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Brain Sciences
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Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and...
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Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology

A special issue of Brain Sciences (ISSN 2076-3425). This special issue belongs to the section "Developmental Neuroscience".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2024) | Viewed by 32170

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Annarita Milone

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Calambrone, PI, Italy
Interests: disruptive behavior disorders; adolescence; empathy; callous-unemotional traits; emotional dysregulation; aggression; prevention; cognitive interventions; psycho-pharmacological treatment
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Gianluca Sesso

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Social and Affective Neuroscience Group, Molecular Mind Lab, IMT School for Advanced Studies, 55100 Lucca, LU, Italy
Interests: neurobiological correlates of psychiatric disorders; disruptive behavior disorders; childhood; empathy; callous–unemotional traits; emotional dysregulation; executive functions; psycho-pharmacological treatment

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Emotion regulation may be defined as the ability to regulate behavioral and physiological reactivity to sensory stimuli and environmental situations. It entails any kind of strategy aiming to monitor, assess, and modulate emotions in the context of different conditions. On the other hand, the failure to regulate one’s own emotions, that is, emotional dysregulation (ED), has become a diagnostic challenge in the last several decades with a great heterogeneity of clinical presentations and different proposed definitions of the construct, and has been recently considered a core dimension of psychopathology in youths in a transnosographic conceptualization. In childhood and adolescence, it affects at least 1–6% of the general population, and significantly and negatively impacts school functioning and professional outcome, social adjustment and acceptability by peers, and current and later quality of life. For these reasons, ED represents a highly relevant construct in psychiatry research and clinical practice in terms of developmental outcomes and prognostic implications. In light of this, clinicians should always detect the presence of ED when dealing with challenging children and adolescents by means of several validated clinical measures. Along with these, neurofunctional findings based on brain imaging techniques and peripheral indexes of functioning of the autonomic nervous system have recently emerged as reliable transdiagnostic biomarkers of ED in psychopathology.

The principal aim of this Special Issue is to address five major points of ED in youths:

  • Etiology, early precursors and developmental trajectories;
  • Clinical presentations of ED and related constructs (affective lability, irritability, etc.);
  • Neurobiological and psychophysiological correlates of emotion processing and regulation;
  • Clinical assessment and management including neuropsychological evaluation;
  • Psychosocial interventions, psychotherapy and pharmacological treatment options.

Special attention will be given to original research, especially for randomized clinical trials and empirical studies, but systematic reviews and meta-analyses will also be welcomed.

Dr. Annarita Milone
Dr. Gianluca Sesso
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Brain Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • emotional dysregulation
  • affective lability
  • irritability
  • transdiagnostic dimension
  • children
  • adolescents
  • youth

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Editorial

Jump to: Research, Review, Other

4 pages, 177 KiB  
Editorial
Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology
by Annarita Milone and Gianluca Sesso
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(8), 782; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14080782 - 31 Jul 2024
Viewed by 1524
Abstract
Emotion regulation may be defined as the ability to regulate behavioral and physiological reactivity to sensory stimuli and environmental situations [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review, Other

14 pages, 269 KiB  
Article
Factors Associated with High Parent- and Youth-Rated Irritability Score in Early-Onset Mood Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study with the Affective Reactivity Index (ARI)
by Giulia Serra, Massimo Apicella, Elisa Andracchio, Giorgia Della Santa, Caterina Lanza, Monia Trasolini, Maria Elena Iannoni, Gino Maglio and Stefano Vicari
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(6), 611; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14060611 - 19 Jun 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1092
Abstract
Correct classification of irritability is extremely important to assess prognosis and treatment indications of juvenile mood disorders. We assessed factors associated with low versus high parent- and self-rated irritability using the affective reactivity index (ARI) in a sample of 289 adolescents diagnosed with [...] Read more.
Correct classification of irritability is extremely important to assess prognosis and treatment indications of juvenile mood disorders. We assessed factors associated with low versus high parent- and self-rated irritability using the affective reactivity index (ARI) in a sample of 289 adolescents diagnosed with a bipolar or a major depressive disorder. Bivariate analyses were followed by multilinear logistic regression model. Factors significantly and independently associated with high versus low parent-rated ARI score were: more severe emotional dysregulation and bipolar disorders diagnosis. Factors significantly and independently associated with high versus low self-rated ARI score were: lower children depression rating scale (CDRS-R) difficulty of having fun item score, greater children depression inventory (CDI-2) self-report score, more severe emotional dysregulation, and greater CDRS-R appetite disturbance item score. High parent-rated irritability was strictly related with a bipolar disorder diagnosis, whereas high youth-rated irritability was related to depressive phenotype characterized by appetite/food-intake dysregulation, mood lability, and less anhedonia and apathy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology)
23 pages, 353 KiB  
Article
History of Childhood/Adolescence Referral to Speciality Care or Treatment in Adult Patients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Mutual Relations with Clinical Presentation, Psychiatric Comorbidity and Emotional Dysregulation
by Giulio Emilio Brancati, Ugo De Rosa, Francesco De Dominicis, Alessandra Petrucci, Alessandro Nannini, Pierpaolo Medda, Elisa Schiavi and Giulio Perugi
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(9), 1251; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13091251 - 27 Aug 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1761
Abstract
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that only rarely remits in adulthood. While several studies underlined differences between child and adult ADHD, the relationship between adult clinical presentation and early referral/treatment has been rarely investigated. In our study, 100 adults with ADHD [...] Read more.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that only rarely remits in adulthood. While several studies underlined differences between child and adult ADHD, the relationship between adult clinical presentation and early referral/treatment has been rarely investigated. In our study, 100 adults with ADHD were recruited and subdivided according to a history of referral to speciality care or treatment with methylphenidate (MPH) during childhood/adolescence. The early referral was associated with a history of disruptive behaviors during childhood/adolescence. Current ADHD symptoms were more pronounced in patients first referred during childhood/adolescence but never treated with MPH. Early MPH treatment was associated with lower rates of mood disorders and lower severity of emotional dysregulation at the time of assessment. Negative emotionality mediated the relationship between MPH treatment and mood disorders comorbidity. ADHD patients first referred during childhood/adolescence are characterized by more externalizing features than those first referred in adulthood. MPH treatment during the developmental age may have a role in preventing mood disorders in patients with ADHD, possibly by reducing emotional dysregulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology)
19 pages, 700 KiB  
Article
Daring and Distress: Insights on Adolescent Risk Taking and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation from a Network Analysis Perspective
by Luca Cerniglia, Silvia Cimino, Renata Tambelli and Marco Lauriola
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(9), 1248; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13091248 - 26 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2513
Abstract
We explored the interrelationships between risk-taking and self-harm in typically developing adolescents by examining various contributing factors, such as personality traits, difficulties in emotion regulation, attachment styles, and maladaptive psychological functioning. A sample of 234 Italian adolescents completed the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory [...] Read more.
We explored the interrelationships between risk-taking and self-harm in typically developing adolescents by examining various contributing factors, such as personality traits, difficulties in emotion regulation, attachment styles, and maladaptive psychological functioning. A sample of 234 Italian adolescents completed the Risk-Taking and Self-Harm Inventory for Adolescents (RTSHIA), the Risk-Taking Questionnaire (RT-18), the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Strategies (DERS), the State Adult Attachment Measure (SAAM), and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). Network analysis was used to visualize and describe the interdependencies among the variables. Risk-taking behaviors were strongly linked to rule-breaking, aggression, and risk propensity, while self-harm behaviors were connected to limited access to emotion regulation strategies and thought problems. Centrality indices indicated that variables such as anxiety/depression, limited access to emotion regulation strategies, and rule-breaking had a high influence within the network. This study provided a comprehensive understanding of the nomological network of risk-taking and self-harm behaviors among adolescents. It highlighted the relative importance of factors such as emotion regulation difficulties and maladaptive psychological functioning in influencing these behaviors. The findings could inform psychological interventions and prevention strategies targeting adolescents at risk for engaging in risk-taking or self-harm behaviors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology)
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12 pages, 631 KiB  
Article
Persistent Non-Suicidal Self-Injury and Suicidality in Referred Adolescents: A Longitudinal Study Exploring the Role of Cyclothymic Temperament
by Gabriele Masi, Simone Pisano, Gianluca Sesso, Cristina Mazzullo, Stefano Berloffa, Pamela Fantozzi, Antonio Narzisi, Francesca Placini, Elena Valente, Valentina Viglione and Annarita Milone
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(5), 755; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13050755 - 3 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2053
Abstract
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is deliberate harm to the body surface without suicidal intent, though it may be a predictor of suicide attempts. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that persisting and recovering NSSI may have a different longitudinal risk for suicidal ideation [...] Read more.
Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is deliberate harm to the body surface without suicidal intent, though it may be a predictor of suicide attempts. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that persisting and recovering NSSI may have a different longitudinal risk for suicidal ideation and behavior and that the intensity of Cyclothymic Hypersensitive Temperament (CHT) may increase this risk. Fifty-five patients (mean age 14.64 ± 1.77 years) referred for mood disorders according to the DSM-5 were consecutively recruited and followed-up for a mean of 19.79 ± 11.67 months and grouped according to the presence/absence of NSSI at baseline and follow-up into three groups: without NSSI (non-NSSI; n = 22), with NSSI recovered at follow-up (past-NSSI; n = 19), and with persistent NSSI at follow-up (pers-NSSI; n = 14). At follow-up, both NSSI groups were more severely impaired and failed to improve internalizing problems and dysregulation symptoms. Both NSSI groups reported higher scores in suicidal ideation compared to non-NSSI, but only pers-NSSI presented higher scores in suicidal behavior. CHT was higher in pers-NSSI, followed by past-NSSI and then by non-NSSI. Our data support a continuity between NSSI and suicidality, and they suggest the prognostic validity of persistent NSSI, associated with highest CHT scores. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology)
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Review

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18 pages, 312 KiB  
Review
A Narrative Review of the Efficacy of Interventions for Emotional Dysregulation, and Underlying Bio–Psycho–Social Factors
by Thomas Easdale-Cheele, Valeria Parlatini, Samuele Cortese and Alessio Bellato
Brain Sci. 2024, 14(5), 453; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci14050453 - 30 Apr 2024
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 17527
Abstract
In this narrative, comprehensive, and updated review of the literature, we summarize evidence about the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing emotion dysregulation and improving emotion regulation in children, adolescents, and adults. After introducing emotion dysregulation and emotion regulation from a theoretical standpoint, [...] Read more.
In this narrative, comprehensive, and updated review of the literature, we summarize evidence about the effectiveness of interventions aimed at reducing emotion dysregulation and improving emotion regulation in children, adolescents, and adults. After introducing emotion dysregulation and emotion regulation from a theoretical standpoint, we discuss the factors commonly associated with emotion regulation, including neurobiological and neuropsychological mechanisms, and the role of childhood adverse experiences and psycho–social factors in the onset of emotion dysregulation. We then present evidence about pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions aiming at improving emotion dysregulation and promoting emotion regulation across the lifespan. Although our review was not intended as a traditional systematic review, and the search was only restricted to systematic reviews and meta-analyses, we highlighted important implications and provided recommendations for clinical practice and future research in this field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology)

Other

9 pages, 570 KiB  
Systematic Review
Emotional Dysregulation and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms: Which Interaction in Adolescents and Young Adults? A Systematic Review
by Lorenzo Conti, Sara Fantasia, Miriam Violi, Valerio Dell’Oste, Virginia Pedrinelli and Claudia Carmassi
Brain Sci. 2023, 13(12), 1730; https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci13121730 - 18 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4591
Abstract
Emotional dysregulation (ED) has recently been conceptualized as a transnosographic entity in major mental disorders, and increasing evidence has suggested association between ED and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), though the nature of this association is unclear. The aim of the present review was [...] Read more.
Emotional dysregulation (ED) has recently been conceptualized as a transnosographic entity in major mental disorders, and increasing evidence has suggested association between ED and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), though the nature of this association is unclear. The aim of the present review was to examine the possible interplay between ED and trauma exposure in the literature, as well as a possible role for the comorbidity of PTSD or PTSS in adolescents and young adults. In particular, we explored whether ED may represent a risk factor for PTSD or, conversely, a consequence of traumatic exposure. This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines in three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Embase). The 34 studies included showed a wide heterogeneity in terms of the populations selected and outcomes examined. Most studies used the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS) and examined the relationship between ED, trauma, and psychopathological manifestations after the occurrence of trauma, with a focus on child abuse. Although current data in the literature are heterogeneous and inconclusive, this research highlights the role of ED as a mechanism that may mediate vulnerability to PTSD, but also as a predictor of severity and maintenance of typical, atypical, or associated PTSD symptoms, suggesting prevention programs for PTSD and other mental disorders should support the development of emotion regulation strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Clinical and Biological Correlates of Emotional Dysregulation in Children and Adolescents: A Transdiagnostic Approach to Developmental Psychopathology)
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