JCM Webinar | Stress, Rhythms Dysregulation and Bipolar Spectrum: Virtual Reality-Based Interventions To Improve Related Conditions
JCM Webinar | Stress, Rhythms Dysregulation and Bipolar Spectrum: Virtual Reality-Based Interventions To Improve Related Conditions
Part of the Webinars on Clinical Medicine series
Stress, Bipolar Spectrum, Rhythms Dysregulation, Mood Disorders, Non-pharmacological Treatment, Virtual Reality, New Technologies
Welcome from the Chairs
We are pleased to announce a webinar focused on new perspectives regarding stress, rhythm dysregulation, and the bipolar spectrum, with a focus on novel treatments such as those based on the use of virtual reality software to improve cognitive functions and other related psychosocial conditions.
Recent findings highlight that disruptions in social and biological rhythms can play a significant role in the development of mood disorders, particularly under high-stress conditions. Additionally, modern socio-economic and cultural factors may not only increase the prevalence of bipolar disorder but, in some cases, result in paradoxical adaptive traits. The concept of the "Bipolar Spectrum," which originates from the neo-Kraepelinian perspective, extends beyond traditional definitions of bipolar disorder to include a broader range of mental health conditions—such as depression, mood swings, impulse control disorders, anxiety, personality disorders, substance abuse, and cognitive impairments. This dimensional framework allows to study symptoms along a spectrum, from early functioning traits like hyperactivity, heightened energy, and novelty-seeking, to more accurately identifying prodromal symptoms and the onset of the disorder.
This approach suggests a holistic model that considers biological, psychological, and social factors as integral parts of the therapeutic options. In addition to pharmacological interventions, there is growing interest in non-pharmacological strategies, also supported using new technologies, such as virtual reality software.
We are very much looking forward to seeing you at the JCM Webinar | Stress, Rhythm Dysregulation, and the Bipolar Spectrum: Virtual Reality-Based Interventions to Improve Related Conditions.
Date: 20 November 2024
Time: 3:00 p.m.–5.00 p.m. CET
Webinar ID: 882 6284 8368
Webinar Secretariat: journal.webinar@mdpi.com
Event Chairs
Giulia Cossu is an Italian academic and researcher at the University of Cagliari, Sardinia, deeply involved in various interdisciplinary projects aimed at advancing the understanding of translational research and medicine applied to rehabilitation. As an investigator, she has spearheaded and contributed to research initiatives focusing on the prevention of long COVID, interventions in active aging, social inclusion, and the integration of new technologies in biomedical rehabilitation contexts. Her expertise lies in mental health, psychopathology, quality of services, and organizational well-being, areas where she has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles. Giulia actively participates in national and international conferences and continues to collaborate on numerous projects related to her areas of interest. With a solid background as a researcher and a PhD in Biomedical Nutritional and Metabolic Sciences, Giulia Cossu, further specialized in cognitive psychotherapy, currently works as a researcher at the Department of Medical Science and Public Health at the University of Cagliari. She continues to make contributions to the fields of mental health, driven by her passion for improving the lives of individuals across the lifespan.
Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
In 2023, Alessandra Perra completed her Ph.D. studies in Science and Technology for Innovation at the University of Cagliari. Currently, she holds a position as a researcher at the same university within the Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health. Prior to her doctoral studies, she graduated in Psychiatric Rehabilitation Technology in 2016, followed by a master's degree in Health Professions of Rehabilitation Sciences from the same institution in 2018. Throughout her academic journey, she has actively contributed to various research projects. Furthermore, Alessandra participated in the Erasmus Program in Buenos Aires in 2015 and Brussels in 2017, broadening her international academic experience. Her research covers different fields, such as the investigation of social determinants influencing mental health in migrant populations, the monitoring of health status and organizational well-being among healthcare professionals, and the exploration of human attitudes and behaviors in antibiotic prescription, with a specific focus on antibiotic resistance. Additionally, her work extends to evaluating the online quality of information pertaining to psychiatric disorders and exploring the application of immersive virtual reality technologies in psychiatric rehabilitation, particularly cognitive rehabilitation.
Keynote Speakers
The Dysregulation of Biological and Social Rhythms in Mood Disorders
Diego Primavera is a psychiatrist and researcher with extensive experience in translational medicine within the psychiatric field. His work focuses on identifying genetic markers and biomarkers for diagnosing mood disorders, schizophrenia, and cognitive impairment. He is also engaged in applying innovative technologies, such as immersive virtual reality, for therapeutic mental health interventions. Primavera is the author of numerous peer-reviewed articles and has conducted randomized controlled trials on the use of virtual reality for cognitive and emotional rehabilitation in bipolar disorder, with publications in high-impact journals. He collaborates internationally, making significant contributions to advancements in psychiatric treatments and the promotion of human rights in mental health.
Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy,
The National Alliance for Neuromuscular Diseases and Neuroscience GANGLION Skopje, North Macedonia
Genetic Variant in Bipolar Disorder Linked With Traits of Hyperactivity and a Tendency for Novelty-Seeking
Dr. Goce Kalcev is a medical doctor and is currently working as a researcher at the University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy. He completed his medical studies in Stip, North Macedonia, spending several months of scientific–clinical residency at the Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics in Berlin, Germany, and at the Department of Internal Medicine in Würzburg, Germany. He served as one of the primary proofreaders of rare disease literature in Macedonia at the "Life with Challenges" Association from 2018 to 2019. In 2023, he completed his Ph.D. studies in Science and Technology for Innovation at the University of Cagliari. Dr. Goce Kalcev highlights his international scientific contributions through active participation in the European COST Projectç Research Innovation and Sustainable Pan-European Network in Peripartum Depression Disorder (Riseup-PPD), where he is the author and co-author of many scientific publications. He is also currently active in developing the National Alliance for Neuromuscular Diseases and Neuroscience GANGLION in Skopje, Republic of North Macedonia. His role is aimed at managing the scientific part of the Alliance and developing international cooperation. He has worked as a participant in a number of congresses and training courses in Malta, Portugal, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy. He is the author of approximately 50 scientific papers.
Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy,
Department of Nursing, Universidad Popular del Cesar, Colombia
Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Distress in Italian Nursing Students: Prevalence, Predictors, and Protective Factors
Cesar Ivan Aviles Gonzalez is a contract professor in the Nursing Degree Course at the University of Cagliari, Italy, and a nurse at the University Hospital of Cagliari, Italy. He has obtained advanced degrees, including an MS in Mental Health, a BN in Nursing Research, and a Ph.D. in Nursing and Health.
Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy
Health Promotion and Virtual Reality: New Perspectives in the Field of Prevention and Rehabilitation
Dr. Federica Sancassiani, Ph.D. in Biomedical, Nutritional, and Metabolic Sciences, is a Health Psychologist and Psychotherapist. She is an Associate Professor in Health Professions Sciences in Diagnostic, Care, and Prevention Techniques at the Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University of Cagliari, Italy. Dr. Sancassiani's research interests encompass prevention, health promotion, and psychosocial rehabilitation, facilitated by physical activity and the utilization of new technologies, psychosomatics, organizational health, quality of services, and the promotion of human rights in mental health. She is actively involved in didactic endeavors and has authored numerous peer-reviewed articles in the aforementioned areas. Since 2010, she has played integral roles in coordinating research projects for various national and international research groups and has been a featured speaker at numerous congresses, seminars, and webinars.
Webinar Recording
Program
|
Speaker/Presentation |
Time in CET |
|
Giulia Cossu and Alessandra Perra Chair Introduction |
3:00 pm - 3:10 pm |
|
Diego Primavera The Dysregulation of Biological and Social Rhythms in Mood Disorders |
3:10 pm – 3:30 pm |
|
Goce Kalcev Genetic Variant in Bipolar Disorder Linked With Traits of Hyperactivity and a Tendency for Novelty-Seeking |
3:30 pm – 3:50 pm |
|
Cesar Avilez Gonzales Anxiety, Depression, and Psychological Distress in Italian Nursing Students: Prevalence, Predictors, and Protective Factors |
3:50 pm – 4:10 pm |
|
Federica Sancassiani Health Promotion and Virtual Reality: New Perspectives in the Field of Prevention and Rehabilitation |
4:10 pm – 4:30 pm |
|
Q&A |
4:30 pm – 4:45 pm |
|
Giulia Cossu and Alessandra Perra Closing of Webinar |
4:50 pm – 5:00 pm |
Relevant Special Issue
"Stress, Rhythms Dysregulation and Bipolar Spectrum"
Edited by Mauro Giovanni Carta and Giulia Cossu
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 January 2025
Sponsors and Partners
Organizers
