A structured program for perinatal depression and anxiety to be adopted in the emergencies.

Quarantine, loss of routine and social support can negatively impact mothers who have just given birth and their babies, generating concerns and reactions of intense fear. Following the COVID-19 emergency, we described a structured program for screening and treatment of perinatal depression and anxiety as a medium for constant monitoring of perinatal risk factors and early screening, which can also be implemented in emergencies with remote intervention methods, to offer women an appropriate, timely and effective treatment. In this scenario, it is desirable that the monitoring of the psychological well-being of women in postpartum is maintained over time, with the participation of all the professional figures with whom the woman comes into contact, to intercept any forms of psychological distress related to the epidemic and that could occur even after some time.

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

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

A screening and treatment programme to deal with perinatal anxiety and depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During a pandemic, pregnancy and the postnatal period are complicated by multiple factors. On the one hand, worries about one's own health and the health of loved ones, in particular of the newborn child, can increase the risk of some mental disorders, such as depression and anxiety in the pregnant woman. On the other hand, as happened for the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy, given the need for physical distancing, the maintenance of the social and family network, so important for new parents in the perinatal period, is lacking. In addition, health services are forced to reorganize their offerings to ensure maximum safety for their operators and patients. This work proposes a model of screening and treatment aimed at identifying women at risk and providing them with effective and safe treatment.

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

INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated students' preferences about technology tools and digital education activities to be used in classroom to facilitate the implementation of a mental health promotion program. METHOD: Students' preferences have been elicited during one session focus group lasting 60 minutes. Overall, 26 focus groups, facilitated by 33 teachers, were organized in 9 schools of five European countries. Overall, 283 students who attended the first, second and third year of middle school (aged 10-15 years) volunteered to participate in the focus groups. RESULTS: The majority of preferences indicated smartphone to communicate or to get information and tablet for a better use in classroom. Collaborative games have been considered as more useful and beneficial compared to the other digital educational activities proposed. CONCLUSIONS: Teachers require further insight into the pedagogical role of ICT and training. There is a need to encourage them to provide opportunities to allow students to use technology to solve problems or develop abilities for a better socio-emotional functioning and, ultimately, mental health.

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

In Italy, the Mental Health Unit of the National Institute of Public Health has developed a school-based mental health programme based on a structured handbook. The aim of this programme is to promote self-efficacy, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of this programme. We used data from 308 students who participated in a study in 9 Italian high schools during the 2011-2012 school year. In order to analyse the school intervention programme, we set up a pre-post test design study involving 18 classrooms (8 of which acting as a control). The schools were selected via a snowball technique, and then the classrooms that agreed to participate were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The programme was performed during regular school hours in one-hour a week sessions for a total of 20 hours of classroom time. Assessments before and 2 months after the programme were performed using Regulatory Emotional Self-Efficacy, Satisfaction With Life, and Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scales. The results showed an improvement in self-efficacy in regulating negative affect, overall psychological well-being, and satisfaction with life. These results demonstrate that the programme produced significant positive effects on the mental health status of participating students.

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

OBJECTIVES: We describe a school program based on a student manual for promoting mental health and preventing mental illness. METHODS: A preliminary version of the manual was assessed for face validity by two focus groups. The final version was evaluated for acceptability among 253 students in 10 high schools and 1 middle school in Italy. RESULTS: The manual included 18 chapters (or "units") which address skills for enabling students to cope with their daily lives: communication skills, problem-solving, assertive skills, negotiation, stress management, anger management and conflict resolution. The manual was found to have been acceptable by high school students. CONCLUSIONS: The effectiveness of the manual in actually promoting mental health and preventing mental illness is currently being evaluated.