The Solitaire Project: A Gamechanger for Young People Battling Isolation!
Isolation! Not the popular girl at the party kind, but the “let’s-add-another-pair-of-socks-to-the
pile-on-the-sofa” kind. And let’s face it, no one wants to be stuck in their own private, Netflix-free version of
“Lost in Space.” Enter The Solitaire Project, the latest telematic initiative that
promises to drag the socially isolated youth back into society faster than you can say, “Did you remember
to put on pants for your Zoom call?”
Launched at the prestigious Psychiatry B department of Aoui in Verona—where the coffee is probably as strong
as the research—the project is helmed by the esteemed Professor Mirella Ruggeri. With this new service,
young adults aged between
18 and 45 can receive therapy through the magic of the internet, all while clinging to their
pajama pants!
How Does It Work?
Well, folks, it begins with a sprinkle of individual psychotherapy and a dash of cognitive
rehabilitation. Imagine a therapy session where your therapist can’t see you stuffing your face with pizza!
That’s right—online visits will tackle social awkwardness head-on without the awkwardness of making eye contact.
The goal? To manage those pesky emotions and rediscover how to have actual conversations with real people.
(You know, the ones without filters!)
For family members, there’s psychoeducation. In layman’s terms: “how to deal with your youth’s newfound
obsession with living in sweatpants.” You’ll be equipped with the skills to help navigate this emotional maze
without finding yourself as lost as your teenager!
Want to join the party? Participation is free! Just give them a call at 045 8124038 or
shoot an email to marcella.bellani@univr.it or mariagloria.rossetti@univr.it!
The Scientific Shenanigans Behind It All
Now, hold onto your fidget spinners because this is where it gets interesting! The goal of the project is
to evaluate if pairing traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with something called
“Cognitive Remediation” (Cr) makes a more effective healing cocktail than CBT alone. Think of it as mixing
a fine whiskey with a splash of soda—one just doesn’t cut it! The thought is that this dynamic duo provides
better results, leading to social interactions that don’t require “skip intro” on every conversation.
The project will involve an eclectic mix of institutions like the Eugenio Medea Hospital in Brindisi and
even a scientific study using animals (don’t worry, they’re not sending pets to therapy—yet!). The whole
purpose is to see how well these interventions work on different age groups, from adolescents to young adults.
Why This Matters
This is groundbreaking! The mental health of our youth is more important now than ever, especially in
today’s tech-obsessed world. With social marginalization becoming a serious epidemic, this project aims to
flip the script and bring young adults back into the fold of society—one video call at a time.
So, if you or a loved one are feeling like an invisible ghost in the world of socializing, don’t hesitate.
There’s a lifeline (and a very dedicated team) waiting to help you leap back into the vibrant color of human
connection! And if anything, at least you can keep your pajamas on!
In the end, whether you’re a hikikomori or just someone who has mastered the art of avoiding social
engagements, remember: life is too short to let yourself be stuck in a solitaire game. Join the
Solitaire Project, where connection and support are just a click away!
A new remote psychiatry service is set to provide essential support for young people grappling with social isolation. Launched through the Psychiatry B department at the Aoui in Verona and spearheaded by Professor Mirella Ruggeri, the Solitaire telematic project aims to reintegrate young individuals—often referred to as hikikomori—into society via individual psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation methods designed specifically to address their unique challenges.
The project targets young adults aged between 18 and 45 who suffer from varying degrees of social isolation, as well as their family members who may also be affected by these issues. Utilizing digital platforms, the service offers online psychotherapy sessions complemented by cognitive-social skills rehabilitation, which focuses on enhancing emotional regulation and improving social interactions. Additionally, a psychoeducational intervention is made available to family members, equipping them with the tools needed to support their loved ones effectively.
For those interested in participating, the service offers free access; individuals can easily reach out by telephone at 045 8124038 or send an email to marcella.bellani@univr.it or mariagloria.rossetti@univr.it.
The Solitaire project, which stands for Social isOLation In youThs And theIR familiEs, leverages digital interventions to combat the pressing issue of youth isolation and is funded by the Pnrr. The initiative is coordinated by Professor Ruggeri, who is supported by Professor Marcella Bellani, with the team also including Dr. Maria Gloria Rossetti and Dr. Maria Diletta Buio.
The clinical objective of this innovative project is to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a new tele-psychiatry approach that intricately combines individual psychotherapy with cognitive rehabilitation strategies. Measurements of effectiveness will revolve around improvements in cognitive functions, as well as social, interpersonal, and work-related aspects of life for participants undergoing a cycle of remote cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This will also be paired with computerized cognitive training (Cognitive Remediation or Cr), and results will be compared with those of a control group receiving only CBT. The premise under investigation is that the synergistic effects of combining CBT with Cr may yield more lasting and broadly applicable results than CBT alone in addressing the needs of isolated patients. An enhancement in cognitive-social skills is expected to facilitate symptomatic improvements and help patients apply learned techniques in their daily lives, ultimately boosting their overall social functionality.
The study is being spearheaded by the Aoui of Verona, and it also involves the Eugenio Medea hospital in Brindisi, the National Research Council (CNR), and the University of Milan. The Eugenio Medea hospital will specifically assess the impact of the proposed interventions on adolescents aged 11 to 17. Meanwhile, the CNR of Milan will explore an animal model of social isolation to identify relevant biomarkers for comparison with those of human patients. Lastly, the University of Milan will delve into analyzing the speech patterns of socially isolated patients before, during, and following their therapy, thus providing a comprehensive view of the project’s impact on communication skills.
**Interview with Professor Mirella Ruggeri on The Solitaire Project**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Professor Ruggeri. Let’s dive right in! Can you tell us about The Solitaire Project and its primary objectives?
**Professor Ruggeri:** Absolutely! The Solitaire Project, which stands for Social isOLation In youThs And theIR familiEs, aims to address the pressing issue of social isolation among young adults aged 18 to 45. Our goal is to provide essential support through online psychotherapy and cognitive rehabilitation methods to reintegrate individuals, often referred to as hikikomori, back into society. At the same time, we’re also offering psychoeducational resources for their family members.
**Editor:** That sounds incredibly impactful. What are some of the specific strategies you’re using to combat isolation?
**Professor Ruggeri:** We’re utilizing a combination of individual psychotherapy focused on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Cognitive Remediation (Cr). The idea is that these two approaches can work together more effectively than traditional CBT alone, enhancing emotional regulation and social skills. Participants engage in online sessions which allow them to manage their emotions and practice social interactions in a comfortable environment.
**Editor:** Many young people today face unique challenges in social interactions, especially in a tech-dominated world. How does The Solitaire Project cater to these needs?
**Professor Ruggeri:** We recognize that social media and digital environments have reshaped how young people communicate. Our project is designed to meet them where they are—online. By providing therapy and rehabilitation through digital platforms, we aim to create a space where they can feel safe to discuss their experiences and practice engaging with others, all while remaining in a familiar environment.
**Editor:** Family support often plays a crucial role in mental health. Can you elaborate on the psychoeducational component for family members?
**Professor Ruggeri:** Absolutely! The psychoeducational aspect is vital because family members often find themselves navigating the complexities of their loved one’s struggles. We equip them with tools and strategies to better understand and support their loved ones facing isolation. This not only helps the individual but also strengthens family dynamics.
**Editor:** What has been the response from the community about The Solitaire Project?
**Professor Ruggeri:** The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive! Many individuals and families are eager to participate. It’s heartening to know that we can provide a lifeline for those feeling disconnected. We’re making it easy to join the program with free access, just a phone call or email away.
**Editor:** Lastly, what are your hopes for the future of The Solitaire Project and the young people involved?
**Professor Ruggeri:** My hope is that we can help participants rebuild their confidence and social skills, leading to more fulfilling connections in their lives. We want to challenge the stigma around isolation and mental health, showing that recovery is achievable, and society is there to embrace them back. The ultimate goal is for young people to thrive not just individually but as integral parts of their communities.
**Editor:** Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us, Professor Ruggeri. It’s inspiring to hear about initiatives like The Solitaire Project that genuinely aim to make a positive difference in the lives of young people.
**Professor Ruggeri:** Thank you for having me! Together, we can foster a more connected and supportive environment for our youth.
