Developmental psychopathology

The main research topics developed in recent years, with results published and shared at conferences and in various international journals, include:

• definition of relational factors, including according to the triadic family interaction model, in Neurodevelopmental Disorders through the use of standardized methodology (Lausanne Trilogue Play);
• international research project about the assessment of coparenting through standardized methodology (Lausanne Trilogue Play) in families with a patient with Neurodevelopmental Disorders;
• risk factors involved in the etiopathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorders and study on associated gastrointestinal disorders (eosinophilic colitis);
• clinical characterization and response to therapeutic interventions in Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD);
• definition of clinical and neuropsychological features of patients with Specific Learning Disorders or Special Educational Needs.
• study of psychopathological and neuropsychological factors involved in idiopathic developmental headache;
• definition of relational factors, including according to the triadic family interaction model, in Eating Behavior Disorders through the use of standardized methodology (Lausanne Trilogue Play);
• study of good clinical practices in the treatment of Restrictive Eating Disorders in adolescence in collaboration with selected Italian experts;
• characterization of risk status for the development of psychosis (UHR, Ultra-High Risk) by integrating clinical, neuropsychological, and structural and functional neuroimaging data;
• characterization of adolescent patients with suicidal ideation and behavior;

Major research collaborations include with the University of Monza-Bicocca; the Bambino Gesù Institute in Rome; the University of South Florida; and Yale University as part of an international multicenter study. The Unit has been part of the Lombardy network dedicated to Attention Deficit with Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) since its establishment. Also of note is the implementation of a collaboration with Radboud University in Nijmegen (NL) and the University of South Florida. Within the Mondino Foundation, there is active and ongoing collaboration with other Research Centers for the development of common lines; this also allows access to diagnostic and research instrumentation (e.g., MRI, electroencephalography…). Finally, specialist physicians in training from the School of Specialization in Child Neuropsychiatry of the University of Pavia actively collaborate in research activities; clinical and research collaborations are also active with various schools of specialization in psychotherapy.

Finally, the Unit collaborates on multicenter trials, often international; in particular, studies related to Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Drug-Resistant Mood Disorders in Adolescence, Psychotic Disorders in Adolescence, and Idiopathic Headache in Developmental Age are active.