Iulia Calugar

Dr. Iulia Calugar

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Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

4Years (2023-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

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29 March 2024 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EPElena Predescu
Elena Predescu
ICIulia Calugar
Iulia Calugar
RSRoxana Sipos
Roxana Sipos
(1) Objective: This systematic review explores the intricate relationship between cyberbullying and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in adolescents, acknowledging the dynamic nature of these phenomena in the evolving landscape of technology and social norms. (2) Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE were searched, and 14 studies were selected based on the eligibility criteria, focusing on participants aged 10 to 19, cyberbullying roles, and NSSI as the predictor and outcome variables, respectively. (3) Results: Internalizing symptoms, specifically depression and anxiety, emerged as the most prominent mediators. However, factors such as externalizing symptoms, stress, and negative emotional responses (emotion reactivity, negative emotions) were also identified to play a significant role in the relationship between cyberbullying and NSSI. On the other hand, protective factors against the negative impact of cyberbullying on NSSI risk, such as strong peer connections and school engagement, were identified. (4) Discussions: This review underscores the multidimensional nature of the cyberbullying–NSSI association, emphasizing the roles of potential risk factors such as internalizing and externalizing symptoms, stress, and negative emotional response. Internalizing symptoms played a central role as pathways between cyberbullying victimization and NSSI. Additionally, social factors, including peer connections and school engagement, were found to act as protective elements. (4) Conclusion: Continuous investigation is crucial in order to adapt interventions to the evolving technological and social landscape. The study advocates for targeted interventions that prioritize positive social connections to mitigate the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent well-being.

27 April 2023 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
EPElena Predescu
Elena Predescu
ICIulia Calugar
Iulia Calugar
CBCristian Bibu-Monus
Cristian Bibu-Monus
RSRoxana Sipos
Roxana Sipos
Rates of self-poisoning are increasing substantially all around the world, with self-poisoning being the most common form of self-harm leading to hospitalization in children and adolescents. This study aims to investigate the trends in the number of deliberate self-poisoning admissions in Romanian adolescents during the period of 2016–2022, as well as the most frequently used substances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions due to self-poisoning and substance use in relation to these episodes. The sample included 178 patients admitted to the Clinic of Pediatric Psychiatry in Cluj-Napoca from 2016 to 2022 due to an episode of self-poisoning. Data were collected on patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial characteristics, and medical histories. We report a slight overall increase in the self-poisoning admission rate during the studied period. There was a decrease during the initial period of the pandemic, with significantly increasing rates in the second year of the pandemic. The mean prevalence rate of hospital admissions due to self-poisoning episodes during the study period was 3.14% (95% CI 2.72, 3.63). Adolescent girls were identified as the most vulnerable group, with the female-to-male ratio increasing dramatically. In terms of substance use, benzodiazepines; over-the-counter analgesics, including paracetamol; and antidepressants were the most frequently used substances. We emphasize the importance of careful consideration in prescribing psychotropic drugs, as well as the need for regulation of over-the-counter drug dispensation.

21 March 2025 in Children
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RSRoxana Sipos
Roxana Sipos
ICIulia Calugar
Iulia Calugar
EPElena Predescu
Elena Predescu
Background/Objectives: Postpartum depression (PPD) significantly impacts maternal well-being and child neurodevelopment. While the etiology of PPD is well understood, the precise neurodevelopmental consequences, particularly differentiating prenatal and postnatal effects, remain unclear. This systematic review aims to synthesize the existing literature on the neurophysiological effects of maternal PPD on infant neurodevelopment, focusing on electroencephalography (EEG) biomarkers to identify consistent patterns and potential mediating factors. Methods: A comprehensive literature search across PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus identified studies investigating infants (0–12 months) exposed to maternal depressive symptoms (assessed via validated psychometric instruments) with quantitative EEG data. Study quality was assessed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. Eleven investigated EEG asymmetry, predominantly frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA). The findings consistently showed greater right FAA in the infants of mothers with PPD, suggesting increased negative affectivity and avoidance behaviors. This association was stronger with prolonged or combined prenatal/postnatal exposure. However, EEG power and connectivity findings were less consistent, with some studies reporting altered occipital power at 1 month and frontal power at 3 months in the infants of depressed mothers. No significant associations were found between maternal depression and functional connectivity. Conclusions: This review demonstrates a robust association between maternal PPD and altered infant EEG patterns, particularly increased right FAA. However, methodological heterogeneity necessitates future research with standardized protocols and longitudinal designs to establish causality and investigate long-term effects. Further research should also explore the underlying neural mechanisms and evaluate the efficacy of targeted interventions. These findings underscore the need for early identification and intervention to mitigate the negative impact of PPD on infant neurodevelopment.