In order to verify whether the performances of patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) were different from those of the normal controls in various cognitive tasks, we conducted a neuropsychologi-cal study in the two groups, excluding the presence of other confounding factors in the group of TLE patients (newly referred, previously untreated, without cerebral lesions at neuroimaging, with low recurrence of seizures). In basal condition, no significant difference was found between the nine healthy controls and the eight TLE patients. The second aim of the study was to investigate the effect of the first administration of 400 mg controlled-release carbamazepine (CBZ-CR). The drug caused a significant decrease in verbal memory (short and long-term) in TLE patients, whereas, in the control group, the first administration of CBZ-CR caused only a less significant impairment of long-term verbal memory. Finally, the cognitive effects of CBZ-CR were assessed after one month of therapy, only in the group of patients. Our data suggest that: 1) differences between patients and controls in basal conditions are not relevant, once the influence of seizures, of treatment and of anatomical lesions has been ruled out. In other words, our patients did not perform differently from controls simply because they had become epileptic 2) also in the controlled-release preparation, adverse effects of CBZ on cognitive function are minimal and limited to the beginning of treatment.

In the last decade, Mindfulness-based interventions have been increasingly used in health care settings, particularly in the context of cancer. Research documents the efficacy of these interventions for decreasing the burdens of stress, anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, and other symptoms. This article describes the case report of a patient with breast cancer, highlighting her personality, defense mechanisms, and traumatization connected with the disease. General information about the patient’s personal and medical history is presented in addition to the trajectory of psychoncological support, focusing on objectives, intervention strategies based on Mindfulness, and outcomes. The intervention is a combination of individual and group therapies, with particular reference to the use of Mindfulness in a group setting. The goal is to provide the patient with both a peer sharing experience as well as the tools to manage psychoemotional reactions through the development of awareness and a better relationship with herself. The main hypothesized consequences are an increase in self-esteem and coping strategies, which are necessary for a successful adaptation to cancer. The objective of the Mindfulness intervention is to promote the maintenance of an adequate Quality of Life (QoL) and psychological well-being, during and after treatment, transferring these skills into daily life.

The 2019 coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has been very stressful, but more so for those with cancer. Patients with cancer experienced more pandemic-related stress and psychological distress than those without a cancer diagnosis. This case report, about a breast cancer patient, is presented in order to emphasize (1) the importance of the management of psychological care in oncology, (2) the need for a thorough understanding of the efficacy of the role of the psycho-oncologist and related interventions in a breast care unit for the health of both patients and professionals to improve clinical outcomes, and (3) the emerging health concerns of breast cancer patients in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.