Giulia Marafioti

Dr. Giulia Marafioti

orcid

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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11 July 2024 in Brain Sciences
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GMGiulia Marafioti
Giulia Marafioti
DCDavide Cardile
Davide Cardile
LCLaura Culicetto
Laura Culicetto
Angelo QuartaroneAngelo Quartarone
Angelo Quartarone
Viviana Lo BuonoViviana Lo Buono
Viviana Lo Buono
Background: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that affects the Central Nervous System by causing demyelination. Social cognition (SC) deficits are common among individuals with MS and can significantly impact their quality of life (QoL) due to difficulties in interpreting social cues and establishing meaningful relationships. Objective: This scoping review aimed to investigate SC in subjects with MS and its impact on QoL. Methods: Systematic searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Embase, and Web of Science databases. After reading the full text of the selected studies and applying predefined inclusion criteria, four studies were included based on pertinence and relevance to the topic. Results: The findings highlight significant associations between SC deficits, social support, fatigue, and QoL outcomes. Cognitive decline was identified as a predictive factor for SC impairment in the MS population, which affects daily activities and relationships, thereby reducing QoL. Moreover, emotional impairments such as depression and anxiety exacerbate these challenges. Enhancing social support networks may improve psychological well-being and disease management in MS. Conclusions: Although evidence is limited, assessing SC is crucial in the care pathways for MS to develop tailored psychosocial interventions that address the cognitive, emotional, and social facets of the disease, thereby improving overall outcomes and QoL.

29 November 2023 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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GMGiulia Marafioti
Giulia Marafioti
FCFrancesco Corallo
Francesco Corallo
DCDavide Cardile
Davide Cardile
GLGiuseppe Di Lorenzo
Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
Angelo QuartaroneAngelo Quartarone
Angelo Quartarone
Viviana Lo BuonoViviana Lo Buono
Viviana Lo Buono
Sleep disorders, such as REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) and excessive daytime sleepiness, are among the most common non-motor symptoms in subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Sleep disorders have a major negative impact on the quality of life of patients and their caregivers. In addition, REM sleep behavior disorder is an important risk factor for cognitive impairment in PD. This systematic review was conducted on studies investigating the influence of RBD on cognitive performance in PD subjects. We searched the PubMed and Scopus databases, screened the references of the studies included, and reviewed articles for additional citations. From the first 244 publications, we included only 11 studies that met the search criteria. The results showed that sleep disorders in PD were associated with impaired executive functions, visual-constructive abilities, reduced attention, and episodic verbal memory, and could predict the possible risk of developing dementia.

23 January 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
LCLaura Culicetto
Laura Culicetto
FIFederica Impellizzeri
Federica Impellizzeri
Viviana Lo BuonoViviana Lo Buono
Viviana Lo Buono
GMGiulia Marafioti
Giulia Marafioti
GLGiuseppe Di Lorenzo
Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
SMSilvia Marino
Silvia Marino
Background: Pathological gambling (PG) is a significant non-motor complication in Parkinson’s disease (PD), often linked to dopaminergic therapies. PG impacts the quality of life of patients and their families, presenting unique challenges due to its interplay with motor symptoms and cognitive impairments in PD. This scoping review synthesized current evidence on rehabilitation strategies for PG in PD. Methods: A systematic review was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus databases to identify studies addressing pharmacological, psychological, and neuromodulatory approaches. The scoping objective was to map the available evidence on treatment strategies and identify research gaps. Results: Of 537 studies, 5 met the inclusion criteria. Pharmacological strategies included dopamine agonist adjustments, naltrexone, and amantadine, which showed partial efficacy but were often limited by significant side effects. Neuromodulation via deep brain stimulation (DBS) demonstrated potential by modulating limbic circuits, though risks like apathy and transient symptom exacerbation were noted. Psychological interventions, particularly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), were the most effective in modifying gambling behaviors, though adaptations are needed for PD-specific cognitive and psychiatric challenges. Conclusions: Effective rehabilitation for PG in PD requires a multidisciplinary approach to balance motor symptom management with impulse control disorders. While pharmacological, psychological, and neuromodulatory interventions show promise, gaps remain regarding their long-term efficacy, combined use, and tailoring to PD-specific needs. The lack of large-scale, comparative studies and limited exploration of novel therapeutic combinations underscore the need for further research to optimize patient outcomes and develop comprehensive treatment frameworks.

2 July 2025 in Healthcare
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
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DLDesiree Latella
Desiree Latella
GMGiulia Marafioti
Giulia Marafioti
CFCaterina Formica
Caterina Formica
ACAndrea Calderone
Andrea Calderone
EFElvira La Fauci
Elvira La Fauci
GFGiuseppa Filippello
Giuseppa Filippello
Background and Objectives: Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) enhances psychological flexibility by fostering acceptance of thoughts and emotions, promoting mindfulness practices, and encouraging engagement in value-based actions. These processes have been associated with improvements in mental health and social functioning, with accumulating evidence supporting ACT’s efficacy across various psychiatric disorders. This systematic review aimed to evaluate current evidence on ACT interventions for reducing psychiatric symptoms and enhancing social functioning and interpersonal relationships in adults with psychiatric conditions. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Embase for studies published between 2014 and 2024. The review protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF; registration ID: 2ZAGT). Results: Seventeen studies met the inclusion criteria; however, the evidence base remained fragmented, with most psychiatric diagnoses represented by only one or two studies. The reviewed studies exhibited several methodological limitations, including small sample sizes, lack of randomization and blinding, high risk of bias, reliance on subjective outcome measures, and inadequately designed or absent control groups. Despite these limitations, ACT was associated with beneficial effects in conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, psychosis, and autism spectrum disorder, particularly in reducing experiential avoidance, enhancing mindfulness, and promoting long-term improvements in emotional regulation and life satisfaction. Conclusions: Due to the limited number of studies per diagnosis, significant methodological weaknesses, and the lack of high-quality controlled trials, this review cannot provide strong evidence for the efficacy of ACT in improving social functioning among adults with psychiatric disorders. The heterogeneity and overall low quality of the available literature highlight the urgent need for further large-scale well-controlled studies.

28 April 2025 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
CDCarmela De Domenico
Carmela De Domenico
AFAlessia Fulgenzi
Alessia Fulgenzi
AAAlessia Andaloro
Alessia Andaloro
MCMarcella Di Cara
Marcella Di Cara
APAdriana Piccolo
Adriana Piccolo
FCFrancesca Cucinotta
Francesca Cucinotta
Background/Objectives: Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, often persisting into adolescence and adulthood, with significant impacts on social, academic, and occupational functioning. Emerging research highlights the role of personality traits in ADHD, suggesting their influence on symptom presentation, functional impairments, and treatment adherence. This study aims to investigate maladaptive personality domains and traits in adolescents with ADHD using the Alternative Model of Personality Disorders (AMPD) framework and the Personality Inventory for DSM-5 Short Form (PID-5-SF), with a particular focus on the differences among same-sex peers and differences from typically developing peers. Methods: This study included 30 ADHD and 25 TD adolescents aged 11–17 (12.6 ± 2.1 vs. 14.9 ± 1.7; p < 0.001), recruited at IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino Pulejo”. Participants underwent clinical assessments, cognitive evaluation, and standardized rating scales, with maladaptive personality traits measured using the PID-5-SF. Chi-squared and Mann–Whitney U tests were used to compare the two groups, as appropriate. Results: ADHD adolescents showed significantly higher scores than TD peers in restricted affectivity (p = 0.007), distractibility (p = 0.001), impulsivity (p = 0.049), irresponsibility (p = 0.036), hostility (p = 0.046), perseveration (p = 0.010), submissiveness (p = 0.023), and risk-taking (p = 0.032). Among personality domains, disinhibition was significantly higher in the ADHD group (p = 0.002), while detachment approached significance. Female ADHD participants scored higher than TD females in restricted affectivity, distractibility, and risk-taking. Conclusions: These findings suggest that maladaptive personality traits play a key role in ADHD during adolescence, highlighting the need for tailored interventions. Integrating personality assessment into clinical practice may enhance diagnostic accuracy and support more effective, individualized treatment strategies.

Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
GMGiulia Marafioti
Giulia Marafioti
LCLaura Culicetto
Laura Culicetto
CSCarla Susinna
Carla Susinna
GLGiuseppe Di Lorenzo
Giuseppe Di Lorenzo
Angelo QuartaroneAngelo Quartarone
Angelo Quartarone
Viviana Lo BuonoViviana Lo Buono
Viviana Lo Buono
Background/Objectives: Creativity is a complex cognitive process influenced by multiple factors, including neurobiological mechanisms and neurotransmitter regulation. In Parkinson’s disease (PD), dopaminergic therapy has been associated with both increases and decreases in creative output, raising questions about its underlying mechanisms and clinical relevance. Methods: A scoping review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines to evaluate studies assessing the effects of dopaminergic therapy on creativity in PD patients. The search was performed in January 2025 across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases using predefined search terms. Results: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria, reporting mixed outcomes. Some found enhanced artistic expression and divergent thinking in patients treated with dopamine agonists, while others observed no significant change. Increased creativity appeared more common in individuals with pre-existing artistic tendencies rather than as a new emergence due to medication. Conclusions: Dopaminergic therapy may amplify pre-existing creative inclinations in PD patients but does not consistently induce creativity across individuals.