. POSITION
At 3 April 2008 confirmed in role of Research Professor in
Psychiatry at DIBINEM, headquarters Institute of Psychiatry
"P.Ottonello", University of Bologna, SSD MED/25 Psychiatry.
PhD in Sociology and Social Policies at the Faculty of Political Sciences, University of Bologna in 2003.
2.RESEARCH AREA
DEMENTIA
Various studies in collaboration with Vita-Salute San Raffaele
University and Department of Neurotec, Karolinska Institutet,
Stockholm, Sweden. The aim of this studies are to identify the risk
factor for dementia to improve psychiatric diagnosis to connect
with dementia. Barbara Ferrari have engaged to these studies and
they confirmed the important role of depression and cognitive
impairment on dementia in elderly.
ICTUS AND COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT
This study aims to detect the impact of stroke on the occurence
of dementia and cognitive impairment/no dementia (CIND) in
different age, sex, and education groups. Stroke is a strong risk
factor for dementia among younger -old and higher-educated
subject.
celebral reserve hypothesis In community
study having no education is associated with dementia
independent of gender, occupation, life habits, and hypertension.
This association was stronger among younger old persons, and
decreased with increasing age. The findings suggest that the first
decade of life is a critical period for developing dementia later
in life. The decrease in dementia risk may be due to schooling.
According to the celebral reserve hypothesis, or to other factors
associated with a higher educational level during chilhood.
DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN ELDERLY POPULATION
The combined effect of very early dementia and symptoms of
depression on functional disability was assessed
with a logistic-regression model in which functional disability
was the dependent variable. The same model was repeated with each
item on the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale as the
dependent variable. Elderly people who suffer from
very early dementia and who also have symptoms of depression are at
very high risk for functional disability and have a great need for
accurate diagnostic assessment. If confirmed, the results are
relevant for prevention because people who suffer from very
early dementia and have symptoms of depression may be a
suitable
target group for intervention before the development of severe
disability.
DEPRESSION AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE.
According to the self-medication hypothesis, individuals with
depression and anxiety disorders use alcohol to control their
symptoms and subsequently become dependent. Conversely alcohol
dependence (ADD) can cause or exacerbate psychiatric disorders.
Depression and social phobia secondary to ADD are independent
conditions that do not completely remit after cessation of
drinking. Specific treatments are needed to reduce residual
depressive and anxiety symptoms in abstinent alcoholics.
PERSONALITY AND GENETICS
In the last few years the correlation between
personality and genetics has been largely investigated. Harm
Avoidance seems to be strongly associated with the serotonin
transporter gene. Studies on Reward Dependence, Persistence,
Self-Directedness, Cooperativeness and Self-Transcendence
dimensions are still conflicting. Though further studies are
necessary to replicate and validate those results, genetic factors
play an important role for specific susceptibilities of human
personality.
PERSONALITY DISORDERS IN ADDICTION
OUTPATIENTS:
To evaluate the prevalence of personality disorders (PDs) in the
outpatients attending an addiction service, with particular
attention to the effects of PDs on social and occupational
functioning and on the intensity of treatment required. II
comorbidity occurs in 62% of addiction outpatients and has
substantial effects on social and occupational functioning as well
as on treatment programs.
3. PUBLICATIONS
1) De Ronchi D, Bellini F, Berardi D, Serretti A, Ferrari B,
Dalmonte E. Cognitive status, depressive symptoms, and health
status as predictors of functional disability among elderly
persons with low-to-moderate education: The Faenza Community Aging
Study. AMERICAN JOURNAL OF GERIATRIC PSYCHIATRY 2005;
vol. 13, pp. 672 – 685.
2) De Ronchi D, Palmer K, Pioggiosi PP, Atti A.R, Berardi D,
Ferrari B, Dalmonte E, Fratiglioni L. The combined effect of
age, education, and stroke on dementia and cognitive impairment no
dementia in the elderly Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive
Disorder 2007; 24 (4):266-273.
3)Olgiati P, Liappas I, Malitas P, Piperi C, Politis A,
Tzavellas EO, Zisaki A, Ferrari B, De Ronchi D, Kalofoutis A,
Serretti A ,Depression and social phobia secondary to alcohol
dependence Neuropsycobiology 2007, 56 (2-3):111-118.
4)Pioggiosi PP, Berardi D, Ferrari B, Quartesan R, De Ronchi D.
Occurrence of cognitive impairment after age 90: MCI and other
broadly used concepts Brain Research Bulletin. 2006; 68
(4):227–232.
5)De Ronchi D, Bellini F, Berardi D, Serretti A, Ferrari B,
Dalmonte E. Cognitive status, depressive symptoms, and
health status as predictors of functional disability among elderly
persons with low-to-moderate education: The “Faenza Community Aging
Study”. American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2005;.13
(8): 672–685.
6)Serretti A., Calati R, Ferrari B, De Ronchi D,
Personality and genetics Current Psychiatry Reviews
2007, 3(1): 147-159.
7) Forlani C., Atti A.R, Ferrari B., Dalmonte E., De Ronchi
D. Somatic complaints, Depression and Functional Impairment.
Data from the “Faenza Community Aging Study” Journal of
Psychosomatic Research 2007; 63(3), 316-317.
8) Forlani C.,. Atti A.R, Ferrari B., Dalmonte E., De Ronchi
D. Ederly complaining Somatic Symptoms Associations with
Anxiety and Depression. Data from the “Faenza Community Aging
Study” Journal of Psychosomatic Research 2007, 63 (3)2007,
316
9) Olgiati P, Liappas I, Malitas P, Piperi C, Politis A,
Tzavellas EO, Zisaki A, Ferrari B, De Ronchi D, Kalofoutis A,
Serretti A.
Depression and social phobia secondary to alcohol dependence
Neuropsychobiology. 2007;56(2-3):111-8. Epub 2008.
10)Bernabei. V., Morini V., Moretti F., Marchiori A. ,
Ferrari B., Dalmonte E., De Ronchi D., A.R. Atti
Vision and Hearing impairment are associated with
Depressive-Anxiety syndrome in Italian elderly 2010 (in
print on Aging &Mental Health).
11) Moretti F., De Ronchi D., Palmer K., Forlani C., Morini
V., Ferrari B., Dalmonte E., Atti A.R., Prevalence and
characteristics of mild cognitive impairment in general population.
Data from Italian population-based study:The Faenza Project,
Aging Mental Health, 2012 October, 17 (3):267-75.
12. Casadio P., Olivoni D., Ferrari B., Pintori C.,
Speranza E., Bosi M., Belli V., Baruzzi L., Pantieri P., Ragzzini
G., Rivola F., A.R. Atti, Personality Disorders in Addiction
Outpatients: Prevalence and Effects on Psychosocial Functioning,
Substance Abuse: Research and Treatmnet 2014:8, 8-24.
13. Atti AR., Morri M, Gibiino S, Forlani M, Scudellari P, Dal Monte E, Ferrari B, De Ronchi D, Late-Life Mental Health Disorders. Data from a Population-Based Study, J Alzheimers Dis Parkinsonism 2015, volume 5, Issue3.
4. ABSTRACTS
·
“SOCIAL NETWORK AND COGNITIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE ELDERLY”
B. Ferrari, A.R. Atti, S. Caprini, M. Morri., P.Casadio, E.
Dal Monte, De Ronchi D.
4th Bologna International Meeting, AFFECTIVE, BEHAVIOURAL AND
COGNITIVE DISORDERS IN THE ELDERLY, ABCDE, 15-17 giugno 2006
Bologna, Royal Carlton Hotel.
·
“COGNITIVE STATUS, DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS, AND HEALTH STATUS AS
PREDICTORS OF FUNCTIONAL DISABILITY AMONG ELDERLY PERSONS WITH
LOW-TO-MODERATE EDUCATION” D. De Ronchi, E. Dalmonte, A.
Serretti, B. Ferrari, A..R. Atti, C. Forlani, D. Berardi
Fourth Annual Meeting on Brain Aging and Dementia,
“From successful aging to severe dementia” 5-7 ottobre 2006 –
Perugia, Palazzo Murena.
·
“IPERTENSIONE, DIABETE E COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT NO DEMENTIA (CIND)
NEL FAENZA PROJECT”
A. R. Atti, C. Forlani, B. Ferrari, D. Berardi, M. Menchetti,
E. Dalmonte, D. De Ronchi 51° Congresso Nazionale della Società
Italiana di Gerontologia e Geriatria (SIGG), “La longevità del
Paese: risorsa e problema” 29 novembre-3 dicembre 2006 – Firenze,
Palazzo dei Congressi.
·
“RUOLO DELL'ESSERE SOLI E DELLA NON-AUTOSUFFICIENZA NEI DISTURBI
DEPRESSIVI DELL'ANZIANO. DATI DAL ‘FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY'”
C. Forlani, A. R. Atti, V. Morini, B. Ferrari, P. Casadio, E.
Dalmonte, D. De Ronchi 7° Congresso Nazionale dell'Associazione
Italiana Psicogeriatria (AIP), “Criticità in Psicogeriatria”19-21
aprile 2007 – Brescia, Camera di Commercio.
·
“CLUSTERS DI FATTORI VASCOLARI, DEMENZA E COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT NO
DEMENTIA. DATI DAL ‘FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY' C. Forlani, A. R.
Atti, V. Morini, B. Ferrari, P. Casadio, E. Dalmonte, D. De Ronchi
7° Congresso Nazionale dell'Associazione Italiana Psicogeriatria
(AIP), “Criticità in Psicogeriatria” 19-21 aprile 2007 – Brescia,
Camera di Commercio.
·
“SOTTOTIPI DI MILD COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT NELLA POPOLAZIONE ANZIANA
DEL ‘FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY'. DATI PRELIMINARI” V. Morini, C.
Forlani, A. R. Atti, B. Ferrari, P. Casadio, E. Dalmonte, D. De
Ronchi 7° Congresso Nazionale dell'Associazione Italiana
Psicogeriatria (AIP), “Criticità in Psicogeriatria” 19-21 aprile
2007 – Brescia, Camera di Commercio.
·
“IPERTENSIONE, SINDROME ANSIOSA E SINDROME DEPRESSIVA. DATI DAL
‘FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY'” C. Forlani, A.R. Atti, V. Morini,
B. Ferrari, E. Dalmonte, D.De Ronchi 10° Congresso della Società
Italiana di Psichiatria Biologica, “Psicopatologia e Neuroscienze”
20-22 settembre 2007 – Napoli, Hotel Royal Continental.
·
“CONDIZIONI SOCIO-DEMOGRAFICHE E MEDICHE ASSOCIATE A SINTOMI
DEPRESSIVI IN UNA POPOLAZIONE DI ‘STROKE-SURVIVORS'” C. Forlani, A.
R. Atti, V. Morini, B. Ferrari, E. Dalmonte, D.De Ronchi
10° Congresso della Società Italiana di Psichiatria
Biologica, “Psicopatologia e Neuroscienze” 20-22 settembre 2007 –
Napoli, Hotel Royal Continental.
·
“ABITUDINE AL FUMO E SALUTE MENTALE NELL'ANZIANO. RISULTATI DAL
‘FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY' V. Morini, A. R. Atti, C. Forlani,
B. Ferrari, E. Dalmonte, D. De Ronchi 10° Congresso della Società
Italiana di Psichiatria Biologica, “Psicopatologia e Neuroscienze”
20-22 settembre 2007 – Napoli, Hotel Royal Continental.
·
“CONSUMO DI ALCOL E SALUTE MENTALE NELL'ANZIANO. RISULTATI DAL
‘FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY'” V. Morini, A. R. Atti, C. Forlani,
B. Ferrari, E. Dalmonte, D. De Ronchi 10° Congresso della Società
Italiana di Psichiatria Biologica, “Psicopatologia e Neuroscienze”
20-22 settembre 2007 – Napoli, Hotel Royal Continental.
·
“LAMENTELE SOMATICHE, DEPRESSIONE E DISABILITA'. DATI DAL “FAENZA
COMMUNITY AGING STUDY” C. Forlani, A.R. Atti, B. Ferrari, E.
Dalmonte, D.De Ronchi VII Congresso Nazionale della Società
Italiana di Epidemiologia Psichiatrica 25-27 ottobre 2007 –
Firenze, Convitto della Calza.
·
“LAMENTELE SOMATICHE, DETERIORAMENTO COGNITIVO E DISABILITA'. DATI
DAL “FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY” C. Forlani, A. R. Atti, B.
Ferrari, E. Dalmonte, D.De Ronchi VII Congresso Nazionale della
Società Italiana di Epidemiologia Psichiatrica 25-27 ottobre 2007 –
Firenze, Convitto della Calza.
·
“Disturbi del sonno e demenza. Dati dal Faenza Community Aging
Study”. Moretti F., Bernabei V., Atti A. R., Ferrari B., Dalmonte
E., De Ronchi D. 8° Congresso Nazionale dell'Associazione Italiana
di Psicogeriatria (AIP): 10-12 aprile 2008, Gardone Riviera (BS)
Pubblicazione sulla rivista”Psicogeriatria”Quadrimestrale Anno III°
Numero 1 Gennaio-Aprile 2008, p. 85.
·
“Caratteristiche cliniche e sottotipi di Mild Cognitive
Impairment”. Dati dal Faenza Community Aging Study Moretti F.,
Bernabei V., Atti A. R., Morini V., Forlani C., Ferrari B., Casadio
P., Dalmonte E., De Ronchi D. 8° Congresso Nazionale
dell'Associazione Italiana di Psicogeriatria (AIP): 10-12 aprile
2008, Gardone Riviera (BS) Pubblicazione sulla
rivista”Psicogeriatria”Quadrimestrale Anno III° Numero 1
Gennaio-Aprile 2008, p. 84.
·
“Correlazione tra disturbi del sonno e sintomi ansiosi e depressivi
nell'anziano” Guidi A., Moretti F., Bernabei V., Atti A. R.,
Ferrari B., Dalmonte E., De Ronchi D. 8° Congresso Nazionale
dell'Associazione Italiana di Psicogeriatria (AIP): 10-12 aprile
2008, Gardone Riviera (BS) Pubblicazione sulla
rivista”Psicogeriatria”Quadrimestrale Anno III° Numero 1
Gennaio-Aprile 2008, p. 66.
·
“Deficit visivi e deterioramento cognitivo nell'anziano”. Bernabei
V. Moretti F., Atti A. R., Morini V., Casadio P. Forlani C.,
Ferrari B., Marchiori A., Dalmonte E., De Ronchi D.. 8° Congresso
Nazionale dell'Associazione Italiana di Psicogeriatria (AIP): 10-12
aprile 2008, Gardone Riviera (BS) Pubblicazione sulla
rivista”Psicogeriatria”Quadrimestrale Anno III° Numero 1
Gennaio-Aprile 2008, p 29.
·
“Deficit uditivi e salute mentale nell'anziano”. Bernabei V.,
Moretti F., Atti A. R., Morini V., Casadio P., Forlani C., Ferrari
B., Marchiori A., Dalmonte E., De Ronchi D. 8° Congresso Nazionale
dell'Associazione Italiana di Psicogeriatria (AIP): 10-12 aprile
2008, Gardone Riviera (BS) Pubblicazione sulla
rivista”Psicogeriatria”Quadrimestrale Anno III° Numero 1
Gennaio-Aprile 2008, p 30.
·
"DEPRESSION , COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT, SOMATIC COMPLAINTS AND
DISABILITY. DATA FROM THE "FAENZA COMMUNITY AGING STUDY" . C.
Forlani, A.R. Atti, B. Ferrari, E. Dalmonte, D. De Ronchi. 17°
European Congress Of Psychiatric (EPA) 24-29 gennaio 2010,
Lisbona.
·
"SUICIDAL IDEATION IN ITALIAN ELDERLY. PRELIMINAR DATA FROM THE
"FAENZA PROJECT". A.R. Atti, A. Modenese, M. Bellini, F.
Moretti, S. Cesano, V. Bernabei, B. Ferrari, e. Dalmomte, D. De
Ronchi. 17° European Congress Of Psychiatric (EPA) 24-29
gennaio 2010, Lisbona.
5.TEACHING COURSES
1. Since A.A. 2006/2007 to A.A. 2011/2012 Course of "Drug
abuse" in University degree in Professional Educator (for certified
professional educators) Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,
University of Bologna, (CFU=5).
2. Since A.A.2006/2007 to A.A. 2010/2011 Course of
"Domestic and sexual violence against women and children:
psychiatric implications" in University degree Faculty
of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna,
(CFU=2).
3. Since A.A. 2011/2012 course "Social and
Demographic-Statistics Aspects" in "Violence against women:
Evaluation of the Psychic Trauma and Medico-Legal Aspects (I.C.) in
University degree Faculty of Medicine and Surgey, university of
Bologna (CFU=1).
4. Teaching assignment on “Violence against women" in
Master for Nursing (for certified professional nurses) Public
Health and Community care" Fondazione Alma Mater University
of Bologna ,4 June 2007 .
5. Teaching assignment on courses 393 "Street
operator-theory and experience", 394 "Street operator and night
people" and 396 "Street operator against human traffic and
prostitution" Faculty of Education Sciences, University of
Verona 20-21 november 2007.
6. Teaching assignment on "Domestic and sexual violence
against women: sociological implications" in Course of
"Multidisciplinary assistance to victim of sexual violence" 2008
Edition, Regional health service, ASL Bologna, 17 april, 22 may, 4
june, 29 september, 8 october, 12 november 2008.
7. Teaching assignment on in course of Professional School
FSE in "Street operator-theory and experience", Faculty of
Education Sciences, University of Verona 16 febbruary
2010.
8.Since A.A. 2006/2007 Scientific segretary Graduate
School in Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,
University of Bologna.
9. Since A.A. 2006/2007 to 2001/2012Member of
Examination Commission for annual examination of Graduate
School in Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,
University of Bologna.
10. Since A.A. 2006/2007 Member of Examination Commission for
Course PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY in Faculty
of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna.
12. Since A.A. 2005/2006 follow student to write degree
thesis with Prof. Diana De Ronchi University degree Faculty
of Medicine and Surgery, University of Bologna.
13. Since A.A. 2006/2007 supervisor for relatore degree
thesis University degree in Professional Educator (for certified
professional educators) Faculty of Medicine and Surgery,
University of Bologna
14. Teaching assignement in course "Introduction to
DCA" in University Master Level I "Integrated Treatment
of Eating Disorders and Body Image", University of Bologna,
January-February 2014.
15. from the A.Y. 2006/2007 at the A.A. 2011/2012 Scientific Secretary of the School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Bologna.
16. from the A.Y. 2006/2007 Member of the examination commission for the teaching of PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY C.I. of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Bologna.
17. from the A.A. 2005/2006 collaborates on the creation of degree theses of which Prof. Diana De Ronchi is supervisor for the students of the Degree Course in Medicine and Surgery of the University of Bologna.
18. from the A.Y. 2006/2007 supervisor for the degree theses of the Degree Course in Professional Education (enabling the healthcare profession of professional educator) of the Faculty of Medicine and Surgery of the University of Bologna.
19. from the A.A. 2022/2023 Coordinator of the Degree Course in Professional Education (qualifying the healthcare profession of professional education)
20. from the A.Y. 2022/2023 45192 HISTORY OF MEDICINE for the School of Specialization in Psychiatry, University of Bologna