News of the Research Unit SOMACROSS
"The overlooked burden of persistent physical symptoms: a call for action in European healthcare"
We would like to highlight another important article recently published in The Lancet Regional Health – Europe. In this article, Dr. Anne Toussaint and Dr. Angelika Weigel, along with colleagues from the EURONET-SOMA research network ( EURONET-SOMA ), shed light on the widespread and often underestimated impact of persistent somatic symptoms on patients and healthcare systems across Europe.
The authors emphasize the urgent need to strengthen the integration of research, clinical management, and health policy. Key recommendations include incorporating biopsychosocial models into medical education, implementing standardized guidelines, and promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. Furthermore, the article calls for the destigmatization of these symptoms and greater public awareness of their causes and treatment options.
The aim of this Call to Action is to inspire measures that lead to sustainable improvements in care and quality of life for those affected. Achieving this goal requires not only adjustments to medical structures but also a deeper understanding of the complex mechanisms underlying these symptoms.
The full article can be found here: Find the publication here
Transdiagnostic and Transsymptomatic Perspectives for the Treatment of Persistent Somatic Symptoms
In the renowned journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Prof. Bernd Löwe (Hamburg, SOMACROSS spokesperson), Prof. Omer van den Bergh (Leuven, Mercator Fellow SOMACROSS), and Prof. Peter Henningsen (Munich, Advisory Board Member SOMACROSS) recently published an editorial titled "Reconsidering Persistent Somatic Symptoms: A Transdiagnostic and Transsymptomatic Approach."
The editorial emphasizes the importance of a transdiagnostic and transsymptomatic approach to studying and treating persistent somatic symptoms. The authors stress that applying a biopsychosocial model to these symptoms, both in clinical practice and research (as exemplified by SOMACROSS), is essential for sustainably improving care for individuals with persistent somatic symptoms.
The full article can be accessed here: Find the publication here
SOMACROSS Research Retreat 2024
The third and final research retreat of the Research Unit SOMACROSS took place from 6th to 8th November in Alt Duvenstedt on the shores of Lake Bisten. The retreat provided an opportunity for the participating researchers to present the progress of all sub-projects and to further intensify networking.
During the retreat, not only were the previous results presented in detail, but initial questions for a potential second funding phase were also developed. This exchange helped to lay the cornerstone for future scientific developments and collaborations.
On the first day, the focus lay once again on a workshop for our early career researchers. This time the key theme was career planning, encouraging participants to reflect on their current position and future goals.
As last year, mini-grants were awarded to some of our early career researchers. This year, Clara Stein (SOMA.COV), Dr. Johannes Hartl (SOMA.LIV), Dr. Leonie Dreher (SOMA.CK), Dr. Stefan Kahnert (SOMA.PRU) and Dr. Christian Schmidt-Lauber (SOMA.CK) impressed with their innovative ideas. Prof. Judith Rosmalen, Prof. Peter Henningsen and our Mercator Fellow Prof. Omer van den Bergh presented the awards on behalf of the Advisory Board.
Now, we're entering the final year of SOMACROSS' first funding phase with new ideas and energy.
On the Significance of Symptom Burden in Chronic Kidney Disease
In a recently published editorial in the American Journal of Kidney Diseases, Prof. Meike Shedden Mora, Prof. Tobias Huber, and Birte Jessen from the SOMA.CK project highlight the relevance of persistent somatic symptoms in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
Symptom burden in non-dialysis CKD is of critical importance as it not only affects patients' quality of life, but also correlates with higher rates of hospitalisation, depression and mortality. Proactive management of these symptoms can improve patient outcomes and potentially delay the need for dialysis or transplantation. To the editorial
We congratulate all involved on this successful and important editorial.
Writing retreat 2024
From August 4th to 7th, 2024, the research group SOMACROSS held a writing retreat in Kollmar, specifically aimed at (female) early-career researchers. Set in an idyllic rural environment, just behind the dike with a view of grazing sheep, participants had the opportunity to work intensively on their writing projects. The calm atmosphere, along with the cozy accommodation, significantly contributed to productivity.
Some participants took the eco-friendly option of arriving by bicycle. In addition to the writing sessions, there was a varied sports program to provide balance. Every morning, the researchers began their day together with a yoga session. Running was also on the agenda, offering a welcome break from the intense work.
The retreat proved to be a highly productive gathering in a relaxed working atmosphere, which was greatly appreciated by the participants. Due to its success, a repeat event is already planned for next year.
Successful Participation in this Year's EAPM Congress in Lausanne
From June 12 to 15, 2024, the SOMACROSS research group presented a variety of exciting contributions at the European Association of Psychosomatic Medicine (EAPM) Congress in Lausanne. We are also very pleased with the special awards received by three scientists from the SOMACROSS research group during this year's event:
Alison Creed Award: Prof. Bernd Löwe (Spokesperson of SOMACROSS)
This award, in memory of Alison Creed, recognizes exceptional achievements in the field of Psychosomatic Medicine. This year's award to our SOMACROSS spokesperson, Prof. Bernd Löwe, signifies great and international recognition for his research successes and commitment to Psychosomatic Medicine.
EAPM Conference Award: Clara Stein (PhD candidate, SOMA.COV)
This award was presented to Clara Stein for her scientifically sound, clinically relevant, and original conference contribution. The award supports selected early career researchers in attending the annual conferences and promotes networking across Europe.
Poster Award: Luisa Peters (PhD candidate, SOMA.GUT)
With a compelling and highly relevant poster, Luisa Peters won one of the three Best Poster Awards.
We congratulate the researchers on their awards and are already looking forward to participating in EAPM 2025 in Munich.
Update on Mini-Grant Projects from the SOMACROSS Research Unit
Within the SOMACROSS research group, we enable young researchers to contribute and implement their own research ideas. Supporting a total of eight Mini-Grant projects provides accessible opportunities for developing and sharpening one's research profile. Since the inception of SOMACROSS 2.5 years ago, four Mini-Grants have already been awarded.
We are pleased to announce that this year's Mini-Grant has been awarded to Dr. Stefan Kahnert (SOMA.PRU), Dr. Leonie Dreher (SOMA.CK), and Dr. Christian Schmidt-Lauber (SOMA.CK). In their Mini-Grant project "Is it in your blood?", they will investigate new laboratory values related to persistent somatic symptoms. The focus will be on a neurotransmitter associated with itching and whether it is also linked to early stages of kidney insufficiency accompanied by persistent itching (SOMA.CK), and a blood marker of chronic inflammation to determine if it correlates with itching or persistent somatic symptoms (SOMA.PRU). Within the multifactorial model explaining persistent somatic symptoms underlying SOMACROSS, this Mini-Grant particularly emphasizes biological aspects, examining them specifically in terms of predicting severe symptoms during SOMACROSS follow-up investigations.
We congratulate the researchers warmly on the funding of their research idea and look forward to the results.
SOMACROSS opens its doors to students on Future Day
On April 25, the SOMACROSS research group welcomed students once again as part of Future Day (Girls' & Boys' Day) at the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.
The students not only gained an overview of the diverse areas of activity such as clinic, teaching, and research, but also delved into our SOMACROSS research project. From theoretical foundations to practical application examples, the day offered a wide range of exciting insights. The participants' curious questions demonstrated their lively interest in psychosomatic work, which we greatly appreciated!
We look forward to welcoming students again next year.
Presentation of the SOMACROSS research Unit at the DKPM 2024 in Berlin
The SOMACROSS research group was again represented at this year's congress of the German College for Psychosomatic Medicine (DKPM) from March 13th to 15th, 2024. This year, Max Reinke presented the results of a focus group study as part of the SOMACROSS-associated project SOMA.COV. Additionally, scientists from various other SOMACROSS projects seized the chance to showcase their work, engage in discussions on contemporary scientific discoveries, and foster connections within the scientific community.
SOMACROSS-Research Retreat 2023
Between August 30 - September 1, 2023, the second research retreat of our Research Unit SOMACROSS took place in the beautiful Alt Duvenstedt (with a nice view on the lake!).
The retreat was a perfect opportunity to foster the network of the Research Unit, to celebrate the milestones of the first two years and to discuss further progress. In addition, we offered a workshop on career development and gender equality in science for our early career researchers
With Blake Dear and Rona Moss-Morris, we also had inspiring speakers, from whom we learned about transdiagnostic eHealth interventions for chronic diseases and psychological interventions for gastrointestinal diseases.
As in the previous year, the early career researchers had the opportunity to apply for mini grants and thus raise funding for their own research ideas. This year’s award winners are Luisa Peters (SOMA.GUT) and Laura Buck (SOMA.LIV), as well as Stefanie Hahn (SOMA.SSD), Rieke Barbek (SOMA.SOC) and Philipp Weber (SOMA.STATS) . Congratulations! The mini grants were awarded on behalf of the Advisory Board by Judith Rosmalen (Groningen) and our Mercator Fellow Omer van den Bergh (Leuven).
We are already looking forward to our next research retreat in the following year!
Presentation of the Research Unit SOMACROSS at the DKPM and the Psychotherapy Congress 2023 in Berlin
The Research Unit SOMACROSS was again represented at this year's congress of the German College of Psychosomatic Medicine (DKPM) and the German Society for Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Psychotherapy (DGPM) from May 3-5, 2023. This year, three lectures from the SOMA.LIV project on autoimmune liver diseases were presented by Caroline Lösken, Laura Buck and Nele Hasenbank. In addition, the new SOMACROSS-associated project SOMA.COV on Long COVID was introduced with a poster by Dr. Petra Engelmann.
At the German Psychotherapy Congress from May 10 - 13, 2023, Birte Jessen from the subproject SOMA.CK presented a poster on their experimental study part.
Start of the SOMA.COV project
With the completion of the project team, the SOMA.COV project, associated with the Research Unit SOMACROSS, started on April, 1st, 2023. We are pleased to welcome Clara Stein and Max Reinke as new researchers to the team.
The aim of SOMA.COV is to investigate whether symptoms of Long COVID can be improved by modifying illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations.
Furthermore, additional psychosocial risk factors for the persistence of somatic symptoms in Long COVID will be identified and compared with those identified in the Research Unit SOMACROSS. Besides a better understanding of symptom persistence, the project will provide relevant insights into the mechanisms of action of an expectation management intervention in patients with Long COVID. Recruitment in the SOMA.COV project is planned to start in August 2023.
We are excited and highly motivated to start the project and look forward to working together with the Research Unit SOMACROSS!
Girls´ & Boys´ Day 2023
At this year's Girls' & Boys' Day on April 27, the Research Unit SOMACROSS had the pleasure of welcoming students from grade 8 to 10 to the Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy for the first time.
Together with engaged colleagues, the participants were introduced to the diverse fields of psychosomatic medicine. They were able to ask questions regarding clinical practice, teaching or research, especially about SOMACROSS, or simply about our experiences and career opportunities. To show the students what psychosomatic medicine is, they were able to experience the interaction of body and mind by doing small experiments.
For us, the day was a complete success and an exciting challenge to present our work in a way that is appropriate for a new target group. We are already looking forward to being able to offer students an exciting program again next year.
Presentation of the Research Unit SOMACROSS at the EURONET-SOMA meeting 2023 in Budapest
At the beginning of March 2023, we had the opportunity to present our Research Unit SOMACROSS at the EURONET-SOMA meeting in Budapest. We enjoyed the positive feedback on our research, the lively discussions and kind encounters.
EURONET-SOMA is a European expert network of clinicians and researchers. It aims to improve research, treatment, communication, and collaboration on persistent somatic symptoms across scientific disciplines and medical settings (
EURONET-SOMA
). One major achievement developed within EURONET-SOMA, is the international training network ETUDE. ETUDE allows 15 early stage researchers to investigate functional disorders while at the same time undergoing a thorough scientific training in several European countries (
ETUDE
).
First publication based on data from the Research Unit SOMACROSS
The first publication based on data from our Research Unit SOMACROSS has been published in the open access journal BMC Gastroenterology: “Understanding illness experiences of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis: a qualitative analysis within the SOMA.LIV study” ( Link ). The study is part of the SOMACROSS project SOMA.LIV, investigating the autoimmune liver diesases primary biliary cholangitis and primary sclerosing cholangitis (lead by Dr. Anne Toussaint and Prof Christoph Schramm).
To explore the lived experience of patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), our medical PhD-candidate Caroline Lösken conducted interviews with 20 patients. The qualitative analysis was accompanied by intense discussion within the interdisciplinary research team. The central emerging theme was a “wave-like” experience in dealing with the illness. Patients struggled with the ‘invisible presence’ of the PSC as a seemingly hidden illness that periodically reveals itself through specific trigger events. They developed a multitude of coping strategies, while still experiencing regular setbacks. Confronted with the constraints of the illness on their lives and the uncertainty regarding its course, the interviewees expressed their desire to gain a sense of control. Based on these insights, the paper concludes with recommendations for PSC health care and further research.
We would like to thank all patients who allowed us to further understand their illness experiences and congratulate Caroline Lösken on her first authorship of this important paper!
SOMACROSS Research Retreat 2022
From November 16 - 18, 2022, the first Research Retreat of the RU FOR 5211 took place in Reinstorf near Lüneburg. This event was an opportunity to network within the Research Unit, to reflect on the first year and to think about the future perspectives of the Research Unit.
In addition, the topics of science communication, symptom-related research, predictive processing and experimental research paradigms were discussed in depth in workshops and lectures. The Research Retreat was also the occasion for a first very helpful-constructive feedback from the Advisory Board and the Mercator Fellow: Judith Rosmalen (Groningen), Peter Henningsen (Munich), Paul Enck (Tübingen) and Omer van den Bergh (Leuven, Belgium).
The three young scientists Laura Buck (SOMA.LIV) , Kristina Blankenburg (SOMA.SSD) and Birte Jessen (SOMA.CK) were also pleased to receive funding for their Mini Grant applications. With these Mini Grants, young scientists of the Research Unit can realize their own research ideas related to SOMACROSS. The Mini Grants were awarded by our Advisory Board.
The Research Retreat was a great success for our research group and we are already looking forward to the next retreat in summer 2023.
SOMACROSS celebrates birthday
On October 01, 2022, the Research Unit SOMACROSS celebrated its first birthday.
In this first year, we have already accomplished a lot: the preparation and start of all subprojects, the coalescence within the individual teams and within the overall project, the publication of several study protocols and two systematic reviews (SOMA.SOC), as well as the establishment of and storage in the biobank.
We look forward to the next year of SOMACROSS!
Presentation of the Research Unit SOMACROSS at the DKPM/DGPM conference 2022 in Berlin
A whole symposium was dedicated to the Research Unit SOMACROSS at the conference of the German College of Psychosomatic Medicine (DKPM) and the German Society of Psychosomatic Medicine and Medical Psychotherapy (DGPM) on the 23rd of June, 2022. After the overall scientific concept, the subprojects were presented by the involved early career scientists, including first achievements in patient recruitment and first results (project SOMA.SOC, publications ).
Furthermore, Prof. Bernd Löwe and Dr. Anne Toussaint reported on the experiences of applying for the DFG Research Unit SOMACROSS as part of a workshop on DFG funding.
Publication of the overall study protocol of SOMACROSS
We are pleased to announce the publication of the overall study protocoll of the Research Unit FOR 5211 - SOMACROSS in BMJ Open: Löwe et al., 2022, Link to study protocol
Presentation of the Research Unit SOMACROSS at the EAPM conference 2022 in Vienna
The Research Unit SOMACROSS was presented at the conference of the European Association of Psychosomatic Medicine (EAPM) on 9th and 10th of June 2022 in Vienna. We enjoyed the positive feedback on and interest in our contributions: two oral presentations, four posters and as part of one keynote lecture. Finally being able to meet in person again, we furthermore used the opportunity for networking and discussion, within the beautiful premises of the Hofburg in Vienna.
Kick-off meeting of the Research Unit SOMACROSS (FOR 5211)
We celebrated the launch of our Research Unit SOMACROSS with a kick-off meeting on 5th November 2021, welcoming on board all the new team members.
After initial words of the Research Unit‘s speaker Prof. Bernd Löwe on the process and purpose of SOMACROSS, both the
Advisory Board
(Prof. Peter Henningsen, Prof. Judith Rosmalen, Prof. Paul Enck) and the
Mercator Fellow
Prof. Omer van den Bergh were introduced.
To gain an overview on the SOMACROSS projects, the early career researchers presented the different subprojects and the newly composed teams.
Projects
Since supporting early career researchers constitutes a central aim of our Research Unit, we then focused on the needs and ideas of these in an interactive workshop. In addition, meeting face-to-face allowed for personal encounters, discussion and the shared celebration of starting our interdisciplinary project, with four exciting years ahead of us.