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Borderline Personality Disorder and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
The main focuses of our research are basic pathophysiological mechanisms in Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Our studies investigate alterations in social cognition and affect regulation in BPD and PTSD and the impact of stress and trauma on psychopathology. Furthermore, we study the neurobiology of intrusive symptoms. We apply a multi-methodological approach using structural and functional MRI, EEG, genetic analysis, pharmacological challenges, neurocognitive tasks, and further ecological valid behavior experiments. Additionally, we study psychotherapeutic interventions, basic mode of action in psychotherapy, psychopharmacological interventions, societal cost of illness and other health economic aspects.
Temporal Relations Between Stress, Perceived Rejection, Dissociation, and Self-Esteem in Patients with Borderline Personality Disorder
The aim of this project is to investigate the temporal relations between stress and perceived rejection, stress and dissociation, as well as stress and self-esteem. For this purpose, three observational studies using multiple smartphone-based assessments were conducted. Responses from patients with borderline personality disorder are compared with those in patients with depressive disorders and in non-clinical controls.
This project is supported by Tranfer BONUS grant.
Primary Investigator: Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke
Investigator: Dr. Johannes Heekerens
Contact person: Dr. Johannes Heekerens
Treating PTSD associated nightmares with Dronabinol (cannabinoid)
Studies have shown, that cannabinoids, such as dronabinol, can improve symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Specifically nightmares and other sleep related symptoms seem to improve. The aim of this current study is to investigate, if dronabinol significantly reduces nightmares in PTSD patients. For this purpose, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multi-centre study is conducted. Four national study centres are involved.
This study is supported by Bionorica.
Primary Investigator: Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke, Co-Investigator: Prof. Dr. Christian Otte
Contact person: Dr. Stefanie Koglin
Treating PTSD associated nightmares with Clonidin and Doxazosin
Nightmares occur in 70 % of patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and contribute to an impaired mental and physical health and an impaired social functioning level. To date there is no pharmacological treatment for nightmares. First empirical outcomes, show an improvement of PTSD related nightmares after administration of clonidine or doxazosin.
The aim of this current study is to investigate, if doxazosin or clonidine significantly reduces nightmares in PTSD patients. For this purpose, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and multi-centre study is conducted.
Primary Investigator: Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke, Co-Investigator: Prof. Dr. Christian Otte
Contact Person: Dr. Stefanie Koglin
The Impact of the Oxytocin System on the Acquisition and Consolidation of Trauma-associated Memories
The aim of this study is to investigate the influence of the Oxytocin-System on the acquisition and consolidation of trauma-associated memories. For this purpose, an experimental, placebo-controlled, double-blind and randomized study with a single dose of nasal synthetic oxytocin (Syntocinon ®) is conducted.
Primary Investigator: Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke
Contact Person: Tolou Maslahati
The Impact of Dronabinol (Cannabinoid) on the Acquisition and Consolidation of Trauma-associated Memories
Empirical data suggest an influence of the cannabinoid system on the regulation of stress and the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Reduced levels of endocannabinoids have been shown in patients with PTSD and might be a risk factor for the development of PTSD. Enhanced levels of endocannabinoids during the acquisition and consolidation of traumatic events might prevent the development of PTSD.
The Aim of this current project, which is funded bei the German Research Foundation (GRF), is to evaluate if an enhanced level of endocannabinoids during the acquisation and consolidation of an traumatic event will influence subsequent intrusive memories. For this purpose an experimental, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, with a single dose of the cannabinoid dronabinol (Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) will be conducted.
Primary Investigators: Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke, Prof. Dr. Katja Wingenfeld
This study will start in 2021.
Application to supplement the Psychotherapeutic Treatment of PTSD
The aim of this research project, which is funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), is to improve the psychotherapeutic treatment of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, the psychotherapeutic treatment is supplemented by online application. This projects aims at incorporating digital data collection and evaluation into the psychotherapeutic process. The feasibility of this approach will be evaluated within this project. In addition it will be explored what properties and functionalities an online application needs, in order to achieve the greatest effect on the improvement of psychotherapeutic interventions for individuals with PTSD.
Cooperationpartner: Selfapy
Primary Investigator: Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke
Contact Person: Leonie Braun, Katrin Janke, Dr. Stefanie Koglin
This projekt is funded by the BMBF within the inatiative KMU-Innovativ.
Longitudinally predicting COVID-19 associated mental health problems: a machine learning approach
COVID-19 is a novel disease, which may follow a life-threatening course and oftentimes requires intensive medical care. Only little is known about the long-term consequences of COVID-19 and its treatment on mental health.
The primary aim of this current study is to determine which factors contribute to the development of mental health problems 3, 6 and 12 months after an infection with SARS Cov-2. For this purpose, demographic, clinical, biological, and psychological baseline data, which are collected within the PA-COVID-19 study funded by the Berlin Institute of Health, will be analyzed with a machine learning approach.
Findings of this study may enable clinicians to identify individuals who are at an increased risk to develop mental health issues after being infected with COVID-19, at an early stage of the disease. This, in turn, could allow specific interventions, stratified by risk groups, to prevent the development of mental health problems.
Primary Investigator: Prof. Dr. Christian Otte
Co-Investigator: Prof. Dr. Paul Friedemann, Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke, Prof. Dr. Katja Wingenfeld in cooperation with Columbia University, Dept. of Emergency Medicine (Dr. Katharina Schultebraucks) and New York University, Dept. of Psychiatry (Charles R. Marmar, MD)
DDR-Unrecht: Physical and Mental Health Consequences of Political Imprisonment in the GDR
Supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, the goal of the current research project is to study the consequences of political imprisonment in the GDR/SBZ. Causes, extend and impact of political imprisonment in the GDR/SBZ will be explored within the research network "Landschaften der Verfolgung". The subproject "DDR-Unrecht" will examine the consequences of political imprisonment for physical and mental health for victims, as well as for their offspring. By applying highly standardized methods of data collection, this study aims at providing a valid comparison between the victims of political imprisonment in the GDR/SBZ and the general population. All collected data are treated confidentially in line with the new EU Data Protection Directive, and will be processed in anonymized form exclusively.
Primary Investigator: Univ.-Prof. Dr. med. Dipl.-Psych. Isabella Heuser-Collier, Prof. Dr. Stefan Röpke
Contact persons: Tolou Maslahati, Aline Voß
Further information are provided here.
