Projects: mHealth methods in psychiatry

Reichert M. DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft RE 4841/6-1: Mechanisms of pathological exercise: Effects of moderate vs. high intensity physical exercise on cognitions and affect in patients with eating disorders (HEALTH-ED). 10/2026-09/2029.

Abstract

Eating disorders are among the most lethal and treatment-resistant mental disorders and pathological exercise is one of the most complex and understudied symptoms and maintaining factors of this condition. More knowledge about how exercise relates to affective and cognitive processes is therefore essential for the development of tailored treatments.
The eating disorders (EDs) anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) primarily affect girls and women in the first half of their lives. AN and BN can easily become chronic with fluctuating courses, and are associated with serious mental and physical consequences. In general, exercise promotes physical, mental and social health. Due to its positive effects on various psychological outcomes such as mood, self-esteem, vitality, and body experience, exercise is increasingly recognized as a promising {adjunctive) intervention strategy for affective and other mental disorders. This also applies, albeit with specific restrictions, to eating disorders. Approximately half of individuals with AN or BN show pathological attitudes towards Physical activity (PA) and a compulsive, excessive exercise behavior.
This study aims to contribute to a better understanding of the psychological mechanisms that underly both positive and negative effects of PA in EDs (AN, BN).

Ebner-Priemer U. DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft : Project S02: Mobile infrastructure for daily life research. 07/2019-06/2023.

Abstract

We will develop and implement a mobile research infrastructure combining longitudinal assessments (A01) with two high-intensity measurement bursts (A04). MovisensXS will be used as a platform to assess e-diary items and track smartphone usage. Connected additional devices will capture physical activity and heart rate variability. All data will be sent via encrypted transmission to a secured server ensuring compliance with GDPR. Real-time analyses on all acquired data will allocate information on compliance and probability of phase changes. We will provide hard- and software interfaces to enable integration of apps (A02) and sensors (A03), as well as extensive training, ongoing support and troubleshooting.

Tost H, Ebner-Priemer U. DFG - Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft : CRC TRR 265: Project A04: Intense characterization of triggers, modifying factors and mechanisms at course transition points in human addiction. 07/2019-06/2023.

Abstract

The project will use ambulatory assessment and functional neuroimaging to identify triggers, modifying factors and intermediate neural mechanisms in alcohol use disorder (AUD) in course phases with a substantial increase or decrease in alcohol consumption, respectively. We will assess temporally highly resolved ambulatory assessment for six weeks to identify intraindividual differences in in the momentary effects of triggers and modifying factors on subjective craving, mood, impulsivity and alcohol consumption. We will further identify their neural correlates in brain circuits relevant for cognitive, affective and motivational processing and test the predictive value of the identified mechanisms for subsequent disease trajectories to critically inform novel prevention and intervention strategies.

Zentralinstitut für Seelische Gesundheit (ZI) - https://www.zi-mannheim.de