Research group Psychiatry with a focus on affective disorders

Aims

We aim to investigate:

1. Mindfulness and compassion for patients with chronic and recurrent depression, ADHD, autism and other psychiatric disorders.
2. Mindfulness for patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Mindfulness and compassion for medical students, medical and surgical residents, general practitioners, medical consultants and nurses.
4. Mindfulness and compassion to prevent mental health problems in young people. 

Achievements

At the Radboudumc Expertise Centre for Mindfulness, we conduct research on the efficacy, (cost)effectiveness, working mechanisms, and implementation of Mindfulness- and Compassion-Based Interventions. Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) are 8-weeks, structured group interventions that integrates mindfulness meditation practices with elements of cognitive therapy, aiming to help individuals develop more awareness of their thoughts and emotions and relate to them in a more adaptive, self-compassionate and non-reactive way.

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for reducing depressive symptoms

  While Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) was originally developed to prevent relapse in recurrent depression, we have demonstrated its effectiveness in reducing residual, current and chronic depressive symptoms. Given its focus on transdiagnostic processes, particularly emotion regulation, over the years MBCT has gained a broader applicability. For example, we have also shown beneficial effects of MBCT in people with ADHD, children with ADHD and their parents, and people with bipolar disorder. Ongoing studies are investigating the effectiveness of MBCT in youth at risk for developing psychiatric disorders (PRYME study) and exploring its potential benefits in people with hypersensitivity, relationship problems and within transgender healthcare.

• Reducing psychological distress in people with chronic somatic conditions

  We have shown MBIs to be effective in reducing psychological distress and enhancing well-being in people with chronic somatic conditions, for example cancer, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Parkinson’s disease. In both people with psychological and somatic conditions, we investigate mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of MBCT. This includes research on possible mediating factors, such as mindfulness skills, rumination, and self-compassion. In these studies we use advanced statistical approaches, experimental cognitive tests and neuroimaging.

   

• The effectiveness of MBI for health care professionals

  We have conducted studies on the effectiveness of MBIs for health care professionals: medical students, medical and surgical residents, general practitioners and medical specialists. MBIs were demonstrated to increase well-being and work-life balance of health care professionals themselves, but also to improve their professional development, doctor-patient relationship and quality of patient care. More recently, we have initiated implementation research to make MBIs more available in mental health care for both patients and professionals.

Alumni

• Dr. Marloes Huijbers
• Dr. Marieke Arts-de Jong
• Dr. Marleen ter Avest
• Dr. Rhoda Schuling
• Dr. Wendy Kersemaekers
• Dr. Linda Cillessen
• Dr. Félix Compen
• Dr. Melanie Schellekens
• Prof.dr. Jan Spijker
• Prof.dr. Philip Spinhoven