About the Group
DRIVE Work Package 3 (WP III) consists of several highly esteemed researchers at the University of Oslo. The members of the group have their backgrounds from clinical neuropsychology, experimental psychopathology, and clinical psychology. Our aim is to expand the knowledge on the underlying processes and mechanisms in depression.
Background
Reliable biomarkers, like cytokines or plasticity markers, and other pathological mechanisms for depression are scarce and knowledge regarding predictors of treatment response is not yet sufficient.
Objectives
The main objectives of this work package is two-fold:
- Define predictors of treatment outcomes, such as genes associated with neuroplastic processes (both at electrophysiological and behavioural level), cognitive biases, and immunological- and endocrinological markers.
- Characterise subgroups of depression for more efficient personalisation of targeted treatment interventions.
Focus Areas
WP III will:
- Map biomarkers and pathological mechanisms within the context of the Internal Clinic at the Department of Psychology.
- Establish a biobank of blood samples that later will be analysed for genetic and immunological markers by external collaborators.
- Conduct electrophysiological assessments and experimental paradigms.
- Conduct experimental paradigms and neuropsychological assessments on digital platforms, which later will allow us to upscale among treatment providers outside of this department.
- Analyse data that may give rise to targeted, personalised interventions.
Collaboration
WP III collaborates with the Psychopharmacological unit at Diakonhjemmet Hospital.