Common Mental Health Conditions

In the Intervention Lab we use a complex systems approach to mental health research. We study interaction of affective, psychological, neurobiological mechanisms and environmental factors that contribute to onset, maintenance and relapse in depression, suicidality and anxiety.

Complex Systems

Together with the Centre for Urban Mental Health and the Institute of Advanced Studies (IAS), our lab applies complex system models to the study of common mental health disorders.

Social & Environmental Factors

How does society, our environment and global events influence the onset and maintenance of common mental health disorders?

Neurobiological & Physiological Mechanisms

How does neuro and physiological mechanisms work to cause and maintain common mental health conditions?

Transgenerational Transmissions and Interventions

Our lab leads several projects focused on women's mental health science and preventing the transgenerational transmission of mental health conditions from parents to offspring. Large-scale national trials including PROMISES (Pregnancy Outcomes after a Maternity Intervention for Stressful Emotions) and Stop or Go? (tapering antidepressants during pregnancy).

Our research spans over two decades, combining clinical psychology, psychiatry, epidemiology, gynecology and midwifery, and primary care to identify and interrupt the pathways by which parental depression and anxiety are passed on to the next generation. Our leading position in this field rests on this sustained, continuously funded (ZonMW/NWO) programme of work and the international cohort of PhD researchers it has trained, now extending this research line to low-and-middle-income countries (Rwanda and Indonesia).

Relapse Factors

Relapse is a common challenge for individuals who have recovered from depression and anxiety. To address this, our lab is dedicated to investigating what factors lead people to relapse in their recovery journey.

Suicide Prevention

In this project we conduct a randomized controlled trial comparing online CBT to online psycho-education that targets suicidality for individuals that seek help at 113.nl Zelfmoordpreventie.

Explore our research topics: