Professorships/ Sections

Working groups

Research areas

Projects

3for1 - Three ways-one goal
Project description

"3for1 - Three paths, one goal" is a research project on the effectiveness of an intervention to support unemployed job centre customers with mental health problems in their job search and recovery. The intervention has three components, namely (i) psychological consultation hours directly at the job centre, (ii) supported employment in the form of job coaching during the job search and at the new workplace, and (iii) support from peer guides, i.e. guidance and support from people with personal experience of mental illness and unemployment. The effectiveness of this intervention is primarily tested by comparing the rate of employment 12 months after project entry between the comparison group initially included in the project (job centre clients without intervention) and the intervention group subsequently included in the project (job centre clients who participated in the intervention for a maximum period of 12 months). The project is being run by the Ulm Job Centre in cooperation with four other job centres in Baden-Württemberg and one Bavarian job centre as well as the universities of Ulm and Tübingen.

Project management
  • Prof Dr Jörn von Wietersheim, Ulm University Hospital, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
  • Prof Dr Harald Gündel, Ulm University Hospital, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy
  • Prof Dr Nicolas Rüsch, Ulm University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II of Ulm University, Section of Public Mental Health
Project partners
  • Job Centre Ulm
  • Job Centre Alb-Donau
  • Job Centre Neu-Ulm
  • Job Centre City of Heilbronn
  • Tübingen district job centre
  • Reutlingen district job centre

Project coordination

Profilbild von Dr. Svenja Schlachter

Dr. Svenja Schlachter

Profilbild von M.Sc. Miriam Mehler

M.Sc. Miriam Mehler

Running time:

11/2021 - 10/2026

Financing:

Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs; part of the federal programme "Innovative ways to participate in working life - rehapro"

Funding amount: €4.45 million

BEAT-Covid (Breathing against Coronavirus Disease): Breathing-assisted anti-inflammatory reflex stimulation to reduce systemic inflammation in Covid-19 disease
Project description

Suddenly highly elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) have been observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and are associated with worse clinical outcomes (Madjid et al., 2020), also known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or cytokine storm. The vagus nerve is centrally involved in the regulation of the systemic immune response via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory reflex (Pavlov & Tracey, 2017) and is associated with mortality in the long term (Jarczok et al. 2021). A study of hospitalised COVID-19 positive soldiers showed that vagal activity decreases, as measured by heart rate variability (HRV) parameters, immediately before the sharp increase in CRP. Consequently, an increase in vagal activity could have a reducing effect on the increase in inflammatory parameters and thus have a positive influence on the course of the disease.

In addition to electrical vagus stimulators or medication, vagus activity can also be reliably stimulated using a specific breathing technique with a reduced frequency and prolonged exhalation phase (slow-paced breathing) (Lehrer & Gevirtz, 2014; Schwerdtfeger et al., 2020). The direct effect on vagal activity can be visualised immediately by measuring heart rate variability. The effect of this breathing technique on inflammatory markers is unknown. The advantage of the breathing technique over drug or electrical stimulation lies in its broad and immediate applicability.

Aim of the study

The aim of the study is to determine whether high-dose (3 times a day for 20 minutes) breath-supported reflex stimulation leads to a reduction in systemic inflammation levels in hospitalised Covid-19 patients and can alleviate the symptoms of COVID-19 in the further course of the disease.

Literature

Jarczok, M.N., Koenig, J. & Thayer, J.F. Lower values of a novel index of vagal neuroimmunomodulation are associated to higher all-cause mortality in two large general population samples with 18 year follow up. Sci Rep 11, 2554 (2021). doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-82168-6

Lehrer, P. M., & Gevirtz, R. (2014). Heart rate variability biofeedback: how and why does it work? Frontiers in Psychology, 5(JUL), 1-9. doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00756

Madjid, M., Safavi-Naeini, P., Solomon, S. D., & Vardeny, O. (2020). Potential Effects of Coronaviruses on the Cardiovascular System: A Review. JAMA Cardiology, 10, 1-10. doi.org/10.1001/jamacardio.2020.1286

Pavlov, V. A., & Tracey, K. J. (2017). Neural regulation of immunity: molecular mechanisms and clinical translation. Nature Neuroscience, 20(2), 156-166. doi.org/10.1038/nn.4477

Schwerdtfeger, A. R., Schwarz, G., Pfurtscheller, K., Thayer, J. F., Jarczok, M. N., & Pfurtscheller, G. (2020). Heart rate variability (HRV): From brain death to resonance breathing at 6 breaths per minute. Clinical Neurophysiology, 131(3), 676-693. doi.org/10.1016/j.clinph.2019.11.013

Study management

Profilbild von Dr. Marc Jarczok

Dr. Marc Jarczok

Leiter Methodik

Start of study

02/2021

Co-operation:

with the infection ward M1C of the University Hospital, Ulm

Registration:

The study is registered in the German Register of Clinical Studies under the ID DRKS00023971.

Chronic psychosocial stress and colitis

Inflammatory disorders, such as Crohn's Disease (CD) and Ulcerative Colitis (UC) represent a major health concern, particularly in Western societies, with a life-time prevalence of approximately 0.1%. In addition to limiting quality of life due to abdominal cramps and pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, ulceration, fever, tiredness and other socially-unacceptable symptoms, inflammatory bowel disorders (IBD) are further linked to an increased risk for developing inflammation-related colorectal cancer (CRC).

The pathogenesis of IBD is still not completely understood. It is generally accepted that IBD has a complex and multi-factorial etiology, involving genetic and environmental factors, which are in turn associated with a dysregulation of the mucosal immune system. One environmental factor that is often discussed in this context during the last decades is the perceived level of life stress. Interestingly, available data suggest IBD to be rather associated with hypocortisolism than hypercortisolism.

In line with this hypothesis, we could already show that 19 days of chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) not only result in basal evening hypocorticism but also reliably induce spontaneous colonic inflammation (Reber et al., 2007 PNEC; Reber et al., 2008 Stress; Reber et al., 2011 BBI; Reber, 2012 PNEC; Reber, 2016 PNAS; Fig. 5). The latter is causally mediated by a pronounced rise in CORT during the initial phase of CSC, preceding later development of hypocorticism and GC resistance, as well as by an increased bacterial translocation as consequence of disturbed colonic barrier functions. CSC-induced colitis is indicated by an increased histological damage score (Fig. 5), which is first detectable after 14 d of CSC, and increased numbers of colonic macrophages, dendritic and Th cells, and cytokine secretion from isolated lamina propria mononuclear and mesenteric lymph node cells, the latter lasting at least until day 8 following CSC termination. In addition, CSC mice show a pronounced reduction in the percentage of Treg cells in peripheral lymphoid organs (Schmidt et al., 2010 BBI), likely contributing to an overall increased inflammatory state and, consequently, to spontaneous colitis development.

Intriguingly, we just recently could show that CSC results in a pronounced expansion of enterohepatic helicobacter species (EHS) in the intestinal microbiome (Reber et al., 2016 PNAS) and that CSC-induced colitis does not develop under specific-pathogen-free (SPF) conditions (Langgartner et al., 2016 BBI), suggesting that translocation of certain pathobionts instead of commensal gut bacteria is critically required for development of stress-induced intestinal pathologies. Of note, stress-protective effects of M.vaccae pre-immunization were not mediated by preventing the colitogenic shift in the intestinal microbiome following CSC, but by inducing intestinal Treg cells, which in turn prevented that the colitogenic microbiome translates into colonic inflammation and tissue damage. Importantly, our data further indicate that CSC-induced HPA axis changes (i.e. hypocorticism) is not critically involved in CSC-induced colitis development (Reber et al., 2016 PNAS; Langgartner et al., 2016 BBI).

The value and clinical relevance of this interdisciplinary project has been acknowledged with the "Ismar-Boas Preis 2007" for excellent work in the field of gastroenterology from the "Deutsche Gesellschaft für Visceralchirurgie (DGVS)".

Currently we are investigating whether i) CSC-induced spontaneous colitis is causally involved in the increased anxiety state detected following CSC exposure and ii) colitis severity depends on the coping strategy of an individual shown during CSC exposure.

Literature

Reber et al, 2006, 2007 Endocrinology; Reber et al, 2008 Stress; Reber et al, 2011 BBI; Langgartner et al, 2017 BBI; Peterlik et al, 2017 BBI; Armacki et al, 2018 JCI; Langgartner et al, 2018 Front Beh Neurosci.

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Head of Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics

Funding

intramural funding; previously funded by the DFG grant RE-2911/2-1

Chronic psychosocial stress and HPA axis function

Exposure to acute stressful stimuli leads to the activation of both the sympathetic nervous system and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and, consequently, to the systemic release of catecholamines and glucocorticoids (GCs). These stress hormones, in turn, trigger physiological alterations enabling an organism to adjust to the new situation and to show an adequate behavioural response. However, if the stress systems are activated over a prolonged period of time, chronically-elevated levels of plasma GC can promote development of somatic and affective disorders. Thus, it is adaptive for an individual to habituate possibly fast to prolonged and non-life-threatening homotypic stressors, but to stay responsive to novel and possibly dangerous challenges.

Interestingly, mice exposed to 19 days of chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC) seem to exactly implement this principle at the level of the adrenal glands. CSC mice show unaffected basal morning corticosterone (CORT) levels despite a pronounced increase in adrenal mass (Reber et al., 2007 PNEC), likely mediated by an attenuation of adrenal corticotrophin (ACTH) responsiveness. The latter was indicated by a reduction of adrenal in vitro CORT secretion in response to various concentrations of ACTH (Reber et al., 2007 PNEC; Uschold-Schmidt et al., 2012 PNEC; Reber et al., 2016 PNAS; Langgartner et al., 2016 BBI). However, in contrast to the in vitro situation, CSC mice show an even more pronounced CORT response to an acute heterotypic stressor exposure (elevated platform, EPF; Uschold-Schmidt et al., 2012 PNEC) compared with respectively treated SHC mice. This is in line with recent data showing an increased availability and mobilization capacity of the CORT precursor molecule cholesterol in CSC compared with SHC mice, possibly contributing to their increased in vivo CORT response during acute heterotypic stressor exposure (Füchsl et al., 2013 Stress). Together, these data clearly argue against a breakdown of adrenal functioning during CSC, but support the hypothesis that a reduction of adrenal ACTH responsiveness during times of chronic stress prevents prolonged hypercorticism and, thus, is adaptive and beneficial. Of note, CSC mice do not develop any signs of depressive-like behaviour (Slattery et al., 2012 PNEC), which can be induced by chronically treating rodents with CORT.

The value and clinical relevance of this project has recently been acknowledged with the "Ernst and Berta Scharrer Prize (German Society of Endocrinology: 'This prize awards outstanding original studies in the field of neuroendocrinology.').

Unravelling the underlying mechanisms might help to preventively or therapeutically facilitate stress resilience. We are currently investigating whether i) an additional factor present during heterotypic stressor exposure, and not during in vitro stimulation, rescues adrenal ACTH sensitivity, or itself acts as CORT secretagogue in chronically stressed CSC mice, ii) what this factor might be, and iii) whether or not these HPA axis changes depend on the coping strategy during CSC exposure.

Literature

Reber et al, 2007 Endocrinology; Uschold-Schmidt et al, 2012, PNEC; Füchsl et al, 2013 PLOSOne, Stress; Uschold-Schmidt et al, 2013 J Endocrinol; Bartlang et al, 2014 Chronobiol Int; Füchsl et al, 2014 Endocrinology; Langgartner et al, 2015 Front in Psychiatry; Füchsl et al, 2016 PLOSOne; Koch et al, 2016 J Endocrinol; Langgartner et al, 2017 Stress; Langgartner et al, 2020 PNEC.

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Head of Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics

Funding

intramural funding; previously funded by the DFG grant RE-2911/5-1

Effects of repeated psychosocial traumatisation/chronic psychosocial stress on bone metabolism
Chronic psychosocial stress and long-term effects on anxiety: the role of the autonomic nervous system and of the visual contact

Chronic stress, in particular chronic psychosocial stress, is a risk factor in the etiology of various psychopathologies including general and social anxiety-related disorders. However, despite substantial research efforts in the last decades, the etiology of such stress-associated disorders remains poorly understood. As we previously have shown that CSC exposure increases both general- and social anxiety-related behaviour (Slattery et al., 2012 PNEC), we have an animal model in hands allowing us to investigate in detail the underlying mechanisms. Thereby we focus the autonomic nervous system by using telemetry (Fig. 6 right panel), as well as on the assessment of neuro-inflammatory processes by Taqman PCR and immunohistochemistry. Interestingly, while the CSC-induced increase in general anxiety was long-lasting and still detectable 10 days following termination of CSC, social deficits were only transient, suggesting different neuronal mechanisms to be involved in these behavioural stress consequences. As accumulating evidence supports the idea that the sensory, in particular the visual, contact to a rodent conspecific during/following stressor exposure is able to induce a stress response in the observer animal, we also consider different sensory contact modalities to the stressor (last dominant mouse during CSC) following termination of the physical stressor exposure (Fig. 6 left and middle panel).

 

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Head of Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics

Funding

University internal budget

ENHANCE
Improving the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy and trauma-focused psychodynamic therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults associated with childhood violence and abuse
Project description

People who experienced violence or abuse as children or adolescents often still have psychological problems in adulthood. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common secondary illness. PTSD is a mental illness that can lead to severe stress and serious problems in many areas of life.

ENHANCE is an interdisciplinary, multicentre randomised controlled psychotherapy study. The aim of the study is to improve and compare the effectiveness of trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (STAIR Narrative Therapy, SNT) and trauma-focused psychodynamic therapy (TF-PDT) in PTSD-GMK. After a detailed and comprehensive diagnosis, the study patients with PTSD-GMK are randomly assigned to one of the two forms of therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (STAIR Narrative Therapy, SNT) or trauma-focused psychodynamic therapy (TF-PDT), or to a 6-month waiting control group. In both therapy groups, the study patients receive 24 hours of short-term outpatient psychotherapy. Once during therapy (10th session), after the end of therapy, 6 and 12 months after the end of therapy, PTSD symptom severity will be assessed again. Further questions are investigated in sub-studies B1-B4. In sub-study B1, tape-recorded therapy sessions are used to examine the extent to which the therapists have implemented the therapy concept appropriately. In addition, the influence of certain factors (e.g. type and duration of traumatisation) on the therapy outcome will be investigated. In sub-project B2, neurobiological changes and their influence on the therapy outcome are investigated. The aim of the functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging study B3 is to investigate the neuronal correlates underlying and predicting short- and long-term psychotherapeutic changes in this patient group. In a further sub-project (B4), health economic analyses will be carried out.

Further information can be found on the cross-centre homepage:
https://www.uni-giessen.de/enhance-traumatherapie

Study centre

The study centre is the Justus Liebig University Giessen, Clinic for Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Prof. Dr. Falk Leichsenring. In addition to Giessen and Ulm, the psychosomatic university clinics and universities in Berlin, Mainz and Dresden are also involved. The study is funded by the BMBF.

Co-operations

In Ulm, the study is being conducted in close co-operation between the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy and the Institute of Psychology, Department of Clinical & Biological Psychology. Patients are recruited and treated for the study in both institutions.

Study management Ulm

Profilbild von em. Prof. Dr. phil. Jörn von Wietersheim

em. Prof. Dr. phil. Jörn von Wietersheim

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Ärztlicher Direktor der Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie

Prof Dr Iris-Tatjana Kolassa

Head of the Department of Clinical &
Biological Psychology
University of Ulm

EPSS (Effects of Pets on Social Stress)

Chronic psychosocial stress is a major burden of modern life and poses a clear risk factor for a plethora of somatic and affective disorders, of which most are associated with an activated immune status and chronic low-grade inflammation. Given that many of these disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are further associated with decreases in regulatory T cells (Treg), it is likely that a failure of immunoregulation promotes an over-reacting of the inflammatory stress responses and, thus, predisposes an individual to develop stress-related disorders in general, and PTSD in particular. Importantly, adverse consequences of psychological stress/traumatisation during adulthood on mental health vary strongly between individuals, with some individuals being more resilient than others. Given the above detailed link between an over-reacting inflammatory stress/trauma response and the development of stress-associated disorders including PTSD, all genetic and environmental factors facilitating an adult's immune (re-) activity are, therefore, likely to increase their stress/trauma vulnerability. In line with the hypothesis that one such factor is early life adversity, psychosocial stress has been shown repeatedly to activate peripheral inflammatory pathways, and to do so more robustly in people with histories of early life abuse and/or neglect who are also at significantly heightened risk for PTSD development in response to trauma exposure in adult life. Importantly, we have further shown in male mice that immunoregulation induced by repeated preimmunisation (s.c.) with a heat-killed preparation of Mycobacterium vaccae (National Collection of Type Cultures (NCTC) 11659), an abundant soil saprophyte with immunoregulatory properties, was able to prevent stress-induced anxiety, spontaneous colitis, and aggravation of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis, a murine model of inflammatory bowel disease. As own unpublished preliminary mouse data presented in this grant proposal further indicate that early life adversity (=first hit) has negative behavioural consequences and increases the vulnerability to chronic stress during adulthood (=second hit) in a sex dependent manner and that these negative stress effects can be ameliorated/prevented by repeated s.c. M. vaccae administrations, we in the current proposal will investigate the detailed mechanisms (Treg counts and functionality, brain microglia activation and IL-4 signalling, peripheral and central parasympathetic anti-inflammatory reflex activity, role of intestinal microbiome) underlying both the negative stress consequences and the protective effects of M. vaccae. Together, these studies may help to develop novel therapeutic approaches, specifically the use of biological immunomodulators with immunoregulatory potential, to attenuate or prevent long-term adverse consequences of multiple psychosocial stressors occurring at different phases of life.

Literature

Veenema, Reber et al, 2008 Endocrinology; Reber et al, 2016 PNAS; Lowry et al, 2016 Cur Environmental Health Rep; Amoroso et al, 2019, 2020 BBI; Amoroso et al, 2021 Int J Mol Sci.

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Head of Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics

Funding

German Research Foundation, RE 2911/21-1

egePan
Development, testing and implementation of regionally adaptive care structures and processes for evidence-led pandemic management coordinated by university medicine"
Project description

The "egePan" network is establishing a national pandemic management system to be able to recognise and treat COVID-19 patients even faster and better in future, prevent infections and be prepared for future pandemics. The aim is to monitor local outbreaks and assess them in the context of the overall German and European situation. The network brings together and analyses action plans, diagnostic and treatment strategies of the university hospitals and develops and evaluates concepts.

The overarching objectives are to ensure adequate resource management within the regions and to safeguard the healthcare system's ability to act in the face of rising infection rates and growing numbers of patients requiring hospitalisation. Maintaining or restoring the ability to work and the physical and mental health of medical staff is a key prerequisite for successfully coping with the Covid-19 pandemic and possible future pandemics. The EVIPan project therefore aims to safeguard the health of medical staff during the pandemic. The VOICE sub-project, a collaboration between the university hospitals in Ulm, Erlangen, Bonn, Cologne and Dresden, has recently completed the fourth web-based survey wave on mental stress, work stress, health and personal resources of medical staff.

Project management Ulm site

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Petra Beschoner

Prof. Dr. med. Petra Beschoner

Fachärztin für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie | Fachärztin für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie | Leiterin Verhaltenstherapeutische Behandlungsgruppe

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. Lucia Jerg-Bretzke

Prof. Dr. Lucia Jerg-Bretzke

FEEL test
Facially Expressed Emotion Labelling Test (FEEL test)
Project description

The FEEL test (short for Facially Expressed Emotion Labelling) was developed in the Medical Psychology Section of the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at Ulm University Hospital in order to recognise the ability of emotional facial expressions (Kessler, Bayerl, Deighton & Traue, 2002).

The emotions shown are based on the so-called basic emotions according to Paul Ekman (joy, sadness, disgust, fear, surprise, anger). Basic emotions are shown to the test subjects on a desktop and are to be recognised with a mouse click; the recognition rate and reaction time are of relevance here. It is possible to implement different image data sets in the FEEL test.

If you are interested in using the FEEL test empirically, please contact steffen.walter@uni-ulm.de.

Selected literature
  1. Lazaro E, Amayra I, Lopez-Paz JF, Martinez O, Perez M, Berrocoso S, et al. Instrument for Assessing the Ability to Identify Emotional Facial Expressions in Healthy Children and in Children With ADHD: The FEEL Test. Journal of attention disorders. 2019 Apr;23(6):563-9

  2. Crönlein T, Langguth B, Eichhammer P, Busch V. Impaired recognition of facially expressed emotions in different groups of patients with sleep disorders. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(4):1-9;

  3. Rukavina S, Gruss S, Hoffmann H, Tan J-W, Walter S, Traue HC. Affective computing and the impact of gender and age. PLoS ONE. 2016;11(3);

  4. Kliegl KM, Limbrecht-Ecklundt K, Dürr L, Traue HC, Huckauf A. The complex duration perception of emotional faces: effects of face direction. Frontiers in Psychology [Internet]. 2015;6:262. Available from: https://www.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00262

  5. Jongen S, Axmacher N, Kremers NAW, Hoffmann H, Limbrecht-Ecklundt K, Traue HC, et al. An investigation of facial emotion recognition impairments in alexithymia and its neural correlates. Behavioural brain research. 2014 Sep;271:129-39

  6. Hoffmann H, Traue HC, Bachmayr F, Kessler H. Perceived realism of dynamic facial expressions of emotion: Optimal durations for the presentation of emotional onsets and offsets. Cognition and Emotion [Internet]. 2010 Dec 1;24(8):1369-76. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1080/02699930903417855

  7. Braun M, Traue HC, Frisch S, Deighton RM, Kessler H. Emotion recognition in stroke patients with left and right hemispheric lesion: results with a new instrument-the FEEL Test. Brain and cognition. 2005 Jul;58(2):193-201;

  8. Kessler H, Bayerl P, Deighton RM, Traue HC. Facially Expressed Emotion Labelling (FEEL): PC-based test for emotion recognition. [Facially Expressed Emotion Labelling (FEEL): A computer-based test for emotion recognition.] Behaviour Therapy & Behavioural Medicine. 2002;23(3):297-306.

Project coordination
feelBack
Networked, digital, patient-related feedback in psycho-oncology
Project description

Cancer is associated with a variety of stresses and strains. According to the National Cancer Plan, all cancer patients and their relatives should receive needs-based, psycho-oncological care. Regular screening for psychosocial stress across all relevant treatment sectors is prescribed to determine individual care needs. So far, actual implementation has fallen short of these goals.
The feelBack project aims to establish digital stress screening instead of the paper questionnaires used to date. In addition to structuring the survey processes more effectively, this also makes it possible to avoid data loss and could contribute to increasing the screening rate (e.g. by making it available as an app on mobile devices). In the future, digitalisation processes in this area could sustainably improve sectoral networking in psycho-oncological care, e.g. through targeted, patient-determined data transfer between treatment centres. Finally, research areas and centre certifications could benefit from the greater availability of structured data.
As part of a randomised controlled pilot study, the feasibility and acceptance of a digital stress screening was examined in direct comparison to the standard paper questionnaire. In addition, the survey was used to determine the respondents' interest in and acceptance of a cross-sectoral data exchange of screening results. From May to November 2020, 60 people seeking advice at the outpatient psychosocial cancer counselling centre in Ulm were included in the survey. Since August 2021, the survey has been expanded to include a further 90 inpatients treated at Ulm University Hospital (Internal Medicine I). The digital application is based on the feelBack app developed as part of the project, which contains the validated and internationally recognised Distress Thermometer*.
Work on the feelBack project will continue via a cost-neutral extension. The aim is to publish the extended results. In addition, the challenges with regard to the desired interfaces will be addressed so that cross-sectoral summarisation of data can be implemented in real care. In addition, further optimisations in the area of user-friendliness and systematisation of the feelBack app will be undertaken.


* NCCN 1.2005 Distress Management Guideline. National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

Publications

Schobel, J., Volz, M., Hörner, K., Kuhn, P., Jobst, F., Schwab, J. D., Ikonomi, N., Werle, S. D., Fürstberger, A., Hoenig, K., Kestler, H. A. (2021). Supporting Medical Staff from Psycho-Oncology with Smart Mobile Devices: Insights into the Development Process and First Results. MDPI International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18, 5092. https:// doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18105092

Internal stakeholders

CCCU - Comprehensive Cancer Centre Ulm, Dr Peter Kuhn, Head of Clinical Cancer Registry

Franz Jobst, Head of Strategic IT Development, Ulm University Hospital

Centre for Information and Communication (ZIK), Department of University Medicine Ulm

External participants

Biberach Health Department, Dr Monika Spannenkrebs, Head of Department

AOK - The health insurance company Ulm-Biberach

Project management

Prof Dr Hans Kestler,
Head of the Institute for Medical Systems Biology,
University of Ulm

Study management
Profilbild von Dr. Klaus Hönig

Dr. Klaus Hönig

Psychologischer Psychotherapeut | Leiter Konsiliar- und Liaisonpsychosomatik

Runtime

11/2018 - 12/2022

FRIAA
Early intervention in the workplace for employees with mental health issues
Project description

The Early Intervention in the Workplace (friaa) project is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF, funding code: BMBF-01GX1902A) and will be realised over a period of 4 years.

A total of 8 co-operation partners throughout Germany are involved in the friaa project, with the project being coordinated at the Ulm site. The aim of friaa is to develop and manualise a modularised work-related psychotherapeutic intervention as a first step.

The aim of the intervention is to reach employees with psychological stress as early as possible in order to provide them with work-related psychotherapy. One aim of work-related psychotherapy is, if possible, to ensure that they remain in employment or to facilitate their return to work. In addition to the extraordinarily early intervention, a special feature is the networking of prevention, acute care and rehabilitation for the care of mentally ill employees.

The intervention is being carried out at five locations (Berlin/Teltow, Düsseldorf, Erlangen, Hildesheim and Ulm). The intervention will be publicised via various regional networks, such as chambers of industry and commerce and company doctors. A total of almost 520 people from small, medium-sized and large companies from as many different sectors as possible are to be recruited to take part in the intervention. The Institute of Medical Biometry and Informatics at Heidelberg University Hospital will act as a co-operation partner to ensure compliance with the highest standards of clinical studies. In addition to the clinical evaluation of the intervention, a health economic evaluation of the intervention will be carried out by the Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II (Günzburg/Ulm), as well as a formative evaluation by the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA, Berlin).

Co-operation partner
  • Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy II, Günzburg

  • Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine at the University of Düsseldorf

  • Department of Psychosomatics and Behavioural Therapy, Seehof Rehabilitation Centre and Psychosomatic Rehabilitation Research Group at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin

  • Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Berlin

  • Institute of Psychology at the University of Hildesheim

  • Institute for Medical Biometry and Informatics at the University of Heidelberg

  • Psychosomatic and Psychotherapeutic Department of the University Hospital Erlangen

Project management Ulm
Profilbild von PD Dr. med. Eva Rothermund-Nassir

PD Dr. med. Eva Rothermund-Nassir

Leitende Oberärztin | Fachärztin für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Ärztlicher Direktor der Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie

Runtime

2020 - 2024

HelpingParentsMinds

Co-Design eines mentalisierungsbasierten Smartphonespiel-Prototypen für belastete Eltern

HypRa
Promoting the quality of life of tumour patients through hypnosystemic resource activation - a short-term programme to strengthen their own resources
Project description

Oncological patients (N = 60) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment arms
HTI (Hypnosystemic Interventions) vs CBI (Cognitive-Behavioural Interventions), each with three individual sessions or a waiting group. The participants in the HTI group learnt how to use individual inner mental images to activate resources via self-hypnosis, while the participants in the CBI group learnt supportive methods for mindfulness and self-care via psychoeducation. During the waiting period, the patients in the waiting group were cared for as usual (CAU). Changes in dealing with stress and anxiety were evaluated at three measurement points using standardised questionnaires. The extent of psychosocial stress and the ability to cope with stress were analysed using linear regression models with mixed effects at several levels, including diagnosis and duration of illness. The initial results indicate that the short-term programme makes an effective contribution to the psychosomatic support of tumour patients and can be integrated into medical oncological therapy at a low threshold. The catamnestic data is currently being analysed. A workshop report entitled "What can we achieve in three sessions?" was published in the journal Suggestions 2019. A publication in an international journal for psychosomatics and a manualisation are in preparation.

Aim of the study

In order to improve the quality of life of tumour patients and strengthen their individual ability to cope with the disease, a short-term psycho-oncological programme was developed and evaluated to provide support during outpatient medical therapy in the day clinic.

Study management
Profilbild von Dr. Klaus Hönig

Dr. Klaus Hönig

Psychologischer Psychotherapeut | Leiter Konsiliar- und Liaisonpsychosomatik

Profilbild von Dr. Marc Jarczok

Dr. Marc Jarczok

Leiter Methodik

Profilbild von M.Sc. Daniela Bodschwinna

M.Sc. Daniela Bodschwinna

Runtime

2017 - 2021

in co-operation with

the CCCU,
of the Clinic for Internal Medicine III and the
Clinic for Gynaecology and Obstetrics
at Ulm University Hospital


Partial funding:
German Society for Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy e.V

(Intercultural) emotional experience and interoception through art therapy
Project description

In this study, a new art therapy intervention, "Figurative focussing - body maps of feelings", will be investigated. This art-therapeutic body image work provides insights into the connections between emotional experience and physical reactions. It is an effective method of linking physical well-being with emotional feelings.
The concept of interoception analysed in the study describes the ability to perceive, interpret, integrate and regulate internal body signals and their processing. It is strongly linked to aspects of physical and mental health. There are correlations with different health-related variables (e.g. stress), emotions and various mental illnesses.

The study is intended to be a first step in investigating the change in interoceptive abilities and the experience of emotions through the art therapy intervention "Figurative Focusing - Body Maps of Emotions". Furthermore, emotional and possibly neurological processes are to be analysed in order to improve the treatment of mental illnesses with the help of art therapy measures.

In the further course of the project, this study is to be expanded interculturally and carried out in Vietnam in order to explore differences and similarities.

Co-operation partner
  • Faculty of Psychology, University of Social Sciences and Humanities in Ho Chi Minh City, under the direction of Le Thi Mai Lien, Ph.D. (Applied Psychology Research Group)
  • Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Ulm under the direction of Prof. Dr Dr Olga Pollatos
  • IKT Institute for Art and Therapy Munich under the direction of Alexandra Danner-Weinberger

Project management

Profilbild von  Alexandra Danner-Weinberger

Alexandra Danner-Weinberger

Kunsttherapeutin

Profilbild von M.Sc.-Psych. Thu Vu

M.Sc.-Psych. Thu Vu

Psychologin

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Ärztlicher Direktor der Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie

Promotion

Prof. hc. Dr hc. Rudolf Kurz Foundation

IPS Pilot
Project description

Since January 2023, the multicentre research project IPS-Pilot has been conducted under the direction of Prof. Harald Gündel, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy. The project is dedicated to integrated psychosocial support for staff, patients and relatives in intensive care units (IPS-Pilot for short). At the Ulm site, the intervention is taking place in cooperation with the Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine (Prof. Bettina Jungwirth).
The project consortium is made up of three sites; in addition to Ulm, these are the Medical Clinic with a focus on psychosomatics at Charité Berlin (Prof. Rose) and the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (Prof. Junne) at Magdeburg University Hospital. The Institute for Social Medicine and Health Systems Research at the Medical Faculty of the University of Magdeburg (Prof Apfelbacher) is providing methodological support for the project.

In the IPS pilot project, we are working with healthcare professionals, relatives and patients to develop integrated psychosocial care (central intervention components: Psychological psychotherapist as a team member of an intensive care unit, supervisions, health circles). To this end, findings on needs, expected benefits and necessary framework conditions for implementation are first collected in a structured manner from all those affected. The specific intervention concept is then developed using creative and team-orientated methods with all stakeholders. This development is based on theories about the promotion of resources and the effectiveness of an employee-friendly psychosocial safety climate. The subsequent feasibility study will be conducted as a circumscribed scientific pilot study (RCT) on 8 intensive care units. The central endpoints are the psychosocial safety climate, well-being and intention to change, as assessed by healthcare professionals. In the course of this pilot study, it will be assessed whether a later, larger, so-called effectiveness study would also be accepted by those affected and is realistically feasible. Qualitative interviews and field notes will be used to gain further insights into the strengths and weaknesses of our approach.

Consortium partners
  • Prof. Dr Matthias Rose - Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Medical Clinic specialising in Psychosomatics

  • Prof Dr Florian Junne - University Medicine Magdeburg, University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy

  • Prof Dr Christian Apfelbacher - Institute for Social Medicine and Health Systems Research, Faculty of Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg

Study management
Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Ärztlicher Direktor der Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie

Profilbild von Dr. Klaus Hönig

Dr. Klaus Hönig

Psychologischer Psychotherapeut | Leiter Konsiliar- und Liaisonpsychosomatik

Profilbild von M.Sc. Psych. Sophie Nickel

M.Sc. Psych. Sophie Nickel

wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin

Runtime

01.01.2023 - 31.12.2025

Funding through:
Immunoregulatory approaches to promote stress resistance

It is the major aim of this Project, in collaboration with the labs of Prof. Dr. Christopher Lowry (University of Colorado, Boulder, USA) and Prof. Dr. Steffen Stenger (Department of Medical Microbiology and Hygiene, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany) to promote resilience against stress-related somatic and affective pathologies by treating mice either prior to or following/during stress/psychosocial trauma exposure with a heat-killed preparation of immunoregulatory "old friends from mud and soil", including Mycobacterium vaccae NCTC 11659, M. vaccaeATCC15483typestrain, and to combine this with various ex vivo and in vitro approaches to reveal the underlying mechanisms.

Major findings so far:

-Preparations of M. vaccae, regardless of their administration route, have stressprotective properties in male mice.

-Preparations of various rapid growing mycobacteria (RGM) promote immunoregulation in vitro.

-Preparations of M. vaccae promote active stress coping in male mice.

-Preparations of M. vaccae have anxiolytic effects, and prevent development of spontaneous and aggravation of chemically-induced colitis in male mice.

-Effects of M. vaccae on anxiety and colitis in male mice, but not on "stress coping", were mediated via Treg cell induction.

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Stefan Reber

Head of Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics

Funding

Office of Naval Research Global, N00014-17-S-B001; Grant12274897(M. vaccae) & intramural funding (other RGMs)

Literature

Reber et al, 2016 PNAS; Lowry et al, 2016 Cur Environmental Health Rep; Amoroso et al, 2019, 2020 BBI; Amoroso et al, 2021 Int J Mol Sci.

LOUISA
Learning model for multidimensional quantitative motion analysis
Project description

Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the main risks of illness in the workplace and often result in chronic pain, which significantly restricts the quality of life of those affected and can even lead to incapacity for work. These illnesses accounted for 21.8 per cent of sick leave and caused the most absences from work with 326.9 days of incapacity to work per 100 insured persons. Due to this prevalence, these forms of illness place a considerable burden not only on the individual's medical history but also on the healthcare solidarity systems. According to the Federal Statistical Office, the costs caused by musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders (M00-M99) totalled around EUR 34.2 billion in Germany in 2015. The most important causes include back disorders (M54), disc damage (M51), shoulder lesions (M75) and internal damage to the knee joint (M23). According to the WHO, the most common cause of back pain is lack of exercise and persistent one-sided physical strain or incorrect loading.

In line with the ecosystem concept, diseases of the musculoskeletal system have an influence

  • on the individual and their quality of life as well as their opportunity for biographical self-realisation.
  • on the individual as an employee, their employment history and the opportunity to identify with their gainful employment and experience social esteem.
  • the individual company and its planning security.
  • to the healthcare provider and their options for evaluating the individual illness or therapy measure.
  • Health insurance and its ability to assess the risk of the disease occurring.
  • the solidarity-based health insurance system and its ability to distribute healthcare resources fairly.
  • Medical research and its ability to conduct prevention research and therapy evaluation using valid and anonymised large data sets.

All participants in this ecosystem have a major interest in ensuring that musculoskeletal disorders do not occur. However, due to mutual transparency and trust deficits, there is no common approach that enables collective action in this complex socio-economic process.

The LOUISA joint project is tackling this problem, researching, developing and validating a learning model for multidimensional quantitative movement analysis. Innovations are

  • a quantitative movement score that is accepted as an intersubjectively understandable and practicable measure by all participants in the ecosystem.
  • the recognition and prediction of risk factors through intuitive 2D camera movement self-analysis corresponding to the human senses and automatic muscle tone and pain recognition that can be expanded by the user in a self-determined manner.
  • a defined adaptation process for future innovative sensor channels.
The advantages

In line with the concept of prevention, LOUISA enables people to engage in uncomplicated and low-threshold medical prevention with regard to musculoskeletal disorders directly at the workplace (see Section 20 SGB V Primary prevention and health promotion). LOUISA creates trust and acceptance among all those involved in the ecosystem through a combination of effectiveness and transparency. LOUISA supports companies, organisations and health insurance companies as part of occupational health management (see § 20b SGB V Workplace Health Promotion). LOUISA can also be used in medicine or physiotherapy as a validated measurement method using pre- and post-test procedures. The comparability of the determined movement score significantly supports the selection of suitable therapeutic measures or methods by the doctor or therapist. LOUISA can also be used to monitor the course of therapy.

Success of the project

The project is successful,

  • if we can make a statement about the accuracy of the individual sensor channels in recognising and predicting risk factors.
  • if we can make a statement about the effort and performance of the defined adaptation process for future innovative sensor channels.

if the model can be applied safely, practicably and confidently in the defined ecosystem (employees, employers, healthcare providers, health insurers, reinsurers). Possible ethical, legal and social implications have been researched and validated. Nothing stands in the way of certification within the framework of workplace health promotion (BGF) in accordance with § 20b SGB V (German Social Security Code, Book V) and reimbursement by health insurance companies

Partner
  • Frank Weber, AIMO GmbH

  • Welf Löwe, Department of Computer Science and Media Technology, Linnaeus University, Sweden

  • Wulf Loh, International Centre for Ethics in the Sciences and Humanities, University of Tübingen

The goal

An individual's well-being is inextricably linked to their physical health. LOUISA's aim is to motivate people in the workplace to actively maintain, improve and safeguard their health and quality of life.

Topics addressed

The LOUISA joint project addresses the topic of "Healthy living - prevention through technical companions" in the "KMU Innovativ: Mensch-Technik-Interaktion" funding programme, in particular "motivating people to exercise or generally healthy behaviour through appealing visualisation and comparability".[1]

LOUISA as a learning model with a dynamic adaptation process is a technology for prevention. It combines human-technology interaction (smartphone with a mobile 2D camera scan, pain and muscle tone measurement, feedback and therapy suggestions) with machine learning and biosensor technology. The technology learns from and with people without constantly monitoring them. LOUISA is easily accessible, user-friendly, motivates intuitive use, strengthens patient autonomy and personal responsibility for health and thus places people, their quality of life and work biographical potential at the centre.

Project coordination
Runtime

08/2020 - 07/2023

Promotion

VDI/ VDE - BMBF

MaGnet

Ist ambulante Mentalisierungsbasierte Therapie (MBT) effektiver im Vergleich zu einer Bona- Fide-Therapie mit Richtlinienpsychotherapie (BFT) in Deutschland für Patienten mit einer Borderline Persönlichkeitsstörung?

Projektbeschreibung

Die Borderline Persönlichkeitsstörung (BPS) ist eine schwere psychische Störung, die mit hohen Belastungen verbunden ist. Obwohl in den letzten Jahren eine Reihe vielversprechender Therapien entwickelt wurden, besteht eine hohe Notwendigkeit, die Versorgungssituation dieser Patientengruppe weiter zu verbessern. Die MaGnet-Studie untersucht die Wirksamkeit von Mentalisierungsbasierter Therapie (MBT) bei Patienten mit BPS im Vergleich zur besten aktuell verfügbaren Richtlinienpsychotherapie
(„Bona Fide Treatment“, BFT) in ambulanter Behandlung. In die Studie
werden männliche und weibliche Patienten mit der Finanzierung Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).

Diagnose BPS eingeschlossen, die zwischen 18-65 Jahre alt sind und selbstverletzendes Verhalten oder Suizidversuche in den letzten zwei Jahren aufweisen, wobei das letzte Ereignis nicht länger als sechs Monate zurückliegt.
In fünf Rekrutierungszentren in Deutschland werden N=544 BPS Patienten auf die Einschlusskriterien untersucht und beim Vorliegen der Kriterien und
einem informierten Einverständnis in einen der beiden Therapiearme
randomisiert. Die Behandlung mit MBT ist auf12 Monate angelegt, BFT kann länger oder kürzer sein. Die Intent-to-treat Stichprobe ist auf 304
Patienten berechnet. Der primäre Endpunkt nach 12 Monaten Follow-Up und erfasst die Anzahl an Krisenereignissen in Bezug auf suizidales und
selbstverletzendes Verhalten. Sekundäre Zielkriterien, die untersucht werden, sind Kosteneffektivität, Schwereder BPS- und anderer psychiatrischer Symptome, allgemeines und interpersonales Funktionsniveau, Lebensqualität, Veränderung der Medikation und
Therapieabbruch. Ziel der Studie ist die experimentelle Testung der
Effektivität der MBT als eine innovative BPS-spezifische und
kosteneffektive Behandlungsmethode.

Bei Interesse oder Fragen zur Teilnahme melden Sie sich gerne über die
Studien-Emailadresse: Magnet.Studie@uniklinik-ulm.de

Projektkoordination /-leitung

Prof. Dr. Jana Volkert
Prof. Dr. Harald Gündel

Mitarbeiter

M.Sc. Psych. Ellen Wolff

Finanzierung

Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)

Projekt Homepage

Laufzeit

2023 - 2028

Flyer für interessierte Patient*innen

Flyer für interessierte Therapeut*innen

Multimodal automated pain detection
Project description

The objective assessment of subjectively experienced multidimensional pain is a problem that has not yet been adequately solved(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuWHpMR2a9Y). Especially in clinical pain measurement, verbal methods (pain scales, questionnaires) and visual analogue scales are common, but these are not very reliable and valid in mentally impaired people. Expressive expressions of pain and/or psychobiological parameters can offer a solution. Such coding systems exist, but they involve a great deal of effort or have not been sufficiently evaluated in terms of test theory. Test subjects are exposed to painful stimuli under controlled conditions and mimic and psychobiological parameters are recorded(http://www.iikt.ovgu.de/BioVid.html). Based on psychobiological, video-based (facial expressions, gestures) and prosodic data, pain-relevant characteristics are to be identified and an automatic system developed with which pain can be measured qualitatively and quantitatively(https://www.jove.com/t/59057?language=German).

Partner
  • Eberhard Barth, Clinic for Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Ulm University Hospital

  • Ayoub Al-Hamadi & Philipp Werner, IIKT, University of Magdeburg

  • Oliver Wilhelm and Mattis Geiger, Differential Psychology and Psychological Diagnostics, University of Ulm

  • Adriano Andrade, Biomedical Engineering Laboratory (BioLab), Federal University of Uberlandia, Brazil

  • Friedhelm Schwenker, Institute for Neuroinformatics, University of Ulm

  • Magrit-Ann Geibel, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Ulm University Hospital

Project coordination
Profilbild von Dr. Sascha Gruss

Dr. Sascha Gruss

Runtime

2012 - 2020

PartnerCARE
Psycho-oncological online training for partners of people with cancer
Project description

Cancer is not only a great burden for the patient themselves, but also for their relatives. The partner, who is the patient's most important resource, is particularly affected. Cancer confronts the partner with a multitude of new tasks and far-reaching adjustments. This demanding support service and their own everyday tasks mean that many partners feel overwhelmed and report psychological problems. However, the existing support services for relatives of cancer patients are rarely utilised by the partners.

As part of this research project, an online psycho-oncological intervention for partners of cancer patients is being developed and its effectiveness tested. The online intervention is based on elements of cognitive behavioural therapy and specific psycho-oncology content. It consists of six weekly lessons, four optional additional lessons and a refresher lesson. Each lesson is accompanied by feedback from a therapist. The partner also has the option of using an SMS coach.

The aim of the intervention is to reduce psychological stress, such as depression and anxiety, as well as to improve the partner's quality of life. Because it is independent of time and place, an online intervention is particularly suitable for partners of cancer patients who have a busy schedule. In addition, the online intervention lowers the threshold of utilisation for stressed partners who make less use of conventional face-to-face therapies (e.g. male partners).

Feasibility and acceptance check

A randomised controlled feasibility study was conducted from 04/2019 to 07/2020 to investigate the feasibility and acceptance of the PartnerCARE online training. 60 partners were randomly assigned to the training group (direct access to PartnerCARE) and the waiting list group (access to PartnerCARE after a 4-month waiting period). Online questionnaires were completed at three time points (baseline (T0), 2 months (T1) and 4 months (T2) after randomisation). The study showed good feasibility and high acceptance of the training (73.3% completed the training, positive individual feedback from participants). In addition, there were initial promising trends with regard to the effectiveness of the training. Detailed information on this can be found in the publications Bodschwinna et al. (2022a) and Bodschwinna et al. (2022b).

Further development of the PartnerCARE online training programme (term: 11/20-10/21)

The findings of the pilot study will be used to improve the content of the PartnerCARE training programme and make it more attractive and interactive for participants. To this end, whiteboard videos will be created and exemplary dialogue situations between partner and patient will be filmed and incorporated into the online training.

Planned effectiveness study of PartnerCARE 2.0

The PartnerCARE online training course has undergone a feasibility and acceptance test and was subsequently optimised in the further development phase to PartnerCARE 2.0. There are now plans to investigate the effectiveness of PartnerCARE in a randomised controlled effectiveness study.

PartnerCARE is a cooperation project between the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy (Ulm University Hospital), the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Ulm and the Psychosocial Cancer Counselling Centre Ulm with the Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy (Ulm University).

Publications

Bodschwinna D., Lorenz I., Bauereiss N., et al. PartnerCARE-a psycho-oncological online intervention for partners of patients with cancer: study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial. BMJ Open 2020;10:e035599. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035599 https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/10/10/e035599

Helmut Wölte Prize 2021 for the PartnerCARE online training programme

M.Sc. Daniela Bodschwinna has been awarded the Helmut Wölte Prize 2021 for the PartnerCARE project. https://helmut-woelte-stiftung.de/

PartnerCARE is a psycho-oncological online training programme for partners of cancer patients. The project is a collaboration between the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at Ulm University Hospital and the Department of Clinical Psychology at Ulm University with the Comprehensive Cancer Centre Ulm (CCCU) under the direction of Dr Klaus Hönig and Prof Dr Harald Baumeister. The innovative online training programme provides partners of people with cancer with a low-threshold and flexible offer of psychosocial support. The results of the project will help to close the gap in psychosocial care for relatives of cancer patients in the long term.

The PartnerCARE online training programme has undergone a feasibility and acceptance test and is currently in the further development phase. In the coming year, the effectiveness of PartnerCARE is to be investigated in a randomised controlled effectiveness study.

Study Director University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy Ulm
Profilbild von Dr. Klaus Hönig

Dr. Klaus Hönig

Psychologischer Psychotherapeut | Leiter Konsiliar- und Liaisonpsychosomatik

Profilbild von M.Sc. Daniela Bodschwinna

M.Sc. Daniela Bodschwinna

Profilbild von M.Sc. Katarina Schmauder

M.Sc. Katarina Schmauder

Psychologische Psychotherapeutin

Runtime

2017 - ongoing

Promotion of the sub-project

This sub-project is funded by the Baden-Württemberg Cancer Association.

Study Director University of Ulm, Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

Prof Dr Harald Baumeister

Note: Recruitment for the pilot study has now been completed
, so PartnerCARE
is not currently available

PULS
Project description

Officers in the police service are exposed to extraordinary mental stress due to their socially important duties such as hazard prevention, protection and law enforcement. This demands a high degree of resilience and personal skills that need to be maintained and strengthened.

For this reason, the Ulm Police Headquarters, Ulm University Hospital and the Deutsche Traumastiftung e.V. (German Trauma Foundation ) have collaborated on a research project to develop ways of preventing trauma-related stress in the police service. Our common goal is to define preventative measures that enable police officers to deal with incisive and stressful experiences during their police service in a healthy manner. Maintaining the ability to work while minimising absences, especially during periods of high workload, is the common long-term goal, for which this research project to record the current situation is the first building block.

Project management

Profilbild von Dr. Marc Jarczok

Dr. Marc Jarczok

Leiter Methodik

Profilbild von M.Sc. Christine Schillings

M.Sc. Christine Schillings

Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin

Running time:

12/2020 - 03/2023

Registration:
PsyLoCo
Psychosocial needs of patients with Long COVID
Project description

Many patients with long/post COVID continue to suffer from symptoms weeks or months after their illness. To date, there is little scientific knowledge about long/post COVID and how those affected can be helped in the best possible way.

The project, funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (funding code: 01EP2107A), aims to develop the scientific knowledge available to date on the late symptoms of COVID-19 and to use this to improve care for those affected.

Contact: long.covid@uniklinik-ulm.de

PsyLoCo comprises a total of four sub-projects:

1. analysis of existing cohort data
The study is based on data from two groups of people who have already been studied. The data contains information on COVID-19 in general and Long-COVID in particular. The Corona Cohort Stuttgart Study (CoKoS) was launched in spring 2020, while the DigiHero cohort in Halle (Saale) was initiated in January 2021 as a digital "multi-purpose platform". The two population-based COVID cohorts are analysed and evaluated in a targeted manner. A special focus is on the occurrence of long-COVID symptoms.

2. writing a review
A detailed and systematic search is carried out in various scientific databases. The results of the research are summarised in a review. This should provide an overview of the symptoms suffered by those affected and the extent to which they differ from other population groups.

3. interview study
The individual complaints associated with long/post COVID are recorded in dialogue with those affected and members of a patient council. In addition to the symptoms, the personal burdens are also enquired about. A particular focus here is on the psychosocial needs of those affected as well as support options for dealing with the disease. This process is supplemented by a series of interviews conducted with patients. The data obtained in this way provides the basis for a psychotherapeutic therapy manual that is specifically designed for long-term/post-COVID treatment.

4. therapy study
The centrepiece of the project is the development of a therapy manual that is geared towards the individual psychosocial needs of those affected by long/post COVID. The aim is to improve outpatient care and rehabilitation. The treatment is designed as a 12-hour short-term therapy programme. One session per week takes place in an individual setting.

The content covers a total of 4 areas (modules):
- Coping strategies and distress management
- Dealing with persistent physical complaints and pain symptoms
- Treatment of affective symptoms and chronic fatigue
- Long-term/post-COVID in the areas of social and working life

Co-operations
  • Dr Christine Allwang, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Klinikum rechts der Isar, TU Munich
  • Prof. Dr Florian Junne, University Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Magdeburg University Hospital
  • Prof. Dr Rafael Mikolajczyk, Institute of Medical Epidemiology, Biometry and Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg
  • Prof. Dr rer. nat. Katrin Giel, Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Tübingen
  • Prof. Dr rer. nat. Peter Martus, Institute for Clinical Epidemiology and Applied Biometry, University Hospital Tübingen
  • Prof. Dr Claas Lahmann, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Freiburg University Medical Centre

Project management Ulm site

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Ärztlicher Direktor der Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie

Profilbild von  Lisa Wedekind

Lisa Wedekind

Psychologische Psychotherapeutin

Start:

01.01.2022

SEEGEN
Research network: "Mental health in the hospital workplace" SEEGEN
Project description

Health, the development and progression of illnesses are determined by very different factors. The professional environment in particular shapes a large number of these factors, both in a positive sense, such as the opportunity to experience recognition, to be creative and productive, to establish social contacts and to use them as a resource for coping with stressful situations. But also in a negative sense, for example when the modern, condensed world of work consisting of diverse demands creates feelings of excessive demands or alienation. However, especially in the diverse working areas of hospitals and clinics, which have undergone enormous change in recent decades, particularly in terms of working conditions, for example due to cost-cutting measures, there is a lack of systematic occupational health management that can favourably influence the various factors at different levels.

Target:

The aim of this two-stage collaborative project is to develop a complex intervention based on behavioural and behavioural prevention measures, test its effectiveness and put it into practice.

Procedure:

In Phase I (2 years), the following five intervention modules (sub-projects 1.A-E) will be developed individually, evaluated differently depending on the format and study situation, and strategies for their subsequent implementation will be tested:

Sub-project 1.A: Sensitisation of senior managers (chief physicians and nursing area managers) for occupational health management in the clinic, sub-project located at the Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf - Centre for Health and Society (CHS) - Institute for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, project management: PD. Dr A. Müller

Sub-project 1.B Ways out of dilemmas that cause illness - dilemma competence for middle managers in the healthcare sector. Sub-project located at the University Hospital of Heidelberg University, Centre for Psychosocial Medicine (ZPM), Institute for Medical Psychology, project management: Prof. Dr J. Schweitzer-Rothers

Sub-project 1.C Strengthening the relationship-preventive and interprofessional leadership skills of middle managers to reduce the psychological stress of their employees in hospital; sub-project located at the Medical University Hospital Tübingen, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, project management: Dr F. Junne

Life-stage-specific interventions in middle and old age:

Sub-project 1.D Improving the compatibility of work and family in hospitals to reduce the psychological stress of those affected and teams, sub-project located at the University Hospital of the University of Ulm, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, project management: Dr Eva Rothermund

Sub-project 1.E Healthy ageing in the nursing profession (GAP) - development and evaluation of an intervention module to promote successful ageing in the profession. Sub-project located at the University Hospital of the Ruprecht-Karls-University Heidelberg, Clinic for General Internal Medicine. Project management: Dr I. Maatouk

Sub-project 2: In Phase II (years 3+4), the participatory implementation of the above-mentioned components into a complex intervention is being carried out at three hospital sites. Their effectiveness in terms of well-being will be evaluated in a cluster-randomised study. The results will be used to produce manuals for future implementation and for discussion at health policy level. Project management Prof Dr Harald Gündel

Sub-project 3: A cross-phase I and II business management sub-project supports the change in the hospitals and develops key figures (e.g. employer attractiveness, productivity) in order to measure the success of behavioural and behavioural prevention measures in terms relevant to decision-makers. Based at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Chair of Business Administration, in particular Organisation and Human Resources. Project management Prof. Dr Stefan Süß

Project coordination
Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Prof. Dr. med. Harald Gündel

Ärztlicher Direktor der Klinik für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie

Runtime

09/2017 - 09/2021

Network partners

University Hospital Ulm, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University Hospital Heidelberg, University Hospital Tübingen

STOP-DM
What psychotherapy do men need: Effects of inpatient depth-psychologically orientated psychotherapy for depressive disorders in men
Project description

The aim of the study is to analyse the effectiveness of inpatient depth psychology-based psychotherapy and individual therapy components in patients with depression. In particular, the differential effectiveness depending on gender will be analysed. It is assumed that men benefit differently from the psychotherapeutic programmes than women. The data will be collected in at least 10 clinics using questionnaires; the surveys will take place at the beginning and end of inpatient treatment and at a catamnesis point 6 months after treatment. In addition, patients will keep a diary during their inpatient treatment in which they will document the individual therapy modules, their duration and their effectiveness. A total of 300 patients are to be included in the study, at least 30 of them from the Psychosomatic Clinic at Ulm University Hospital. Men and women are to be included in a ratio of 2:1.

In the Ulm clinic, the study design was expanded and all patients with depression were approached and recruited for participation, including patients who were treated in a day clinic or in a behavioural therapy setting. A total of 85 patients have been included so far.

The study is partially funded by the Heigl Foundation. The study centre is the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at Düsseldorf University Hospital, project leader Prof. M. Franz, MD.

Study management Ulm
Profilbild von em. Prof. Dr. phil. Jörn von Wietersheim

em. Prof. Dr. phil. Jörn von Wietersheim

SUSTAIN
Specialised post-inpatient outpatient follow-up treatment via video conferencing for sustained stabilisation in anorexia nervosa (SUSTAIN) - a randomised controlled trial
Project description

Anorexia Nervosa (AN) is characterised by severe underweight and high mortality and morbidity rates. Inpatient psychotherapy is successful in terms of initial weight gain, but many patients suffer recurrent relapses shortly after discharge, which are associated with an unfavourable prognosis and frequent chronification of AN.

As part of a multicentre, prospective randomised controlled study, outpatient follow-up treatment is to be investigated in patients with AN following day-clinic or inpatient psychotherapy. The aim is to compare the effectiveness of 20 sessions over 8 months of a new cognitive-behavioural outpatient psychotherapy called SUSTAIN, which is specifically aimed at patients with AN following (partial) inpatient treatment, with conventional outpatient follow-up treatment (optimised treatment as usual, TAU-O). The experimental group receives SUSTAIN psychotherapy mainly in the form of video calls to ensure continuity of treatment by specialised treatment centres. The main target criterion of the study is the difference in weight (BMI) between enrolment in the study (T0) and the end of treatment (T2). Other important questions relate to the change in eating disorder pathology, general psychopathology, weight rehabilitation, the relapse rate and the long-term course of BMI. The cost-effectiveness of the new treatment will also be analysed. In an additional question, biomarkers in the blood (methylation and gene expression) of the patients will also be analysed.

The study centre is the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy at the University Hospital of Tübingen, with Prof. Dr Katrin Giel as project leader. Other participating centres are the Psychosomatic University Clinics in Berlin (Charite), Bochum, Essen, Freiburg, Hanover, Heidelberg, Freiburg and the Roseneck Clinic in Prien/Chiemsee. The study is funded by the BMBF.

Study management Ulm
Profilbild von em. Prof. Dr. phil. Jörn von Wietersheim

em. Prof. Dr. phil. Jörn von Wietersheim

Profilbild von Dr. med. Alexandra Kranzeder

Dr. med. Alexandra Kranzeder

Oberärztin | Fachärztin für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, Fachärztin für Kinder- und Jugendpsychiatrie und Psychotherapie | Teamleiterin

Runtime

11/2020 - 03/2024

VAST study (vagus-stimulating breathing technique in patients with psychosomatic illnesses)
Project description

The VAST study (vagus-stimulating breathing technique in patients with psychosomatic illnesses) is dedicated to an important basic topic: we know from many years of research that the various psychosomatic illnesses are usually accompanied by measurably reduced activity in parts of the autonomic nervous system. The vagus nerve in particular, which as the 10th cranial nerve regulates large parts of physical functions such as the heartbeat or blood pressure, is affected here.

However, the vagus nerve may also play a key role in the regulation of emotions, as it transmits these physical states to our brain, to which a significant part of the development of emotions can be attributed.

Our main aim in this study is to find out whether the additional use of a vagus-stimulating breathing technique leads to an improved ability to regulate emotions.

We are looking for patients with a recommendation for inpatient or daypatient treatment at the Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine who are willing to learn this technique and can use it independently. Our professional study team will accompany you on a weekly basis during the application phase.

You will receive an expense allowance totalling €80 for full participation.

Our commitment to your psychosomatic health is at the centre of our work. If you have any questions or are interested in our study, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Email: vast.studie@uniklinik-ulm.de

Study number: 0173 / 349 02 63

Aim of the study

The main aim of this study is to find out whether the additional use of a vagus-stimulating breathing technique leads to an improved ability to regulate emotions.

Literature

Study management

Profilbild von Dr. Marc Jarczok

Dr. Marc Jarczok

Leiter Methodik

Start of study

11/2023

Co-operation:
Registration:
VERIKOM
Edit "Responsible artificial intelligence in..." on page "VERIKOM
Project description

In the planned project, we want to investigate how doctors and patients react to different AI-mediated communication formats in realistic eHealth scenarios in order to filter out which formats can actually be used responsibly and for the benefit of patients in doctor-patient interaction.

We will design interaction sequences for doctor-patient communication that contain varying degrees of AI (using a Wizard of Oz design) and compare these with real social communication in a doctor-patient interaction. The interaction sequences describe different diagnostic situations and treatment planning under standard conditions, but also under aggravating circumstances (e.g. serious diagnosis, anxiety reaction or expression of suicidal thoughts by the patient). The reaction of the practitioner and the patient will be documented on several levels (self-report, standardised survey using psychobiological measures and video coding) and the different sequences will be compared.

From the findings, we plan to derive recommendations for the use of AI-based techniques in the healthcare sector that take into account the psychological aspects of patients in particularly sensitive situations.

Partner

Beate Ditzen, Johannes Ehrenthal and Julia Mahal, Institute of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital

Project coordination
Runtime

10/2020 - 09/2023

Promotion

Baden-Württemberg Foundation

VOICE
Project description

The current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic is unknown to all of us and is associated with various types of stress, especially for employees in the healthcare sector: Overcrowding of intensive care beds due to COVID-19 patients, vacancies in entire wards and surgeries, uncertainty about the course of the pandemic, fears for one's own health, stress due to the difficult work-life balance and many more.

Various studies show that during epidemics such as SARS or MERS, employees in the healthcare professions are under particular strain and are also extremely vulnerable in terms of their mental health. At the same time, however, many of them also have structural, social and very personal resources from which they draw strength and support.

Our multidisciplinary working group from the university hospitals in Erlangen, Bonn and Ulm has developed an online survey in order to record the current stress and resources during the Covid-19 pandemic in a broad sample and thus be able to offer targeted help to affected colleagues during and after the crisis as quickly as possible.

Study objective

The aim of the study is to identify specific stresses and anxieties in the context of the COVID-19 crisis (e.g. fear of infection, stress due to changes in tasks, etc.) as well as sources of personal resilience in the structural, social and spiritual areas and, if necessary, to record any resulting stress symptoms such as sleep disorders, but also indications of traumatisation, depression, anxiety disorders and their severity. At the same time, working conditions and aspects of work-life balance and resources are to be surveyed. The data will be used to identify possible correlations between stress/resources and mental health/quality of life as well as possible differences between genders/specialisms/settings. We also want to analyse typical courses of coping processes.

To this end, data from two survey waves (spring and late autumn 2020) will be analysed and a third survey wave is planned. At T1 > 8000 participants took part in the survey, at T2 > 6000 participants. Further qualitative interviews are also planned.

Study management

Prof. Yesim Erim (spokesperson) and Dr.rer.medic. Dipl. Psych. Dipl. Theol. Eva Morawa, Psychosomatic and Psychotherapeutic Department, University Hospital Erlangen

Prof. Dr med Dipl.-Psych. Franziska Geiser, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy and Prof. Dr med Lukas Radbruch, Clinic for Palliative Medicine, University Hospital Bonn

PD Dr Petra Beschoner and PD Dr bio.hum. Lucia Jerg-Bretzke, Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Hospital

Study programme

Since mid-April 2020, data has been collected online in anonymised form. The data collected does not allow any conclusions to be drawn about the respective individuals; the longitudinal data is collated using an anonymous code.
A positive ethics vote and approval from the data protection officer have been obtained.

To date, over 5000 employees in the healthcare sector have completed the questionnaire online.

Cooperation partners
  • Prof Dr Christian Albus, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Cologne

  • Prof Dr Kerstin Weidner, Clinic and Polyclinic for Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden

  • Prof Dr Christoph Herrmann-Lingen, Clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Göttingen

  • Prof. Dr Hans Drexler, Institute and Polyclinic for Occupational, Social and Environmental Medicine, Department of Occupational Medicine, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg,

  • Prof Eberhard Hauschildt, Institute for Practical Theology, University of Bonn

  • Prof. Dr Thomas Kühlein, Institute of General Medicine, University Hospital Erlangen Clinic Forchheim - Franconian Switzerland

  • Prof Dr Christian Maihöfner, Neurological Clinic, Fürth Hospital

  • Dr Irmgard Pfaffinger, Professional Association of Specialists in Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy e.V.

  • Prof Dr Ceren Acartürk, Koc University Istanbul, Turkey

Background to the study

Scientific studies show that epidemics and pandemics, such as the H1N1 pandemic in 2009, lead to an increase in mental stress among medical staff (Matsuishi 2012, Maunder 2006). Initial data on mental stress among healthcare workers during the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak and the associated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China point in the same direction and report enormous mental stress, including sleep disorders, depression, anxiety disorders (Huang 2020) and post-traumatic stress disorder (Liu 2020, Sun 2020). With regard to predictive factors for high levels of stress, Brooks et al. (2018) identified working conditions such as the type of job, whether there is contact with infected people, measures to prepare employees for the situation (Brooks 2018). Social isolation or social support and loss of control were other specific factors associated with increased psychological stress (Brooks 2018). Medical staff working in areas with a high risk of infection during the SARS epidemic in 2003 were significantly more likely to show symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder than staff in less risky areas (Wu 2009).

The COVID-19 pandemic is now also posing major challenges for Europe. Due to the rapid increase in infections, far-reaching changes had to be made to work processes in hospitals (emergency operation). The number of COVID-19 patients in hospitals is rising, as is the number of cases requiring intensive care and the number of deaths from COVID-19. This places high demands on healthcare staff. In order to be able to deal with the resulting mental stress and crises both preventively and therapeutically during and after the crisis, a well-founded assessment of the specific stress and prevalence is needed in order to derive targeted offers of help.

Study management Ulm
Profilbild von Prof. Dr. med. Petra Beschoner

Prof. Dr. med. Petra Beschoner

Fachärztin für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie | Fachärztin für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie | Leiterin Verhaltenstherapeutische Behandlungsgruppe

Profilbild von Prof. Dr. Lucia Jerg-Bretzke

Prof. Dr. Lucia Jerg-Bretzke

Team

Profilbild von Dr. Marc Jarczok

Dr. Marc Jarczok

Leiter Methodik

Profilbild von Dr. Katja Weimer

Dr. Katja Weimer

Runtime

2020 - 2021

WHEEL QUEST
Study on the psychosocial care situation of paraplegic patients in southern Germany
Project description

Background: While psychotherapeutic care for patients with spinal cord injury plays an important role in the acute inpatient setting, it is unfortunately often unclear what happens after the important step of discharge from initial rehabilitation for psychologically distressed patients with this condition. For patients with other clinical pictures, such as patients with mental disabilities or underlying oncological diseases, care studies have already been carried out to look at special needs and approaches to facilitating access to psychotherapeutic care. Patients with spinal cord injuries have been underrepresented in the literature on mental health - we want to change that!

Research question: Which subgroup of psychotherapists already has experience in treating patients with spinal cord injury? What are the possible obstacles and concerns regarding the treatment of spinal cord injured patients? What starting points can be found for improving access to psychotherapy?

Method: Using a 5- to 10-minute online questionnaire, the WHEEL QUEST, the survey of practising psychological and medical psychotherapists in Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg is planned. The therapists will be recruited via the e-mail addresses listed as freely accessible by the KV Bayern and Baden-Württemberg, as well as by publicising the study via the distribution lists of the Bavarian Chamber of Psychotherapists and professional associations, via which a direct link to the questionnaire will be sent. The survey period extends from December 2020 to the end of January 2021.

Collaboration

Anika Börsig, cand.med.

Study management
Profilbild von Dr. Klaus Hönig

Dr. Klaus Hönig

Psychologischer Psychotherapeut | Leiter Konsiliar- und Liaisonpsychosomatik

Project management
Profilbild von Dr. Katja Weimer

Dr. Katja Weimer

Profilbild von Dipl.-Psych. Katja Oetinger

Dipl.-Psych. Katja Oetinger

Psychologische Psychotherapeutin

Publications

S. Kern, L. Jerg-Bretzke, P. Beschoner. Psychotherapeutische Interventionen zu Burnout – Ein Umbrella-Review und Impulse für die Therapie (2024). Bundesgesundheitsblatt 67:1279-1287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00103-024-03961-y

A. Toussaint, A. Weigel, B. Löwe, J. Blanch, K. Bogaerts, B. Boye, C. Burton, F. Cosci, P. Engelmann, P. Fink, S. Fischer, S. Frisch, L. Frostholm, L. K. Gormsen, M. Greco, K. Hansen Kallesoe, T. olde Hartman, T. Hechler, S.  Hennemann, P. Henningsen, K. Hüfner, P.  Hüsing, J. Ronel, R. von Känel, C. A. Kenedi, F. Köteles, S. Kohlmann, W. J. Kop, N. Lehnen, J. Levenson, B. Löwe, K. Maehder, A. Martin, C. Pieh, V. Pitron, C. U. Rask, W. Rief, M. , J. Rosmalen, J. Rymaszewska, M. Sainio, S. Salzmann, R. Schaefert, S. Selinheimo, M. Shedden-Mora, J. Stone, L. Tak, A. Toussaint, N. Uhlenbusch, O. Van den Bergh, L. de Vroege, A. Weigel, U. Werneke, M. Witthöft (2024). The overlooked burden of persistent physical symptoms: a call for action in European healthcare. The Lancet Regional Health - Europe 48, 2025:101140.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lanepe.2024.101140.

L.W. Desmond, E.M. Holbrook, C.T.O. Wright, C.A. Zambrano, C.E. Stamper, A.D. Bohr, M.G. Frank, B.K. Podell, J.A. Moreno, A.S. MacDonald, S.O. Reber, R. Hernández-Pando, C.A. Lowry (2024). Effects of Mycobacterium vaccae NCTC 11659 and lipopolysaccharide challenge on polarization of murine BV-2 microglial cells. International Journal of Molecular Sciences 25: 474. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25010474

M. Haffner-Luntzer, S.O. Reber, M. Huber-Lang, A. Ignatius (2024). Regeneration at the interface of mental and physical health after trauma. Current Opinion in Biomedical Engineering 31:100545. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cobme.2024.100545

J. Schiele, G. Mazzari, A. Struck, Y. Bailer, D. Langgartner, S.O. Reber (2024). Chronic sensory contact with subordinated conspecifics promotes splenic glucocorticoid resistance in experimentally wounded C57BL/6N male mice. Nature Sci Reports 14: 10867. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-61581-7

T. Vega-Vásquez, D. Langgartner, J.Y. Wang, S.O. Reber, M. Picard, C. Basualto-Alarcón (2024). Mitochondrial morphology in the mouse adrenal cortex: influence of chronic psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology 160:106683. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106683

E. M. Balint, V. Daniele, D. Langgartner, S. O. Reber, E. Rothermund, H. Gundel, J. Von Wietersheim, T. Buckley and M. N. Jarczok (2023). Heart rate variability predicts outcome of short-term psychotherapy at the workplace. Psychophysiology. 60: 16. https://www.doi.org/10.1111/psyp.14150

E. M. Holbrook, C. A. Zambrano, C. T. O. Wright, E. M. Dubé, J. R. Stewart, W. J. Sanders, M. G. Frank, A. S. MacDonald, S. O. Reber and C. A. Lowry (2023). Mycobacterium vaccae NCTC 11659, a Soil-Derived Bacterium with Stress Resilience Properties, Modulates the Proinflammatory Effects of LPS in Macrophages. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 24: 5176

E. Kempter, M. Amoroso, S. Kupfer, L. Lupu, M. Kustermann, J. Scheurer, B. Baumann, T. Wirth, H. Gündel, R. H. Straub, G. Strauß, M. Huber-Lang, D. Langgartner and S. O. Reber (2023). The PMN-MDSC – A key player in glucocorticoid resistance following combined physical and psychosocial trauma. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 108: 148-161. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2022.11.011

D. Langgartner, M. Amoroso, E. Kempter, M. Kustermann, J. Scheurer, C. A. Lowry, G. Strauß and S. O. Reber (2023). Mycobacterium vaccae protects against glucocorticoid resistance resulting from combined physical and psychosocial trauma in mice. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 109: 221-234. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2023.01.018

D. Langgartner, M. Koenen, S. Kupfer, L. Glogger, L. Kurz, L. G. Perez-Rivas, M. Theodoropoulou, M. Noll-Hussong, S. Vettorazzi, J. Tuckermann and S. O. Reber (2023). Intact GR dimerization is critical for restraining plasma ACTH levels during chronic psychosocial stress. Neurobiol Stress. 24: 100541 https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100541

D. Langgartner, R. Winkler, J. Brunner-Weisser, N. Rohleder, M. N. Jarczok, H. Gündel,K. Weimer and S. O. Reber (2023). COVID-19 vaccination exacerbates ex vivo IL-6 release from isolated PBMCs. Sci Rep. 13: 9496
https://www.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-35731-2

G. Mazzari, C. A. Lowry, D. LanggartnerS. O. Reber (2023). Subcutaneous Mycobacterium vaccae ameliorates the effects of early life adversity alone or in combination with chronic stress during adulthood in male and female mice. Neurobiology of Stress. 9;26:100568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100568

J. C. Reiners, L. Leopold, V. Hallebach, D. Sinske, P. Meier, M. AmorosoD. LanggartnerS. O. Reber, B. Knöll (2023). Acute stress modulates the outcome of traumatic brain injury-associated gene expression and behavioral responses. FASEB Journal. 37:e23218. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202301035R

M.E.A. Tschaffon-Müller*, E. Kempter*, L. Steppe, S. Kupfer, M.R. Kuhn, F. Gebhard, C. Pankratz, M. Kalbitz, K. Schütze, H. Gündel, N. Kaleck, G. Strauß, J. Vacher, H. Ichinose, K. Weimer, A. Ignatius, M. Haffner-Luntzer*, S.O. Reber* (2023). Neutrophil-derived catecholamines mediate negative stress effects on bone. Nature Communications. 14:3262. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-38616-0

A. Zeeck, S. Taubner, T. C. Gablonski, I. Lau, S. Zipfel, W. Herzog, B. Wild, H. C. Friederich, G. Resmark, K. Giel, M. Teufel, M. Burgmer, A. Dinkel, S. Herpertz, B. Loewe, S. Tagay, J. von Wietersheim, M. De Zwaan, M. Zettl, A. F. Meier and A. Hartmann (2022). In-Session-Reflective-Functioning in Anorexia Nervosa: An Analysis of Psychotherapeutic Sessions of the ANTOP Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13:12. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.814441
 

K. Wolfling, A. Zeeck, B. te Wildt, G. Resmark, E. Morawa, A. Kersting, J. von Wietersheim and A. Muller (2022). Behavioral Addictions in Psychosomatic Care. Psychotherapie Psychosomatik Medizinische Psychologie. 72: 139-147. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/a-1647-3280
 

F. Winter, M. N. Jarczok, M. Warth, S. Hembd-Peuse, B. Ditzen and C. Aguilar-Raab (2022). A new way to measure partner burden in depression: Construction, validation, and sensitivity to change of the partner burden in depression questionnaire. Journal of Marital and Family Therapy. 48: 1111-1127. https://www.doi.org/10.1111/jmft.12584

P. Werner, D. Lopez-Martinez, S. Walter, A. Al-Hamadi, S. Gruss and R. W. Picard (2022). Automatic Recognition Methods Supporting Pain Assessment: A Survey. Ieee Transactions on Affective Computing. 13: 530-552. https://www.doi.org/10.1109/taffc.2019.2946774

K. Weimer, C. Buschhart, E. K. Broelz, P. Enck and B. Horing (2022). Bibliometric Properties of Placebo Literature From the JIPS Database: A Descriptive Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13: 13. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.853953

K. Weimer (2022). Schaefer M, Hellmann-Regen J, Enge S. Effects of Open-Label Placebos on State Anxiety and Glucocorticoid Stress Responses. Brain Sci. 2021 Apr 16;11(4):508. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11040508. Complementary Medicine Research. 29: 96-97

M. E. A. Tschaffon, S. O. Reber, A. Schoppa, S. Nandi, I. C. Cirstea, A. Aszodi, A. Ignatius and M. Haffner-Luntzer (2022). A novel in vitro assay to study chondrocyte-to-osteoblast transdifferentiation. Endocrine. 75: 266-275. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s12020-021-02853-4

F. Stuber, T. Seifried-Dubon, E. Tsarouha, Z. R. Azad, R. Erschens, I. Armbruster, S. Schnalzer, N. Mulfinger, A. Muller, P. Angerer, M. Helass, I. Maatouk, C. Nikendei, S. Ruhle, B. Puschner, H. Gundel, M. A. Rieger, S. Zipfel and F. Junne (2022). Feasibility, psychological outcomes and practical use of a stress-preventive leadership intervention in the workplace hospital: the results of a mixed-method phase-II study. Bmj Open. 12:12. https://www.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049951

M. Stiawa, M. Peters, N. Mulfinger, S. Krumm, B. Worringer, I. Maatouk, J. Kullenberg, F. Junne, M. Genrich, H. Gundel and B. Puschner (2022). "Stress Occurs Every Day" - Reasons for Work-Related Burden in Hospitals and Coping of Staff. A Qualitative Study. Psychiatrische Praxis. 49: 128-137. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/a-1477-6000

C. Schug, F. Geiser, N. Hiebel, P. Beschoner, L. Jerg-Bretzke, C. Albus, K. Weidner, E. Morawa and Y. Erim (2022). Sick Leave and Intention to Quit the Job among Nursing Staff in German Hospitals during the COVID-19 Pandemic. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19: 15. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19041947

C. Schug, Y. Erim, F. Geiser, N. Hiebel, P. Beschoner, L. Jerg-Bretzke, C. Albus, K. Weidner, S. Steudte-Schmiedgen, A. Borho, M. Lieb and E. Morawa (2022). Vaccination willingness against COVID-19 among healthcare workers in Germany Results from a University Medicine Network survey between November 2020 and January 2021. Bundesgesundheitsblatt-Gesundheitsforschung-Gesundheitsschutz. 65: 74-85. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s00103-021-03418-6

J. Schmuck, N. Hiebel, M. Kriegsmann-Rabe, J. Schneider, J. K. Matthias, Y. Erim, E. Morawa, L. Jerg-Bretzke, P. Beschoner, C. Albus, K. Weidner, L. Radbruch, E. Hauschildt and F. Geiser (2022). Individual Stress Burden and Mental Health in Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Moderating and Mediating Effects of Resilience. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 19. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116545

J. Schmuck, N. Hiebel, M. Kriegsmann-Rabe, J. Schneider, J. K. Matthias, Y. Erim, E. Morawa, L. Jerg-Bretzke, P. Beschoner, C. Albus, K. Weidner, L. Radbruch, E. Hauschildt and F. Geiser (2022). Individual Stress Burden and Mental Health in Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Moderating and Mediating Effects of Resilience. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19: 15.https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116545

J. Schmuck, N. Hiebel, M. Kriegsmann-Rabe, J. Schneider, J. K. Matthias, Y. Erim, E. Morawa, L. Jerg-Bretzke, P. Beschoner, C. Albus, K. Weidner, L. Radbruch, E. Hauschildt and F. Geiser (2022). Individual Stress Burden and Mental Health in Health Care Workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Moderating and Mediating Effects of Resilience. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19: 15. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116545

C. Schillings, G. Karanassios, N. Schulte, D. Schultchen and O. Pollatos (2022). The Effects of a 3-Week Heartbeat Perception Training on Interoceptive Abilities. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 16: 12. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.838055

C. Schillings, M. N. Jarczok, K. Weimer and H. O. Guendel (2022). TRAJECTORIES OF STRESS MINDSET MEASURES IN PSYCHOSOMATIC PATIENTS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH HEART RATE VARIABILITY - RESULTS FROM THE MEPP STUDY. Psychosomatic Medicine. 84: A18-A18

S. K. Rupp, K. Weimer, M. Goebel-Stengel, P. Enck, S. Zipfel and A. Stengel (2022). Is the Pandemic Wearing Us Out? A Cross-Sectional Study of the Prevalence of Fatigue in Adult Twins without Previous SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 11: 13. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/jcm11237067

S. K. Rupp, K. Weimer, M. Goebel-Stengel, P. Enck, S. Zipfel and A. Stengel (2022). Genetics, shared environment, or individual experience? A cross-sectional study of the health status following SARS-CoV-2 infection in monozygotic and dizygotic twins. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13: 10. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1048676

E. Rothermund, T. Possnecker, A. Antes, R. Kilian, F. Kessemeier, J. von Wietersheim, D. Mayer, M. A. Rieger, H. Gundel, M. Holzer, E. M. Balint and K. Mortl (2022). Conceptual Framework of a Psychotherapeutic Consultation in the Workplace: A Qualitative Study. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19: 30. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214894

C. M. M. Queiroz, G. M. da Silva, S. Walter, L. B. Peres, L. M. D. Luiz, S. C. Costa, K. C. de Faria, A. A. Pereira, M. F. Vieira, A. M. Cabral and A. D. Andrade (2022). Single channel approach for filtering electroencephalographic signals strongly contaminated with facial electromyography. Frontiers in Computational Neuroscience. 16: 23. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fncom.2022.822987

T. Possnecker, M. Baxendale, S. Braun, E. Schwarz, M. Holzer, P. Angerer, H. Gundel, E. Balint and E. Rothermund (2022). Occupational physicians dealing with mental health: between employee and company interests: a qualitative study. Bmc Psychology. 10: 13. https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s40359-022-01012-2

M. Michaelis, M. A. Rieger, S. Burgess, V. Tows, F. I. Abma, U. Bultmann, B. C. Amick and E. Rothermund (2022). Evaluation of measurement properties of the German Work Role Functioning Questionnaire. Bmc Public Health. 22: 9. https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-13893-4

T. Maier, M. Rappel, D. S. Rhee, S. Brill, J. Maderner, F. Pijahn, H. Gundel, P. Radermacher, B. Friemert, H. P. Becker and C. Waller (2022). Mental but no bio-physiological long-term habituation to repeated social stress: A study on soldiers and the influence of mission abroad. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13: 16. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1011181

M. Lieb, A. Wunsch, K. Schieber, C. Bergelt, H. Faller, F. Geiser, U. Goerling, K. Honig, B. Hornemann, I. Maatouk, A. Niecke, B. Stein, M. Teufel, M. Wickert, A. Buttner-Teleaga, Y. Erim and J. Weis (2022). Return to work after cancer: Improved mental health in working cancer survivors. Psycho-Oncology. 31: 893-901. https://www.doi.org/10.1002/pon.5877

J. Lehmann, E. Schwarz, M. Gast, S. Gritzka, M. Diebig, R. Erschens, C. Schropel, F. Junne, P. Angerer and H. Gundel (2022). Introduction of a stress management training for leaders of small and medium sized enterprises. Safety and Health at Work. 13: S100-S101

M. R. Kuhn, M. Haffner-Luntzer, E. Kempter, S. O. Reber, H. Ichinose, J. Vacher, A. Ignatius and M. E. A. Tschaffon-Mueller (2022). Myeloid cell-derived catecholamines influence bone turnover and regeneration in mice. Frontiers in Endocrinology. 13: 14. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2022.997745

F. Koehler-Dauner, E. Roder, M. Gulde, I. Mayer, J. M. Fegert, U. Ziegenhain and C. Waller (2022). Maternal Sensitivity Modulates Child's Parasympathetic Mode and Buffers Sympathetic Activity in a Free Play Situation. Frontiers in Psychology. 13: 11. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.868848

J. Kersten, A. Wolf, L. Hoyo, E. Hull, M. Tadic, S. Andress, S. d'Almeida, D. Scharnbeck, E. Roder, P. Beschoner, W. Rottbauer and D. Buckert (2022). Symptom burden correlates to impairment of diffusion capacity and exercise intolerance in long COVID patients. Scientific Reports. 12: 9. https://www.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-12839-5

A. Karabatsiakis, K. de Punder, C. Doyen-Waldecker, L. Ramo-Fernandez, S. Krause, A. M. Gumpp, A. M. Bach, J. M. Fegert, I. T. Kolassa, H. Gundel, U. Ziegenhain and A. Buchheim (2022). Reactivity of the Oxytocinergic and Neuroendocrine System Following the Adult Attachment Projective Picture System in Men of Recent Fatherhood: Results from an Exploratory Pilot Study with a Cross-Sectional Design. Brain Sciences. 12: 12. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12101314

M. N. Jarczok, K. Weimer, C. Braun, D. P. Williams, J. F. Thayer, H. O. Gundel and E. M. Balint (2022). Heart rate variability in the prediction of mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of healthy and patient populations. Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews. 143: 21. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104907

M. N. Jarczok, V. Goldberg, J. Kocks, S. Tuerkmen, J. Harbich, J. F. Thayer, H. O. Guendel, E. M. Balint and K. Weimer (2022). COMPARING THE TRIGEMINOCARDIAL REFLEX RESPONSES TO THE COLD FACE TEST IN A CLINICAL AND A NONCLINICAL SAMPLE. Psychosomatic Medicine. 84: A37-A37

M. Hitzler, A. Behnke, H. Gundel, U. Ziegenhain, H. Kindler, I. T. Kolassa and J. Zimmermann (2022). Sources of social support for postpartum women with a history of childhood maltreatment: Consequences for perceived stress and general mental health in the first year after birth. Child Abuse & Neglect. 134: 14. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105911

M. Hitzler, A. M. Bach, F. Kohler-Dauner, H. Gundel and I. T. Kolassa (2022). Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Maltreatment Among Postpartum Women-Prevalence of Psychosocial Risk Factors for Child Welfare: An Independent Replication Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13: 11. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.836077

W. Herzog, B. Wild, K. E. Giel, F. Junne, H. C. Friederich, G. Resmark, M. Teufel, D. Schellberg, M. De Zwaan, A. Dinkel, S. Herpertz, M. Burgmer, B. Lowe, A. Zeeck, J. Von Wietersheim, S. Tagay, C. Schade-Brittinger, H. Schauenburg, U. Schmidt and S. Zipfel (2022). Focal psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behaviour therapy, and optimised treatment as usual in female outpatients with anorexia nervosa (ANTOP study): 5-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial in Germany. Lancet Psychiatry. 9: 280-290. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(22)00028-1

K. Herrmann, R. Kaluscha, A. Liebert, J. Spohrs, H. Gundel and J. von Wietersheim (2022). First onset of treatment of patients with eating disorders and treatment course: Results of data from a German health insurance company. European Eating Disorders Review. 30: 787-796. https://www.doi.org/10.1002/erv.2922

M. Helass, A. Greinacher, S. Gotz, A. Muller, H. Gundel, F. Junne, C. Nikendei and I. Maatouk (2022). Age stereotypes towards younger and older colleagues in registered nurses and supervisors in a university hospital: A generic qualitative study. Journal of Advanced Nursing. 78: 471-485. https://www.doi.org/10.1111/jan.15021

H. Hebestreit, C. Zeidler, C. Schippers, M. de Zwaan, J. Deckert, P. Heuschmann, C. Krauth, M. Bullinger, A. Berger, M. Berneburg, L. Brandstetter, A. Deibele, J. Dieris-Hirche, H. Graessner, H. Gundel, S. Herpertz, G. Heuft, A. M. Lapstich, T. Lucke, T. Maisch, C. Mundlos, A. Petermann-Meyer, S. Muller, S. Ott, L. Pfister, J. Quitmann, M. Romanos, F. Rutsch, K. Schaubert, K. Schubert, J. B. Schulz, S. Schweiger, O. Tuscher, K. Ungethum, T. O. F. Wagner, K. Haas and Z.-D. W. Grp (2022). Dual guidance structure for evaluation of patients with unclear diagnosis in centers for rare diseases (ZSE-DUO): study protocol for a controlled multi-center cohort study. Orphanet Journal of Rare Diseases. 17: 12. https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s13023-022-02176-1

J. Hannemann, A. Abdalrahman, Y. Erim, E. Morawa, L. Jerg-Bretzke, P. Beschoner, F. Geiser, N. Hiebel, K. Weidner, S. Steudte-Schmiedgen and C. Albus (2022). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of medical staff considering the interplay of pandemic burden and psychosocial resources -A rapid systematic review. Plos One. 17: 33. https://www.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0264290

A. Greinacher, M. Helass, C. Nikendei, A. Muller, N. Mulfinger, H. Gundel and I. Maatouk (2022). The impact of personality on intention to leave the nursing profession: A structural equation model. Journal of Clinical Nursing. 31: 1570-1579. https://www.doi.org/10.1111/jocn.16010

C. Gotzl, T. Staiger, M. Stiawa, P. Beschoner, H. Gundel, T. Becker, R. Kilian and S. Krumm (2022). Fatherhood and Depression: Dealing with Depression in the Family from the Fathers' Perspective - A Qualitative Study. Psychiatrische Praxis. 49: 411-418. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/a-1667-9363

M. Genrich, P. Angerer, B. Worringer, H. Gundel, F. Kroner and A. Muller (2022). Managers' Action-Guiding Mental Models towards Mental Health-Related Organizational Interventions-A Systematic Review of Qualitative Studies. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19: 33. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912610

O. C. G. Gelo and E. Mergenthaler (2022). Therapeutic cycles model Computer-assisted text analysis in psychotherapy research. Psychotherapeut. 67: 143-149. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s00278-022-00577-y

M. Gast, J. Lehmann, E. Schwarz, C. Hirning, M. Hoelzer, H. Guendel and E. M. Balint (2022). A Single-Day Training for Managers Reduces Cognitive Stigma Regarding Mental Health Problems: A Randomized Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19: 12. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19074139

M. Gantner, M. N. Jarzcok, J. Schneider, S. Brandner, H. Gundel and J. von Wietersheim (2022). Psychotherapeutic Consultation Services in the Workplace: A Longitudinal Analysis of Treatments and Sick Leave Using Health Insurance Data. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 13: 13. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.838823

S. Frisch, S. Walter, V. Rebhann, S. Gruss, K. J. Bar, R. Smith, R. Lane and H. Gundel (2022). Unconscious negative emotional Memories increase the Pain Discomfort - an experimental Study. Zeitschrift Fur Psychosomatische Medizin Und Psychotherapie. 68: 159-160

S. Frisch, S. Walter, V. Rebhann, S. Gruss, K. J. Bar, H. Gundel, R. D. Lane and R. Smith (2022). SUPPRESSED NEGATIVE EMOTIONAL MEMORIES INCREASE PAIN UNPLEASANTNESS IN FEMALE ADULTS - AN EXPERIMENTAL STUDY. Psychosomatic Medicine. 84: A38-A39

U. Friebe-Hoffmann, L. Dietrich, K. Honig, T. W. P. Friedl, D. Grab, K. Lato and W. Paulus (2022). Emotional Impact of DEGUM II/ III based Second Trimester Screening on expectant Fathers. Geburtshilfe Und Frauenheilkunde. 82: E70-E70. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/s-0042-1756812

R. Erschens, T. Seifried-Dubon, F. Stuber, M. A. Rieger, S. Zipfel, C. Nikendei, M. Genrich, P. Angerer, I. Maatouk, H. Gundel, E. Rothermund, M. Peters and F. Junne (2022). The association of perceived leadership style and subjective well-being of employees in a tertiary hospital in Germany. Plos One. 17: 20. https://www.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0278597

N. Denoix, O. McCook, A. Scheuerle, T. Kapapa, A. Hoffmann, H. Guendel, C. Waller, C. Szabo, P. Radermacher and T. Merz (2022). Brain Histology and Immunohistochemistry After Resuscitation From Hemorrhagic Shock in Swine With Pre-Existing Atherosclerosis and Sodium Thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) Treatment. Frontiers in Medicine. 9: 10. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2022.925433

A. Buchheim, U. Ziegenhain, H. Kindler, C. Waller, H. Guendel, A. Karabatsiakis and J. Fegert (2022). Identifying Risk and Resilience Factors in the Intergenerational Cycle of Maltreatment: Results From the TRANS-GEN Study Investigating the Effects of Maternal Attachment and Social Support on Child Attachment and Cardiovascular Stress Physiology. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. 16: 22. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2022.890262

C. Bosle, H. Brenner, J. E. Fischer, M. N. Jarczok, B. Schottker, L. Perna, K. Hoffmann and R. M. Herr (2022). The association between supportive social ties and autonomic nervous system function-differences between family ties and friendship ties in a cohort of older adults. European Journal of Ageing. 19: 263-276. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s10433-021-00638-2

P. Borusiak, Y. Mazheika, S. Bauer, E. Haberlandt, I. Krois, C. Fricke, L. Simon, P. Beschoner, L. Jerg-Bretzke, F. Geiser, N. Hiebel, K. Weidner, C. Albus, E. Morawa and Y. Erim (2022). The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric developmental services: a cross-sectional study on overall burden and mental health status. Archives of Public Health. 80: 13. https://www.doi.org/10.1186/s13690-022-00876-5

M. Born, J. Kullenberg, A. Drews, U. Bossmann, J. Zwack, H. Gundel and J. Schweitzer (2022). The effects of a dilemma management training program on mental health: a prospective study with mid-level executives in hospitals. Leadership in Health Services. 35: 537-558. https://www.doi.org/10.1108/lhs-03-2022-0024

D. Bodschwinna, G. Weissflog, H. Doehner, D. Niederwieser, A. Mehnert-Theuerkauf, H. Guendel, J. Ernst, U. Goerling and K. Hoenig (2022). Couples Coping With Hematological Cancer: Support Within and Outside the Couple - Findings From a Qualitative Analysis of Dyadic Interviews. Frontiers in Psychology. 13: 10. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.855638

D. Bodschwinna, I. Lorenz, N. Bauereiss, H. Gundel, H. Baumeister and K. Honig (2022). A psycho-oncological online intervention supporting partners of patients with cancer (PartnerCARE): Results from a randomized controlled feasibility trial. Psycho-Oncology. 31: 1230-1242. https://www.doi.org/10.1002/pon.5917

D. Bodschwinna, H. Baumeister and K. Honig (2022). Online intervention for partners (PartnerCARE) Overview of a randomized controlled feasibility study. Onkologie. 28: 923-930. https://www.doi.org/10.1007/s00761-022-01224-6

P. Beschoner, L. Jerg-Bretzke, M. Braun, C. Schonfeldt-Lecuona, E. Rottler, A. Bruck, L. Steiner, M. J. Kempf and J. von Wietersheim (2022). Mobbing Among Hospital Physicians. Gesundheitswesen. 84: 1094-1100. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/a-1581-7896

P. Beschoner, M. N. Jarczok, M. Kempf, K. Weimer, F. Geiser, N. Hiebel, Y. Erim, E. Morawa, S. Steudte-Schmiedgen, C. Albus and L. Jerg-Bretzke (2022). egePan-VOICE study on the psychosocial burden of the Covid-19 pandemic among medical technical assistants. Zeitschrift Fur Psychosomatische Medizin Und Psychotherapie. 68: 250-268

P. Beschoner (2022). Disclosure of One's Own Crisis Experiences by Psychiatric Professionals - Contra. Psychiatrische Praxis. 49: 294-295. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/a-1738-7211

E. M. Balint, D. M. Langgartner, S. O. Reber, E. Rothermund, H. Guendel, J. von Wietersheim, T. Buckley and M. N. Jarczok (2022). CIRCADIAN PROFILES OF HEART RATE VARIABILITY AND CORTISOL IN PATIENTS OF A PSYCHOTHERAPEUTIC CONSULTATION IN THE WORKPLACE. Psychosomatic Medicine. 84: A18-A18

E. M. Balint, B. Gruner, S. Haase, M. Kaw-Geppert, J. F. Thayer, H. Gundel and M. N. Jarczok (2022). A randomized clinical trial to stimulate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in patients with moderate COVID-19-pneumonia using a slow-paced breathing technique. Frontiers in Immunology. 13: 11. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.928979

E. M. Balint, P. Angerer, H. Guendel, B. Marten-Mittag and M. N. Jarczok (2022). Stress Management Intervention for Leaders Increases Nighttime SDANN: Results from a Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 19: 12. https://www.doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19073841

E. Balint, C. Braun, F. Kessemeier, C. Hirning, T. Buckley, H. Guendel and M. Jarczok (2022). Improving individual biopsychosocial knowledge using a 24-h heart rate variability color spectrograph. Journal of Psychosomatic Research. 157: 1. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2022.110821

C. Aguilar-Reab, F. Winter, M. N. Jarczok, B. Ditzen and M. Werth (2022). Feeling low and unhappy together? An actor-partner-interdependence model uncovering the linkage between different operationalizations of relationship quality and depression in different-sex couples. Plos One. 17: 17. https://www.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0274756

Humer, E., Sattel, H., Gündel, H., Henningsen, P., Kruse, J., Schneider, G., . . . Probst, T. (2021). Stress, depression, and the therapeutic alliance as mediators on the outcome of brief psychodynamic-interpersonal psychotherapy for multisomatoform disorder. Psychotherapy Research, 1-10. [DOI:10.1080/10503307.2021.1882711]

Jarczok, M. N., Buckley, T., Guendel, H., Boeckelmann, I., Mauss, D., Thayer, J. F., & Balint, E. M. (2021). 24 h-Heart Rate Variability as a Communication Tool for a Personalized Psychosomatic Consultation in Occupational Health. Frontiers in Neuroscience, 15, 31.

Jarczok, M.N., Koenig, J. & Thayer, J.F. Lower values of a novel index of Vagal-Neuroimmunomodulation are associated to higher all-cause mortality in two large general population samples with 18 year follow up. Sci Rep 11, 2554 (2021). [DOI]

Lehmann, J.A.M., Schwarz, E., Rahmani Azad, Z., Gritzka, S., Seifried-Dübon, T., Diebig, M., Gast, M., Kilian, R. Nater, U., Jarczok, M., Kessemeier, F., Braun, S., Balint, E., Rothermund, E., Junne, F., Angerer, P., Gündel, H.Effectiveness and cost effectiveness of a stress management training for leaders of small and medium sized enterprises – study protocol for a randomized controlled-trial. BMC Public Health 21, 468 (2021). [DOI 10.1186/s12889-021-10398-4]

Leichsenring F., Steinert C., Beutel M.E., Feix, L., Gündel, H. et al. Trauma-focused psychodynamic therapy and STAIR Narrative Therapy of post-traumatic stress disorder related to childhood maltreatment: trial protocol of a multicentre randomised controlled trial assessing psychological, neurobiological and health economic outcomes (ENHANCE)BMJ Open 2020;10:e040123. [DOI 10.1136/bmjopen-2020-040123]

 

Mauss, D., & Jarczok, M. N. (2021). The streamlined allostatic load index is associated with perceived stress in life – findings from the MIDUS study. Stress, 1-9. [DOI:10.1080/10253890.2020.1869935]

Michaelis, M., Burgess, S., Junne, F., Rothermund, E., Gündel, H., Zipfel, S., Wolf, M., & Rieger, M. A. (2021). Mental Health Applications for Primary and Secondary Prevention of Common Mental Disorders: Attitudes of German Employees. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 555. [DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2021.508622]

Morawa, E., Schug, C., Geiser, F., Beschoner, P., Jerg-Bretzke, L., Albus, C., Weidner, K., Hiebel, N.,  Borho A., Erim, Y. (2021). Psychosocial burden and working conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany: The VOICE survey among 3678 health care workers in hospitals. Journal of Psychosomatic Research 144: 110415. [DOI 10.1016/j.jpsychores.2021.110415]

Balint, E. M., Braun, S., Kessemeier, F., Gündel, H., Buckley, T., Jarczok, M. (2020). Das Spektogramm individueller 24h-EKG-Aufzeichnungen als Spiegel psychosomatischer Zusammenhänge im Arzt-Patienten-Gespräch: Eine Pilotstudie an Führungskräften auf Basis der Herzratenvariabilität. Deutscher Kongress für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, 20.

Beschoner P., Sosic-Vasic Z., Jerg-Bretzke L. (2020). Heimweh - eine systematische Übersicht zu Prävalenz und Folgen eines Phänomens von aktueller Relevanz. Psychiatrische Praxis Psychiatrische Praxis 2020; 47(07): 352-360. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1182-2433]

Beschoner, P., von Wietersheim, J., Jarczok, M. N., Braun, M., Schönfeldt-Lecuona, C., Jerg-Bretzke, L., & Steiner, L. (2020). Changes in Working Conditions and Mental Health Among Intensive Care Physicians Across a Decade. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 145.[PubMed] [DOI: 10.1007/s00115-019-0739-x]

Bodschwinna, D., Lorenz, I., Bauereiss, N., Gündel, H., Baumeister, H., & Hoenig, K. (2020). PartnerCARE—a psycho-oncological online intervention for partners of patients with cancer: study protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility trial. BMJ Open, 10(10), e035599. [DOI:10.1136/bmjopen-2019-035599]

Datzmann, T., Hoffmann, A., McCook, O., Merz, T., Wachter, U., Preuss, J., Vettorazzi, S., Calzia, E., Gröger, M., Kohn, F., Schmid, A., Denoix, N., Radermacher, P.,  Wepler, M. (2020). "Effects of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3) during resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock in swine with preexisting atherosclerosis". Pharmacological Research 151, 104536. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104536]

Denoix, N., McCook, O., Ecker, S., Wang, R., Waller, C., Radermacher, P., Merz, T. (2020). "The Interaction of the Endogenous Hydrogen Sulfide and Oxytocin Systems in Fluid Regulation and the Cardiovascular System" antioxidants 9:748. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.3390/antiox9080748]

Denoix, N., McCook, O., Scheuerle, A., Kapapa, T., Hoffmann, A., Gündel, G., Waller, C., Radermacher, P., Merz, T. (2020). "Brain histology and immunohistochemistry after resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock in swine with pre-existing atherosclerosis: Effects of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3)" Frontiers in Pharmacology under review

Denoix, N., Merz, T., Unmuth, S., Hoffmann, A., Nespoli, E., Scheuerle, A., Huber-Lang, M., Gündel, H., Waller, C., Radermacher, P., McCook, O. (2020). "Cerebral Immunohistochemical Characterization of the H2S and the Oxytocin Systems in a Porcine Model of Acute Subdural Hematoma" Frontiers in Neurology 11:649. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00649]

Gäbel, C., Rittner, S., Stoffel, M., Jarczok, M. N., Aguilar-Raab, C., Ditzen, B., & Warth, M. (2019). Die MUSED-Studie: Musiktherapie bei Depressionen. Musiktherapeutische Umschau, 40(3), 278-280. [DOI:10.13109/muum.2019.40.3.278]

Gumpp, A. M., Boeck, C., Behnke, A., Bach, A. M., Ramo-Fernández, L., Welz, T., Gündel, H.,  Kolassa, I., Karabatsiakis, A. (2020). Childhood maltreatment is associated with changes in mitochondrial bioenergetics in maternal, but not in neonatal immune cells. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 117(40), 24778. [DOI:10.1073/pnas.2005885117]

Jarczok, M.N., Buckley, T., Balint, E.M. Commentary on “Heart Rate Variability and Risk of All-Cause Death and Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Cohort Studies.” Biological Research For Nursing. 2020;22(3):418-420. [DOI:10.1177/1099800420909420

Jerg-Bretzke, L., Karremann, M., Beschoner, P., de Gregorio, N., Janni, W., Ebner, F., Rottler E., Walter S., de Gregorio, A. (2020). „Zur Vereinbarkeit von Beruf und Familie bei Beschäftigten einer Universitätsfrauenklinik “–Auswertung einer systematischen Berufsgruppen-übergreifenden Befragung. Zeitschrift für Geburtshilfe und Neonatologie. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.1055/a-1200-3070]

Jerg-Bretzke, L., Limbrecht-Ecklundt, K., Walter, S., Spohrs, J., Beschoner, P. (2020). Correlations of the “Work–Family Conflict” With Occupational Stress—A Cross-Sectional Study Among University Employees. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11, 134. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00134]

Kempf M., Jerg-Bretzke L., Jarczok M.N., Beschoner P. (2020). Maladaptive Schemata und berufliche Gratifikationskrisen bei ÄrztInnen und PsychotherapeutInnen – ein systematischer Literaturüberblick. Der Psychotherapeut. [DOI 10.1007/s00278-020-00468-0]

Kessemeier, F., Gündel, H., Von Wietersheim, J., Hölzer, M., Rothermund, E. (2020). Seelische Gesundheit und berufliche Teilhabe: Die Bedeutung psychosomatischer Rehabilitation im Versorgungssystem. Zeitschrift für Psychiatrie, Psychologie und Psychotherapie, 68 (2), 1–15. [DOI:10.1024/1661-4747/a000412]

Kilian R, Müller-Stierlin A, Söhner F, Beschoner P., Gündel H., Staiger T, Stiawa M, Becker T, Frasch K, Panzhirsch M, Schmauß M, Krumm S (2020). Masculinity norms and occupationale role in men treated for depression. PLoS ONE 15(5): e0233764. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233764]

Langgartner, D., Zambrano, C.A., Heinze, J.D., Stampr, C.E., Böbel, T.S., Hackl, S.B., Jarczok, M.N., Rohleder, N., Rook, G.A., Gündel, H., Waller, C., Lowry, C.A., Reber, S.O. Association of the Salivary Microbiome With Animal Contact During Early Life and Stress-Induced Immune Activation in Healthy Participants. Front Psychiatry. 2020 May 7;11:353. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00353]

McCook, O., Scheuerle, A., Denoix, N., Kapapa, T., Radermacher, P., Merz, T. (2020). "Localization of the hydrogen sulfide and oxytocin systems at the depth of the sulci in a porcine model of acute subdural hematoma" Invited review: Neural Regeneration Research under Review.

Merz, T., Denoix, N.,  Huber-Lang, M., Singer, M., Radermacher, P., McCook, O. (2020). "Microcirculation versus Mitochondria -What to target?" Frontiers In Medicine 7, 416. [PubMed] [DOI:10.3389/fmed.2020.00416]

Merz,T., Denoix, N., Wepler, M., Gässler, H., Messerer, D., Hartmann, C., Datzmann, T., Radermacher, P., McCook, O. (2020). "H2S in acute lung injury: A therapeutic dead end(?)" Intensive Care Medicine Experimental in press.

Merz, T., Denoix, N., Wigger, D.Waller, C., Wepler, M., Vettorazzi, S., Tuckermann, J., Radermacher, P., Mccook, O. (2020). "The Role of Glucocorticoid Receptor and Oxytocin Receptor in the Septic Heart in a Clinically Relevant, Resuscitated Porcine Model With Underlying Atherosclerosis" Frontiers in Endocrinology (Lausanne) 11:299. [DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00299]

Mulfinger, N., Lampl, J., Dinkel, A., Weidner, K., Beutel, M. E., Jarczok, M. N., Hildenbrand G., Kruse J.,Seifried-Dübon T., Junne F., Beschoner P., Gündel H. (2020). Psychische Belastungen durch Epidemien bei Beschäftigten im Gesundheitswesen und Implikationen für die Bewältigung der Corona-Krise: eine Literaturübersicht. Zeitschrift für Psychosomatische Medizin und Psychotherapie, 66(3), 220-242 [PubMed]

Roder, E., Koehler-Dauner, F., Krause, S., Prinz, J., Rottler, E., Alkon, A., Kolassa, I., Gündel, H., Fegert, J. M., Ziegenhain, U., Waller, C. (2020). Maternal separation and contact to a stranger more than reunion affect the autonomic nervous system in the mother-child dyad: ANS measurements during Strange Situation Procedure in mother-child dyad. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 147, 26-34. [DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpsycho.2019.08.015]

Schmalenberger, K.M., Eisenlohr-Moul, T.A., Jarczok, M.N., Eckstein, M., Schneider, E., Brenner, I.G., Duffy, K., Schweizer, S., Kiesner, J., Thayer, J.F., Ditzen, B. Menstrual Cycle Changes in Vagally-Mediated Heart Rate Variability are Associated with Progesterone: Evidence from Two Within-Person Studies. J Clin Med. 2020 Feb 25;9(3):617. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.3390/jcm9030617]

Schwerdtfeger, A.R., Schwarz, G., Pfurtscheller, K., Thayer, J.F., Jarczok, M.N., Pfurtscheller, G. Heart rate variability (HRV): From brain death to resonance breathing at 6 breaths per minute. Clin Neurophysiol. 2020 Mar;131(3):676-693. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.1016/j.clinph.2019.11.013]

Seifried-Dübon, T., Stuber, F., Schnalzer, S., Rieger, M. A., Tsarouha, E., Angerer, P., Gündel, H., Contributors of the SEEGEN Consortium, & Junne, F. (2020). Gesundheitsförderliche Führung am Arbeitsplatz Krankenhaus. Public Health Forum, 28(2), 135-138. [DOI:https://doi.org/10.1515/pubhef-2020-0020]

Spohrs, J., Fischer, A. S., Hönig, K., Gündel, H., & Wietersheim, J. V. (2020). Empathie in der ärztlichen Gesprächsführung ist lernbar! : Psychosomatik -- Autoren: J. Spohrs, A.-S. Fischer, K. Hönig, H. Gündel, J. von Wietersheim. MMW Fortschritte der Medizin, 162(17), 40–43. [PubMed] [DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/s15006-020-3201-x]

Staiger T, Stiawa M, Mueller-Stierlin AS, Kilian R, Beschoner P., Gündel H., Becker T, Frasch K, Panzirsch M, Schmauß M, Krumm S (2020). Masculinity and Help-Seeking among Men with Depression: a Qualitative Study. Frontiers in Psychiatry

Staiger, T., Stiawa, M., Mueller-Stierlin, A. S., Kilian, R., Beschoner, P., Gündel, H., ... & Krumm, S. (2020). Depression und Männlichkeit: Krankheitstheorien und Bewältigung–Eine biografisch-narrative Studie. Psychiatrische Praxis, 47(02), 65-70. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.1055/a-1043-8126]

Stiawa, M., Müller-Stierlin, A., Staiger, T., Kilian R., Becker T, Gündel H., Beschoner P., Grinschgl A, Frasch K,  Schmauß M, Panzirsch M, Mayer L, Sittenberger E, Krumm S (2020).  Mental health professionals view about the impact of male gender for the treatment of men with depression - a qualitative study. BMC Psychiatry 20, 276 (2020). [PubMed] [DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02686-x]

Stiawa, M., Müller-Stierlin, A., Staiger, T., Kilian, R., Becker, T., Götzl, C., Gündel H., Beschoner P., Grinschgl A., Frasch K., Schmauß M. (2020). Männer mit depressiven Erkrankungen in der stationären Behandlung: Bedarf und Behandlungsziele aus Sicht psychiatrischer Fachkräfte. Psychiatrische Praxis. DOI: 10.1055/a-1149-5429

Stuber, F., Seifried-Dübon, T., Rieger, M. A., Gündel, H., Ruhle, S., Zipfel, S., & Junne, F. (2020). The effectiveness of health-oriented leadership interventions for the improvement of mental health of employees in the health care sector: a systematic review. International Archives of Occupational and Environmental Health. [DOI:10.1007/s00420-020-01583-w]

Viviani, R., Dommes, L., Bosch, J., Steffens, M., Paul, A., Schneider, K. L., Stingl JC, Beschoner, P. (2020). Signals of anticipation of reward and of mean reward rates in the human brain. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-16. [PubMed] [DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61257-y]

Walter, S., Gruss, S., Frisch, S., Liter, J., Jerg-Bretzke, L., Zujalovic, B. and Barth, E. (2020) “What About Automated Pain Recognition for Routine Clinical Use?” A Survey of Physicians and Nursing Staff on Expectations, Requirements, and Acceptance. Front. Med. 7: 566278. [DOI:10.3389/fmed.2020.566278]

Warth, M., Stoffel, M., Winter, F., Jarczok, M. N., Aguilar-Raab, C., & Ditzen, B. (2020). Instructed Partnership Appreciation in Depression: Effects on Mood, Momentary Relationship Satisfaction, and Psychobiological Arousal. Frontiers in psychiatry, 11, 701. [PubMed][DOI:10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00701]

Wigger, D. C., Gröger, N., Lesse, A., Krause, S., Merz, T., Gündel, H., Braun, K., McCook, O., Radermacher, P., Bock, J., Waller, C. (2020). Maternal Separation Induces Long-Term Alterations in the Cardiac Oxytocin Receptor and Cystathionine γ-Lyase Expression in Mice. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2020, 4309605. [DOI:10.1155/2020/4309605]

Worringer, B., Genrich, M., Müller, A., Gündel, H., Contributors of the SEEGEN Consortium; Angerer, P. Hospital Medical and Nursing Managers’ Perspective on the Mental Stressors of Employees. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 5041. [DOI:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17145041]

C. T. Wohnhaas, R. Schmid, M. Rolser, E. Kaaru, D. Langgartner, K. Rieber, B. Strobel, C. Eisele, F. Wiech, I. Jakob, F. Gantner, I. Herichova, R. Vinisko, W. O. Böcher, S. Visvanathan, F. Shen, M. Panzenbeck, E. Raymond, S. O. Reber, D. Delić and P. Baum (2020). Fecal MicroRNAs Show Promise as Noninvasive Crohn’s Disease Biomarkers. Crohn's & Colitis 360. 2. https://www.doi.org/10.1093/crocol/otaa003

D. Langgartner, C. A. Zambrano, J. D. Heinze, C. E. Stamper, T. S. Böbel,S. B. Hackl, M. N. Jarczok, N. Rohleder, G. A. Rook, H. Gündel, C. Waller, C. A. Lowry and S. O. Reber (2020). Association of the Salivary Microbiome With Animal Contact During Early Life and Stress-Induced Immune Activation in Healthy Participants. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 11. https://www.doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00353

D. Langgartner, J. Marks, T. C. Nguyen and S. O. Reber (2020). Changes in adrenal functioning induced by chronic psychosocial stress in male mice: A time course study. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 122: 104880.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104880

D. Langgartner, C. A. Lowry and S. O. Reber (2020). „Old Friends“, Immunregulation und Stressresilienz. Nervenheilkunde. 39: 55-66. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/a-1037-2032

D. Langgartner, C. A. Lowry and S. O. Reber (2020). „Old Friends“, Immunregulation und Stressresilienz. Nervenheilkunde. 39: 47-54. https://www.doi.org/10.1055/a-1037-0710

S. Foertsch and S. O. Reber (2020). The role of physical trauma in social stress-induced immune activation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 113: 169-178. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.025

S. Foertsch, D. Langgartner and S. O. Reber (2020). Abdominal surgery prior to chronic psychosocial stress promotes spleen cell (re)activity and glucocorticoid resistance. Scientific Reports. 10: 6917. https://www.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-63419-4

M. Amoroso, E. Kempter, D. Langgartner, P. Gross and S. O. Reber (2020). Inducing a stressed phenotype in healthy recipient mice by adoptively transferring CD4+ lymphocytes from mice undergoing chronic psychosocial stress. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 122: 104898. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104898

M. Amoroso, A. Böttcher, C. A. Lowry, D. Langgartner and S. O. Reber (2020). Subcutaneous Mycobacterium vaccae promotes resilience in a mouse model of chronic psychosocial stress when administered prior to or during psychosocial stress. Brain Behav Immun. 87: 309-317. https://www.doi.org/10.1016/j.bbi.2019.12.018

2021

2020

Montano, D., & Gündel, H. (2020). The ethical significance of prevention. Psychotherapy and the world of work. In F. Steger & J. Brunner (Eds.), Ethics in psychotherapeutic practice: integrative - case-orientated - value-plural (pp. 202-213). Kohlhammer.

2019

Gündel, H. (2019). Schizoidie and connecting lines to alexithymia and pensée opératoire. In G. Dammann & O. F. Kernberg (Eds.), Schizoidie und schizoide Persönlichkeitsstörung: Psychodynamik - Diagnostik - Psychotherapie (pp. 220-230). Kohlhammer.

Rothermund, E., Gulde, M., Mulfinger, N., Jerg-Bretzke, L., Gündel, H., & Ziegenhain, U. (2019). Reconciling family and career in the hospital workplace. In P. Angerer, H. Gündel, S. Brandenburg, S. Letzel, A. Nienhaus, & D. Nowak (Eds.), Working in the healthcare sector: Psychosocial working conditions - employee health - quality of patient care (pp. 330-335). ecomed Medizin.

2018

Gündel, H. (2018). Workplace health promotion. In E. Brähler & W. Herzog (Eds.), Sozialpsychosomatik: Das vergessene Soziale in der psychosomatischen Medizin (pp. 114-128). Schattauer.

Noll-Hussong, M., Gündel, H., Lahmann, C., & Henningsen, P. (2018). Somatoform disorders. In G. Schiepek (Ed.), Neurobiology of psychotherapy (pp. 509-522). Schattauer.

2017

Buchheim, A., George, C., Gündel, H., & Viviani, R. (2017). Editorial: Neuroscience of Human Attachment. In A. Buchheim, C. George, H. Gündel, & R. Viviani (Eds.), Frontiers in Human Neuroscience (Vol. 11, p. 136). Frontiers Media.[DOI:https://doi.org/10.3389/978-2-88945-221-7]

Elbing, U., Oster, J. (2017). Art therapy research in the field of tension between object appropriateness and proof of effectiveness. In Spreti, F. and Steger, F. (Eds.) KunstTherapie: Künstlerisches Handeln - Wirkung - Handwerk Schattauer: Stuttgart 411-418.

2016

Rothermund, E., & Gündel, H. (2016). Early detection and early intervention for mental and psychosomatic illnesses in employees. In M. Rieger, S. Hildenbrand, T. Nesseler, & D. Nowak (Eds.), Prevention and health promotion at the interface between curative medicine and occupational medicine (pp. 219-233).

Our offer

We are always looking for motivated and interested students who are interested in writing a doctoral or master's thesis in the field of psychosomatics as part of their studies in medicine, clinical psychology and psychotherapy, neuroscience or biology.

You can find an overview of the various subject areas of our research sections and working groups on the research pages of our website.

If you are interested in working in one of our projects or research groups, please contact the named project leaders by email.

Please send a short letter of motivation (.pdf or .docx) with your email, stating why you are interested in certain topics/research methods, when and for how long you would like to be involved in a research project and whether you would be prepared to take a semester off for this. In addition, we would be pleased to receive your CV and, if applicable, a list of publications so that we can get to know you better. References are not required at this stage.

Due to the large number of enquiries, we are only able to accept some of the applications. However, we endeavour to answer all applications personally. However, if you have not received a reply within four weeks, please assume that we are unable to offer you a suitable project at this time.

We look forward to receiving your application!

Current projects we are looking for

There arecurrentlyno projects for which doctoral or master's students are being sought.

Research topics with contact persons