psychiatry

Decision making in mild cognitive impairment: medicolegal implications

INTRODUCTION: Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a clinical entity identified in 1980s, considered as an intermedi- ate stage between normal ageing and dementia, which is characterized by a cognitive decline more severe than expected in normal ageing. Although the scientific community has shown interest in MCI, the forensic implications of MCI have been poorly investigated. Forensic implications are huge, affecting all aspects of the so-called ability to act.

'Delusional' consent in somatic treatment. The emblematic case of electroconvulsive therapy

Even more than for other treatments, great importance must be given to informed consent in the case of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). In a percentage of cases, the symbolic connotation of the treatment, even if mostly and intrinsically negative, may actually be a determining factor in the patient's motives for giving consent.

Medico-legal and bioethical perspectives following the constitutional legitimacy of assisted suicide in Italy

Assisted suicide is the subject of much debate throughout the world. In Italy, on 24 September 2019, the Italian Constitutional Court legitimised assisted suicide under certain conditions: self-determination capacity, irreversible illness and intense physical/psychological suffering of the patient. This historic judgement surely paved the way for an evolution of the Italian legal framework on the matter but also raised some challenging medico-legal and bioethical questions.

From cerebellar alterations to mood disorders: A systematic review

Background: Several studies have shown cerebellar abnormalities during depressive and manic states, although the specific cerebellar role in mood fluctuations remains poorly defined. Therefore, the study of pathologies characterized by frequent mood swings, such as bipolar disorder, is of great interest to investigate the relationship between the cerebellum and mood alterations.

Special Report on the Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Clinical EEG and Research and Consensus Recommendations for the Safe Use of EEG

Introduction: The global COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy, daily life, and mental/physical health. The latter includes the use of electroencephalography (EEG) in clinical practice and research. We report a survey of the impact of COVID-19 on the use of clinical EEG in practice and research in several countries, and the recommendations of an international panel of experts for the safe application of EEG during and after this pandemic.

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