Specialization
Focus of research
My research aim is to improve personalized care for depression by dissecting depression heterogeneity. As part of my dissertation, I am studying the proposed "immuno-metabolic depression" model, thought to be characterized by a unique clinical and biological profile. I am analyzing data of various clinical trials evaluating antidepressants, running therapy, dietary interventions and light therapy to examine how (combinations of) immuno-metabolic features (symptoms and biomarkers) impact on treatment response, and whether treatment-induced changes in depression are reflected in change of immuno-metabolic mechanisms. Besides that, I am conducting a qualitative research study with patients with immuno-metabolic depression features to investigate their perspective on personalized treatment and lifestyle interventions.