2025 is a special year for the CIMH. For fifty years, the institute has been shaping psychiatric research both nationally and internationally, while also standing for innovative and community-based healthcare. During this period, the CIMH has grown to an astonishing extent. More than 1,700 employees – ten times as many as in its founding year of 1975 – make the CIMH a special place. The annual report introduces people and topics and provides insight into the diverse work at the CIMH – in healthcare, research, administration, and service sectors.

Pioneering work in addiction medicine

On the initiative of the then director of the CIMH, Prof. Dr. Dr. Fritz Henn, the first – and to date only – German chair for addiction research was established in 1999 at the Mannheim Medical Faculty of Heidelberg University. For 25 years now, the Clinic for Addictive Behavior and Addiction Medicine has been successfully combining basic research, health services research, and addiction treatment.

Resilience – convey what keeps us healthy

Everyone experiences crises. But while some people remain mentally healthy and find ways to cope with stress, others reach their limits and some even become ill. The new Department of Neuropsychology and Psychological Resilience Research, headed by Prof. Dr. Michèle Wessa, is researching human resilience and how resilience factors can be specifically strengthened.

Safety through de-escalation

Staff at psychiatric clinics must be prepared for crisis situations so that they can act professionally. The CIMH relies on a practice-based de-escalation management system with several components. The concept was developed at the institute 25 years ago. It has proven itself in practice.

“Sexual violence can destroy a life”

Despite numerous scandals, sexual abuse of children is still rarely discussed openly. In 2025, Prof. Dr. Harald Dreßing conducted the first representative study in Germany on this topic. The results can help to better protect children in the future. In this interview, Harald Dreßing talks about shocking figures, structural deficits, and the question of how prevention can be effective.

Researching together, treating better

At the German Center for Mental Health (DZPG), researchers from across Germany are working together to develop digitally supported prevention and treatment approaches for mental illness. The CIMH coordinates one of six excellent DZPG locations. Following the start-up phase in 2023, the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space will fund the DZPG with 120 million euros during the five-year expansion phase, beginning in 2025.

Take a moment and have a look! You can download the CIMH Annual Report 2024/25 here.