Identification of underlying mechanisms of PSS and its translation into treatment components.

Abstract

In this presentation an overview will be given of our scientific research in the context of persistent somatic symptoms. Our research group focuses on experimental as well as translational studies, mostly in patient populations. Attention will be given to the research mission and the used methods. Our main findings are presented in the research domains of symptom perception (experimental induction of symptoms such as pain, fatigue, dizziness, dyspnea by use of standardized research paradigms), interoception (how accurate are people in perceiving internal signals from their bodies), and proprioception (how accurate are people in perceiving the position, motion, and equilibrium of their body). Research findings are reported on stress reactivity (measured on a subjective, physiological and neurobiological level, in the lab as well as in daily life). Finally, we look at optimalization of interventions for treatment and prevention and valorisation into clinical practice.