Cooperation studies

Current studies

Microbiom-gut-brain interaction in anorexia nervosa
Dr. Manuela Gander, Nina Haid-Stecher, PhD, and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kathrin Sevecke
Cooperation: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Andreas Karwautz, (Department für Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien)

This clinical trial is part of the European project "Microbiom-gut-brain interaction in Anorexia nervosa” (MiGBAN) involving five international partners in Germany, Austria, France and the Netherlands (coordinated by Univ.Prof. Dr. Beate Herpert-Dahlmann, University of Aachen). This project is funded by the ERANET-NEURON-2018 Call (in Austria: FWF-Wissenschaftsfond). Anorexia nervosa (AN) is one of the most common chronic disorders in adolescence with high mortality rates. Treatment is only moderately effective; less than 50% fully recover. Knowledge on gut-brain interaction might help to develop new therapies, as severe starvation-induced changes of the microbiome in AN patients, which do not normalize with weight gain, have been demonstrated previously. Animal models elucidate that the microbiome influences body weight, brain development and depression-like states. Our work plan comprises an observational study and two phase II RCTs with the application of omega-3-PUFA and a multistrain psychobiotic to both, humans and rodents. To understand the pathomechanisms neuroimaging and neuropsychological testing will be performed in parallel in patients and rodents. With the help of a well-established animal model for AN, the effect of stool transplants from patients to rodents will be analyzed. Longitudinal MRI will be conducted in rodents together with cellular and molecular brain analyses. Effects of the microbiome on the dopamine system linked to typical symptoms of AN will be assessed using fiber photometry. In addition, immune response and circulating antibodies associated with the presence of certain bacterial strains and interacting with hunger and satiety hormones will be explored. By this translational research it will be possible to systematically investigate the causal role of an altered microbiome for the course of AN and to identify new therapeutic tools.

Completed studies

MANTR-a: Maudsley Model of Anorexia Nervosa Treatment for Adolescents
Nina Haid-Stecher, PhD and Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kathrin Sevecke
Cooperation: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Andreas Karwautz, (Department für Kinder-und Jugendpsychiatrie, Medizinische Universität Wien), Ass.-Prof. Dr. Gudrun Wagner

MANTRA (Maudsley Model of Treatment for Adults with Anorexia Nervosa) is an innovative, theory-based, tailored treatment program for adults with AN. It combines a cognitive behavioural approach with the basic principles of motivational interviewing and focuses on transformation of problematic personality aspects, negative emotions and difficult relationships which provide a basis for AN (Schmidt et al., 2013). The aim of this cohort study is to provide a special treatment for adolescents with AN, called MANTR-a (Maudsley model of anorexia nervosa treatment for adolescents).

Effects of clown visits on stress and mood in children and adolescents in psychiatric care
Cooperation: Martina Zemp and Amos Friedrich (Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria)

Scientific evidence has shown that healthcare clowning can decrease the level of stress and anxiety in pediatric patients. However, little attention has been devoted to the potentially beneficial impact of clown visits in the child and adolescent psychiatry setting. Therefore, this pilot study aims at investigating short-term effects of clown visits by RED NOSES Clowndoctors Austria on stress and mood levels of children and adolescents in psychiatric care.

Kindstemperament und Psychische Erkrankungen / Child temperament and mental disorders
Christina Taferner, MSc., Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kathrin Sevecke
Kooperation: Univ. Prof. Marcel Zentner (Institut für Psychologie, Leopold-Franzens Universität Innsbruck)

ATEM - Adaptiver Test des Emotionswissens / ATEM- Adaptive Test of Emotion Knowledge
Christina Taferner, MSc., Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kathrin Sevecke
Kooperation: Univ. Prof. Maria von Salisch (Institut für Psychologie, Leuphana Universität Lüneburg

Neuronale Korrelate bei Patient:innen mit einer Essstörung / neuronal correlates in patients with an eating disorder
Dr. Manuela Gander, Mag. Nina Haid-Stecher, PhD, Univ.-Prof. Dr. Kathrin Sevecke
Kooperation: Univ.-Prof. Dr. Elke Gizewski (Universitätsklinik für Neuroradiologie, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck)