The interaction of psychological and physical factors in the development and course of diseases is undisputed. Mental comorbidity in cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus are associated with a significant increase in morbidity and mortality. Oncological and other chronic diseases are also often associated with psychological stress and affective disorders. We believe, that the development of needs-oriented psychotherapeutic care models for patients with chronic physical illnesses is an important and so far neglected task that we are happy to take on.

CURRENT PROJECTS FROM THE AREA

• Stress and emotional profile of health care workers and non-medical professionals during COVID-19
• Microbial, cognitive and psychophysiological changes in patients with Irritable bowel syndrome
• Comorbidities in heart failure - a network approach
• The significance of an impaired psychosocial stress response on the release of reactive metabolites as a possible cause of diabetic complications
• Managing symptoms of immunotherapy: eHealth intervention to manage symptoms for cancer patients on immunotherapy - a randomized controlled feasibility study (SOFIA)
• Improving outcomes in chronic musculoskeletal pain through a personalized medicine approach using cross-illness multilevel assessments and mechanism-based interventions