DFG SFB/TRR 393 Trajectories of Affective Disorders
Cognitive-Emotional Mechanisms of Symptom Change
Affective disorders (AD), which include major depressive and bipolar disorders, usually begin in the 20-30 age range. They vary widely in how they progress, with episodes lasting for months, recurring approximately every 5 years. With a lifetime prevalence of 20%, they significantly contribute to global disability and lost life years. Beyond acute symptoms, the long-term illness over decades affects well-being, psychosocial functioning, and socio-economic burden. There is a profound lack of understanding about mechanisms involved in recurrences and remissions, chronicity and psychosocial decline. A better understanding of these factors and mechanisms is crucial for improving the treatment of AD.
The goal of our research initiative is to identify the triggers for new episodes, to determine cognitive-emotional mechanisms and neurobiological correlates of symptom changes, and to probe mechanism-based therapies.
For further information please visit our TRR-website.
