Alessia Sangiorgio

Dr. Alessia Sangiorgio

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

57Years (1970-Present)

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

Representative Publications

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 in Health Psychology Research
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
Giulia SchiliròGiulia Schilirò
Giulia Schilirò
ASAlessia Sangiorgio
Alessia Sangiorgio
NVNoemi Maria Vitale
Noemi Maria Vitale
EUEleonora Uccelli
Eleonora Uccelli
CAChiara Allegra
Chiara Allegra
Pasquale CaponnettoPasquale Caponnetto
Pasquale Caponnetto
Background Homelessness represents a multifaceted global challenge, closely linked to high rates of substance use disorders (SUDs). This intersection exacerbates health disparities and perpetuates social exclusion; however, effective, context-sensitive interventions remain limited. Objective This scoping review aims to synthesize present evidence on therapeutic, psychological, and social interventions for homeless individuals with SUDs, highlighting effective strategies and identifying gaps to inform future research and clinical practice. Methods Following the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines, we systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, and ScienceDirect between January and June 2025. Inclusion criteria were peer-reviewed studies from the past decade, published in English, and investigating psychosocial or rehabilitative interventions targeting homeless individuals aged ≥14 with SUDs. Studies exclusively medical or without intervention components were excluded. A total of 23 studies were included. Results Integrated, multidisciplinary interventions—including Housing First combined with assertive community treatment, group-based motivational programs (e.g., AWARE, Tobacco-focused group motivational intervention), harm reduction approaches (e.g., Harm reduction treatment for alcohol, Extended-release naltrexone), and intensive case management—were most effective in reducing substance use, improving mental health and quality of life, and enhancing housing stability. However, the literature showed methodological variability, generally short follow-up periods, and limited incorporation of participants’ perspectives. Conclusion This review underscores the importance of flexible, tailored, and relationship-centered interventions to address the complex needs of homeless populations with SUDs. There is an urgent need for more rigorous and long-term studies, including qualitative insights, to better capture acceptability and feasibility. Strengthening synergies between housing, health, and psychosocial services—particularly in under-researched contexts, such as Italy— could foster more sustainable pathways toward recovery, dignity, and social reintegration.

14 November 2026 in Journal of Clinical Medicine
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
NVNoemi Maria Vitale
Noemi Maria Vitale
AFAbdulnaser A. Fakhrou
Abdulnaser A. Fakhrou
NLNoemi Licitra
Noemi Licitra
ASAlessia Sangiorgio
Alessia Sangiorgio
Giulia SchiliròGiulia Schilirò
Giulia Schilirò
PCPasquale Caponnetto
Pasquale Caponnetto
Background/Objectives: Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) is characterized by a persistent and intrusive preoccupation with a perceived defect in physical appearance, associated with significant psychosocial impairment. Individuals with BDD frequently seek aesthetic and cosmetic procedures to correct the perceived flaw, yet cosmetic treatment has traditionally been regarded as a relative contraindication in this population, often associated with unsatisfactory outcomes and symptom exacerbation. However, more recent evidence has been heterogeneous, keeping the relationship between BDD and aesthetic treatment outcomes controversial. This scoping review aimed to map the literature of the last decade on the clinical, psychological, and behavioral outcomes of surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed on individuals with BDD. Methods: This review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews and reported in accordance with the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). PubMed, Scopus, and EBSCOhost were searched for studies published between 2016 and February 2026 reporting clinical, psychological, or behavioral outcomes of aesthetic procedures (surgical or minimally invasive) in samples with a formal BDD diagnosis or a positive screening result. Study selection and data charting were performed independently by two reviewers. Results: Of 419 records identified, 17 primary studies published between 2016 and 2026 met the inclusion criteria. The included studies varied considerably in design, sample size, BDD assessment methods, aesthetic procedures, outcome measures, and follow-up duration. Several studies reported improvements in BDD-related measures, changes in screening classification, or favorable postoperative satisfaction, whereas others reported less favorable findings. Psychological and behavioral outcomes were assessed inconsistently, and broader psychiatric safety outcomes were rarely investigated. The heterogeneity of the available evidence limited direct comparisons and prevented conclusions regarding treatment effectiveness or psychological safety. Conclusions: The available evidence is limited and highly heterogeneous in study design, populations, procedures, outcome measures, and follow-up duration, and most samples were identified through screening instruments rather than diagnostic interviews. Although several studies reported postoperative improvement and satisfaction in some individuals with BDD symptoms, these findings do not establish the efficacy of aesthetic treatment for BDD and should be interpreted with caution. Future research should jointly examine preoperative BDD severity and treatment expectations as potential predictors of postoperative outcomes.