Research

The work group investigates the neurobiological foundations of psychiatric disorders using advanced imaging techniques such as fMRI, DTI, volumetry, and resting-state imaging. Current research focuses on schizophrenia, affective disorders, emotion and memory processing, as well as the influence of biological markers on brain function and clinical symptoms.

In addition, the group explores innovative therapeutic approaches including biofeedback, physical activity and virtual reality therapy (VT);  examining both their clinical effects and their impact on neurobiological processes.

Our research group investigates the neurobiological foundations of psychiatric disorders using advanced imaging techniques such as fMRI, DTI, volumetry, and resting-state imaging. Research focuses on schizophrenia and affective disorders, with particular interest in the neural mechanisms of emotion, memory, cognition, and positive symptoms, as well as the influence of genetic and biological markers on brain function and clinical presentation. By combining neuroimaging, neuropsychological testing, and physiological monitoring, the group aims to better understand the relationship between brain activity, behavior, and mental health.

In addition to basic neuroscience research, the group develops and evaluates innovative therapeutic approaches including biofeedbackphysical activity, virtual reality therapy (VR) and psychological interventions. Current projects also investigate the effects of group therapy on Post-COVID Syndrome (POCO). Alongside clinical outcomes, the impact of these interventions on neurobiological and physiological markers is assessed to advance personalized and evidence-based treatment strategies in psychiatry.

• Neuronal correlates of cognition and emotions in affective disorders and schizophrenia
• Effects of physical exercise (Yoga, aerobic endurance training) on cognitive performance, clinical symptoms and physiological parameters
• Effects of Biofeedback-Therapy on affective symptoms
• Psychotherapy effects regarding interventions involving depressive patients

POCO – Group psychotherapy for individuals with neuropsychiatric post-COVID symptoms to enhance resilience

COVID-19 can cause not only acute symptoms but also long-term health consequences. In this RCT study, we evaluate the effectiveness of a 9-week psychoeducational group therapy focusing on work ability, stress reduction, and depressive symptoms.

Collaborations: The study is funded by the Dr. Elmar and Ellis Reiss Foundation.

Group Leader:

apl. Prof. Viola Oertel
Viola.oertel@unimedizin-ffm.de

Team Members:

M.Sc. Annika Süß

M.Sc. Marie Celine Dorzcok

M.Sc. Anna-Lena Leimberger

Sven Wagner (HIWI)

Maximilian von Wissel (HIWI)

Amira Fazlovic

Michelle Lauer

The study POCO is funded by the Dr. Elmar and Ellis Reiss Foundation.

Full list: PubMed. Selected publications:

The role of resources in the face of psychopathology.
Goldbach N, Reif A, Preuss H, Röhm M, Straus E, Streicher E, Windmann S, Oertel V.J Clin Psychol. 2020 Mar;76(3):406-422. doi: 10.1002/jclp.22884. Epub 2019 Nov 28.PMID: 31777087

Step away from depression-results from a multicenter randomized clinical trial with a pedometer intervention during and after inpatient treatment of depression.
Große J, Huppertz C, Röh A, Oertel V, Andresen S, Schade N, Goerke-Arndt F, Kastinger A, Schoofs N, Thomann PA, Henkel K, Malchow B, Plag J, Terziska A, Brand R, Helmig F, Schorb A, Wedekind D, Jockers-Scherübl M, Schneider F, Petzold MB, Ströhle A.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2024 Apr;274(3):709-721. doi: 10.1007/s00406-023-01646-2. Epub 2023 Aug 17.

Aberrant brain network topology in fronto-limbic circuitry differentiates euthymic bipolar disorder from recurrent major depressive disorder.
Dvorak J, Hilke M, Trettin M, Wenzler S, Hagen M, Ghirmai N, Müller M, Kraft D, Reif A, Oertel V.Brain Behav. 2019 Jun;9(6):e01257. doi: 10.1002/brb3.1257. Epub 2019 May 7.

Effects of body-oriented yoga: a RCT study for patients with major depressive disorder.
Bieber M, Görgülü E, Schmidt D, Zabel K, Etyemez S, Friedrichs B, Prvulovic D, Reif A, Oertel V.Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2021 Oct;271(7):1217-1229. doi: 10.1007/s00406-021-01277-5. Epub 2021 Jul 10.

Resting-state fMRI is associated with trauma experiences, mood and psychosis in Afro-descendants with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia.
de Freitas MBL, Luna LP, Beatriz M, Pinto RK, Alves CHL, Bittencourt L, Nardi AE, Oertel V, Veras AB, de Lucena DF, Alves GS.Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging. 2024 Jun;340:111766. doi: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2023.111766. Epub 2023 Dec 12.

• Translational Psychiatry Research Group and Department of Clinical Medicine (Prof. A. Carvalho), Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
• Centre for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (Ass.-Professor G. Alves), Rio de Janeiro, Brasilien 
• Prof. Dr. Daniela Roesch-Ely (Klinik für Psychiatrie, Universität Heidelberg) 
• Institut für Sportpsychologie (Prof. F. Hänsel), Technischen Universität Darmstadt
• School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands (Prof. D. Linden)
• Department of Neurocognition (Dr. V. van de Ven), University of Maastricht, Niederlande