Mental health problems arise from an ongoing interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. From this perspective, the research programme "Complexity of Psychopathology" investigates how severe and long-term mental health problems develop and persist, and how recovery can be promoted.
The programme focuses specifically on people with complex, severe, and long-term psychological problems, and on help-seeking young adults at increased risk of these. From a complexity and dynamic-systems perspective, research is conducted along three lines:
- Psychological interventions for complex problems: Testing effective psychological treatments for people with severe mental disorders, with attention to the role of interpersonal victimisation and trauma, and the use of new technologies (such as virtual reality and apps) to support recovery.
- Early detection, prevention, and resilience: Research into targeted prevention of severe, long-term, and complex mental health problems in help-seeking young adults, building on work around early detection of psychosis, and the development of transdiagnostic preventive interventions that strengthen self-agency and resilience.
- New diagnostics and care from a complex dynamic perspective: The development and evaluation of clinically applicable, complexity-based diagnostic models and interventions that align better with clinical practice than current DSM classifications. The focus is on promoting agency, increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of care, and reducing stigma and other potential iatrogenic effects.
With a strong focus on clinical practice and close collaboration with the MRC, this programme aims to bridge the gap between science and clinical practice and contribute to more person-centred and effective care for people with complex psychopathology.
BETROKKEN MEDEWERKERS
- Prof. dr. David van den Berg, Endowed Professor
- Dr. Simone Burger, Lecturer
- Dr. Esther van Duin, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Rutger Goekoop, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Yvonne de Jong, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Alyssa Jongeneel, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Anne Huntjens, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Nagila Koster, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Sander Voerman, Senior Researcher
- Dr. Catherine van Zelst, Senior Researcher
- Lianne Abeling, PhD Student
- Jim Driessen, PhD Student
- Annemarie Mulder, PhD Student
- Eva Tolmeijer, PhD Student
- Inez Verdaasdonk, PhD Student
- Steijn Zekveld, PhD Student