Background
Immunological processes play an important role in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders and are increasingly being taken into account in disease models and experimental therapeutic approaches for various psychiatric disorders. In addition, numerous neuroimmunological diseases such as autoimmune encephalitis or multiple sclerosis (40% psychiatric comorbidity) are additionally characterized by cognitive, motivational and affective symptom complexes and thus require interdisciplinary consideration. An aetiology-based diagnosis is crucial for the characterization of psychiatric diseases with neuroimmunological changes and enables precise and personalized treatment. For this purpose, CSF analysis is a fundamental component of differential diagnostic clarification and is of particular interest for the identification of new biomarkers.
Overall objective
The main focus of the working group is research into the interactions between the immune system, neuronal processes and psychopathology with a focus on cerebrospinal fluid research and molecular biological characterization (epigenetics).
The consortium aims to analyze CSF markers for phenotyping and subtyping in psychiatric disorders (CSF Research Network of the North German Psychiatric Association). Retrospective analyses currently include the characterization of virological and autoantibody-mediated diseases and their association with clinical parameters.
Publication:
Hansen N, Lipp M, Vogelgsang J, Vukovich R, Zindler T, Luedecke D, Gingele S, Malchow B, Frieling H, Kühn S, Denk J, Gallinat J, Skripuletz T, Moschny N, Fiehler J, Riedel C, Wiedemann K, Wattjes MP, Zerr I, Esselmann E, Bleich S, Wiltfang J, Neyazi A, CAP (Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis in Psychiatry) Consortium. Autoantibody-associated psychiatric symptoms and syndromes in adults: A narrative review and proposed diagnostic approach. Brain, Behavior, & Immunity - Health, 2020. 9:100154. DOI
This observational study investigates psychiatric effects and their association with peripheral inflammation and epigenetic changes in nerve growth factors in patients treated with IVIG. The focus is on recording fatigue, ability to concentrate and affective symptoms during the course of treatment.
This observational study investigates psychiatric effects and their association with peripheral inflammation and epigenetic changes in nerve growth factors in patients treated with IVIG. The focus is on recording fatigue, ability to concentrate and affective symptoms during the course of treatment.
Cooperations
Cooperation within the MHH:
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Prof. Dr. Thomas Skripuletz
- Clinical Department of Neurology, Dr. Stefan Gingele
- Clinical Department of Neuroradiology, Prof. Dr. Mike Wattjes
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychiatry, Dr. Kirsten Jahn
External cooperations:
- University Medical Center Göttingen, Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, PD. Dr. Niels Hansen
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Clinical Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Dr. Daniel Lüdecke
Group members
Head of research group
Prof. H. Frieling
Managing senior physician
Office
Phone: +49 511 532 2397
Fax: +49 511 532 8375
Deest-Gaubatz.Stephanie@mh-hannover.de
Main areas of research:
- Psychosis spectrum disorders
- Neuropsychology
Publications: Pubmed
hoepfner.sarina@mh-hannover.de
Main areas of research:
- Emotionally unstable personality disorders
- Trauma-related disorders
- Neuropsychology