2.5 times as often as women with of high SES. Women of low SES experiencing symptoms of psychopathology are at greater risk of delivering preterm. We also found associations between psychological distress and adverse perinatal health outcomes among women of middle and high SES. The present study shows that the associations between SES, psychological distress, and maternal and perinatal health are complex, but do exist. To provide a better understanding of these associations, it is important to include mental health information in the standard national data collection on pregnant women, as this allows population-based studies.

Differential outcomes of outpatient only versus combined inpatient/outpatient treatment in early intervention for adolescent borderline personality disorder

Clinical guidelines for adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD) recommend outpatient psychotherapy as first-line treatment. Little is known whether this recommendation is also applicable to adolescents. The current study examined the relationship between treatment setting and the outcome of early intervention for adolescents with BPD pathology. One-hundred and seventy-eight adolescents from a specialized outpatient clinic were assessed at baseline, and at 1- and 2-year follow-up. Sixty-three participants who received inpatient treatment during the first year were assigned to the “combined inpatient/outpatient group”, 115 participants to the “outpatient only group”. Generalized linear and mixed models with inverted probability weights to adjust for baseline differences were applied to examine the impact of group on clinical changes over time. Both groups demonstrated a significant decrease in BPD features, depressive symptoms, psychopathological distress, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts, and overall illness severity, and a significant increase in quality of life and psychosocial functioning from baseline to follow-up 2. The decrease in NSSI and overall illness severity, and the increase in psychosocial functioning from baseline to follow-up 1 were greater in the outpatient only group, with comparable improvements between groups from follow-up 1 to follow-up 2. Both outpatient treatment and combined outpatient/inpatient treatment resulted in clinical improvements over time, with some indication for faster changes in the outpatient only setting. The findings provide preliminary evidence that the recommendation of outpatient psychotherapy as the first-line treatment for BPD also holds true for adolescents.

No evidence for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use as explaining the relationship between sleep experiences and psychopathological distress.

No evidence for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) use as explaining the relationship between sleep experiences and psychopathological distress.

Linguistic profile automated characterisation in pluripotential clinical high-risk mental state (CHARMS) conditions: methodology of a multicentre observational study

IntroductionLanguage is usually considered the social vehicle of thought in intersubjective communications. However, the relationship between language and high-order cognition seems to evade this canonical and unidirectional description (ie, the...

PSYCHOPATHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND SUICIDE AMONG ADULTS WITH MAJOR DEPRESSIVE DISORDER: THE MODERATING ROLE OF RESILIENCE AND MEDIATING ROLE OF DELIBERATE SELF-HARM

Background and Purpose: In the past year, 6.6% of patients with major depressive disorders attempted suicide. Suicidal ideation and behavior may be protected by resilience. Despite decades of research on suicide risk factors in young people, our understanding of the phenomenon has not improved significantly. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the relationship between Psychopathological Distress and Suicide in Adults with Major Depressive Disorder. The current study also examines Moderating Role of Resilience and Mediating role of Deliberate Self-Harm among Adults with Major Depressive Disorder.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: Correlational research design was used in the present study. Data was taken from (n=300) adults with major depressive disorder through purposive sampling strategy. Attitude toward deliberate self-harm questionnaire, Columbia suicide screener, brief resilience scale, depression anxiety stress scale and beck depression inventory-II were used as an assessment measure.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: The result showed that psychopathological distress (r = .04, p &lt; .005) with suicide, and, resilience significant negative (r = -.11, p &lt; .004) relationship with suicide. However, deliberates self-harm (r = .21, p = .001) showed a significant positive relationship with suicide. Regression findings found that all models were significant. In the first step (ΔR2 = .02, F (1, 298) = .51, p = .000) psychopathological distress was a statistically significant predictor (β = .04, p = .000), In the second model (ΔR2 = -.06, F (2, 297) = 2.23, p &lt; .004) resilience (β = -.11, p = .004) was significant predictor of suicide. In the third model (ΔR2 = -.03, F (3, 296) = 4.95, p &lt; .001) deliberate self-harm (β = .23, p = .001) was significant predictor of suicide. In addition, mediation analysis revealed that deliberate self-harm was a significant (p = .05) mediator between psychopathological distress and suicide. Moderating findings showed significant interaction effect of psychopathological distress x resilience (B= -1.42, p= .00) and it revealed that resilience play a significant (p = .05) moderating role between psychopathological distress and suicide.&#x0D; &#x0D; Contributions. The study concludes that higher level of psychopathological distress and deliberate self-harm leads toward higher level of suicide which cause severe level of major depressive disorder. The present study will help to understand to enhance the resilience which reduce deliberate self-harm and suicide act among adults with major depressive disorder.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Psychopathological distress, resilience, deliberate self-harm, suicide, adults, major depressive disorder.&#x0D; &#x0D; Cite as: Qamar, T. (2023). Psychopathological distress and suicide among adults with major depressive disorder: The moderating role of resilience and mediating role of deliberate self-harm. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 8(1), 226-245. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol8iss1pp226-245

Impact of Maternal-Newborn Separation in Italian Women with Suspected COVID-19 Infection on Psychopathological Symptoms and Quality of Interactions during Breastfeeding

Introduction: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, proximity between mothers and their newborn infants was at the core of sanitary guidelines. With the aim of stopping the virus transmission from mothers to infants and possible physical dangers due to the infection, some hospitals discouraged or even prohibited skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. Method: This study recruited 180 dyads in private and public hospitals in Italy with the aim of verifying whether mother-infant separation after delivery is associated with higher maternal psychopathological distress (assessed through the SCL-90-R) and poorer quality of dyadic interactions during breastfeeding (evaluated through the SVIA). Results: Our results showed that mothers separated from their infants displayed more anxiety, depression, and obsessive-compulsive symptoms and a lower quality of feeding interactions on all the subscales of the SVIA (mother’s affective state; interactive conflict; food refusal behavior; dyad’s affective state). Conclusion: In light of these results, our study suggests that separating mothers from their newborns is associated with increased psychopathological symptoms in mothers and poorer feeding interactions. These issues have been posited as key predictors of maladaptive outcomes in infants’ later lives; therefore, health services must fully consider the short- and long-term consequences of separating mothers and infants in their policies in the event of future pandemics.

The stress response of intensive care unit medical doctors facing repeated severe emergencies.

This study assesses the psychopathological distress experienced by doctors working in an Intensive care unit (ICU) during the COVID-19 pandemic. These doctors were the same who faced the consequences of a previous natural disaster, a severe 6.3 magnitude earthquake. A second objective is to evaluate their current mental attitude, professional performances and coping strategies adopted in the pandemic in relation to the conditioning effect of that first emergency, the earthquake. Thirty-seven ICU medical doctors were recruited and assessed using Rapid Stress Assessment (RSA) rating scale, Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Hopelessness Scale, Millon Clinical Multiaxial Inventory III. Comparison between exposure to the earthquake and COVID pandemic has been made in terms of professional role and psychological burden. Comparison between 2009 earthquake catastrophe and COVID pandemic conditions evidenced relevant changes in professional role, team, environment, shifts, and work organization. The doctors, who already experienced the 2009 earthquake reported a feeling of greater insecurity facing this latter catastrophe, the COVID pandemic, as well as perception of greater concern for their family and the global situation. However, having participated in the medical management of another emergency (the 2009 earthquake) appears to have contributed to limiting demoralization and psychological distress. The feeling of having greater decision-making possibilities and participation in the organization of work, strengthen coping skills in the face of the emergency.

Fibromyalgia and nonfibromyalgia chronic pain: Differences in psychological characteristics and treatment outcomes.

The aim of this study was to explore differential psychological profiles among patients with chronic pain with and without fibromyalgia, and to determine the results of the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pain. Thirty patients with chronic pain and 60 patients with fibromyalgia were referred to 10 weekly sessions of CBT in a general hospital and were evaluated in pain-related variables, psychopathological symptoms, coping strategies, resilience, and quality of life. The program was implemented in specific groups for patients with fibromyalgia and nonfibromyalgia chronic pain. After the intervention, patients with fibromyalgia showed higher levels of psychopathology, rated their health status as poorer, and presented larger amplification of symptoms, higher levels of somatization, a more ruminating style of thinking and greater distress. Patients without fibromyalgia achieved better therapeutic results in both pain intensity (d=0.39 vs. d=0.12) and psychopathological distress (d=0.77 vs. d=0.11) compared to patients with fibromyalgia. Therefore, differential profiles and limited therapeutic results in fibromyalgia patients suggest the need to outline differentiated treatments and include other therapeutic strategies.

Nosological Characteristics in Women with Social Media Disorder: The Role of Social Functional Impairment and Agreeableness.

Social media disorder (SMD) is a frequently occurring subtype of Internet-related disorders (IRD), which has recently become a focus of research. It is noticeable that women are among those affected, whose nosological characteristics need to be examined. A clinical sample of n = 294 women (14-68 years, M = 36.88 years) was generated. The questionnaire included questions about demography, IRD, SMD, personality traits, psychopathological distress, functional impairment and comorbid mental illnesses. IRD was found in 17.5 percent and SMD in 12.5 percent of women. Compared to women with global IRD Women with SMD reported lower scores on the personality traits neuroticism and agreeableness. They are more frequently functionally impaired in the social dimension, more often reported comorbid substance-dependency and less eating disorders. The results suggest that although have similar characteristics to the comparison group, women with SMD differ in their nosological characteristics from women with global IRD.

Neuro-Inflammaging and Psychopathological Distress.

Inflammaging is a low degree of chronic and systemic tissue inflammation associated with aging, and is intimately linked to pro-inflammatory mediators. These substances are involved in the pathogenesis of chronic inflammatory diseases and related psychopathological symptoms. When inflammation and aging affect the brain, we use the term neuro-inflammaging. In this review, we focused on the neuro-inflammatory process typical of advanced ages and the related psychopathological symptoms, with particular attention to understanding the immune-pathogenetic mechanisms involved and the potential use of immunomodulatory drugs in the control of clinical psychological signs. Inflammation and CNS were demonstrated being intimately linked in the neuro-inflammatory loop. IL-1, IL-6, TNF-a, COX and PGE are only partially responsible. BBB permeability and the consequent oxidative stress resulting from tissue damage make the rest. Some authors elaborated the “theory of cytokine-induced depression”. Inflammation has a crucial role in the onset symptoms of psychopathological diseases as it is capable of altering the metabolism of biogenic monoamines involved in their pathogenesis. In recent years, NSAIDs as an adjunct therapy in the treatment of relevant psychopathological disorders associated with chronic inflammatory conditions demonstrated their efficacy. Additionally, novel molecules have been studied, such as adalimumab, infliximab, and etanercept showing antidepressant and anxiolytic promising results. However, we are only at the beginning of a new era characterized by the use of biological drugs for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, and this paper aims to stimulate future studies in such a direction.

Sex-differences in hikikomori traits as predictors of problematic internet use in Italian university students

BackgroundDespite a confirmed association between Problematic Internet use (PIU) and hikikomori-like social withdrawal, few studies investigated differences between sexes. Hence, the main objective was identifying psychopathological predictors (including hikikomori-like traits) associated with PIU (vs. non-PIU) across both sexes. MethodsA total of 1141 Italian university students were assessed with the Hikikomori Questionnaire-11 (HQ-11), Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), Internet Addiction Test (IAT) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). Student's T-test, bivariate Person's correlations, linear regression and a stepwise binary logistic regression analysis were post-hoc run. CHERRIES guidelines were followed for data reporting. ResultsPIU university students, independently of sex, had greater psychological problems (p < 0.001) and greater hikikomori traits, compared to non-PIU (respectively, p = 0.010 and p < 0.001). PIU females had a better social quality of life (p = 0.007), and higher anxiety (p = 0.013) and stress (p = 0.051) levels, compared to PIU males. Linear regression analysis showed that depressive (p = 0.001) and stress levels (p = 0.003) as well as Hikikomori traits (p < 0.001) significantly predicted IAT total score in females (p < 0.001). Sex-specific binary logistic analyses showed that hikikomori, psychological distress, alexithymia, and compromised social quality of life predicted PIU in females. In males, PIU is predicted by family annual income, psychopathological distress, alexithymia, and compromised social quality of life, but not by Hikikomori traits. ConclusionMain psychopathological predictors of PIU in Italian university students showed differences across sexes, as hikikomori-like traits are predictors of the emergence of a PIU only in the female sample. Further research studies should better investigate whether female Hikikomori-like young people may display better functioning compared to their male counterparts.

Childhood maltreatment, traumatic experiences, and posttraumatic stress disorder in pathological skin picking: An online case-control study

ObjectiveAlthough traumatic stress including childhood maltreatment (CM) has a profound impact on mental health, its relation to pathological skin picking (PSP) has been understudied and results remain inconclusive. Likewise, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as the most typical sequelae of traumatic stress has hardly been investigated in those with PSP. The objective of our online case-control study was to shed further light on this issue. MethodsUsing an anonymous online survey, 325 adult participants with PSP defined by Skin Picking Scale-Revised (SPS-R) scores ≥ 7 as well as Skin Picking Impact Scale (SPIS) scores ≥ 7 were administered the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), the Short Screening Scale for DSM-IV PTSD (PTSD-7) including a list of traumatic events, and a brief measure of psychopathological distress. They were compared to an age-, sex-, and education-matched control group recruited online by means of analyses of variance (ANOVA). ResultsThe PSP sample scored significantly higher on the CTQ dimensions of sexual and emotional abuse as well as emotional neglect with small to moderate effect sizes (d between 0.27 and 0.49). Accounting for psychological distress, the only significant difference related to emotional abuse with a small effect (d = 0.23). Participants with PSP reported significantly more traumatic experiences in adulthood than the control group (59.1% vs. 38.2%; χ2(1; N=638) = 28.02, p < .001). Among those with PSP, a probable diagnosis of PTSD was found in 44 (13.5%) compared to zero cases in the control group. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that emotional abuse in childhood may be of relevance in skin picking. Since exposure to traumatic events in adulthood as well as PTSD seem to be more frequent in those with PSP compared to a control group, it might be worthwhile to consider these factors in the assessment of patients with skin picking.

Migration and mental health: an observational study on psychopathological distress in migrants

Migration and mental health: an observational study on psychopathological distress in migrants

COVID-19 and Youth Psychopathological Distress in Umbria, Central Italy: A 2-Year Observational Study in a Real-World Setting.

IntroductionAdolescents and young adults represent a vulnerable population in the context of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The present retrospective study aims to investigate the pandemic’s psychological impact on adolescents and young adults by analyzing data from an outpatient mental health service dedicated to youths in Umbria, central Italy.Materials and MethodsThe clinical charts of subjects aged 14–24 who first accessed the service in the timeframe between March 1st, 2019, and February 28th, 2021, were reviewed. Subjects were divided into two subgroups according to the period of time when they accessed the service (pre-COVID-19 vs. during- COVID-19 outbreak). Bivariate analyses were performed using the Chi-square test and the Welch’s t-test. A secondary analysis was performed considering only subjects suffering from psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, data concerning individuals who were already followed by the service before the pandemic were analyzed by the McNemar’s test and the t-paired test to assess changes in treatment features.ResultsThe number of new accesses during the pandemic period remained stable. After the emergency onset, youths accessing the service showed a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders (p = 0.022). During the COVID-19 period, services were more frequently delivered by using a digital mental health approach (p = 0.001). Psychopharmacological treatment was more frequently prescribed among subjects that were referred to the service after the pandemic onset (p = 0.033). As for substance use, a highly significant reduction in opioid use was observed (p = 0.003). Family therapy was delivered less frequently in the during-COVID-19 subgroup, especially in the subpopulation of subjects suffering from psychiatric disorders (p = 0.013). When considering subjects referred to the service in the pre-COVID-19 period, the number of interventions provided to this population increased after the pandemic outbreak (p = 0.038).ConclusionIn the context of the COVID-19-related public health crisis, youths represent an at-risk population for which pathways to care should be reinforced, and targeted interventions, including psychosocial treatments, should be implemented.