Project Details
Projekt
Coordination Funds
Applicant
Professor Dr. Bernd Löwe
Subject Area
Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
Gastroenterology
Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
Gastroenterology
Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
Term
since 2021
Project identifier
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 445297796
Background: Persistent somatic symptoms (PSS) are common across somatic diseases, functional somatic disorders, mental health conditions, and undiagnosed diseases, causing disability and burden for patients, healthcare systems, and society. Biopsychosocial models suggest transdiagnostic mechanisms that cut across medical conditions. A central challenge is the development of more effective treatments to improve patient outcomes. Results of the first funding phase (FP1): FP1 identified key risk factors and mechanisms of PSS across 10 conditions. Transdiagnostic analyses revealed modifiable predictors, including expectations of future symptom severity, illness-related anxiety, symptom-related distress, depression, physical inactivity, and medical comorbidities. These findings, together with biomedical results, informed the development of four mechanism-based treatment modules for FP2: SOMA.EXPECT (dysfunctional expectations), SOMA.SYMP (symptom-related distress), SOMA.COPE (depression), and SOMA.ENGAGE (avoidance and inactivity). Objectives: FP2 aims to (1) test targeted, modular, and mechanism-based interventions for PSS tailored to conditions and individual needs; (2) replicate and validate predictors and mechanisms identified in FP1; and (3) identify novel biological, psychological, and social factors in symptom persistence. Work programme: Seven projects (P1–P7) addressing 10 conditions and undiagnosed diseases will apply harmonised therapy modules, instruments, and analytic strategies, supported by a biostatistical and a coordination project. P1–P5 will test whether modifying FP1 risk factors reduces PSS through modular, experimental interventions. Prediction models for PSS will be validated in prospective cohorts (P1, P3, P4, P6, P7). Micro-level dynamics between symptom change and underlying mechanisms will be examined in P1–P5 and P7. Biomarker analyses (inflammation, epigenetics, microbiome, skin) will be conducted in P1–P4 and P7. Study designs are matched to evidence maturity, ranging from single-case experimental designs and pilot randomised controlled trials (RCTs) to fully powered experimental RCTs, complemented by biosampling and qualitative methods. The Patient Advisory Board and the Scientific Advisory Board from FP1 will continue to support FP2. Early-career researchers will benefit from structured training, and the coordination project will ensure efficient collaboration, joint communication, and an inclusive, family-friendly environment. Expected impact: FP2 will translate FP1 findings into innovative therapeutic applications. It will deepen the understanding of biological, psychological, and social risk factors and mechanisms of PSS and evaluate interventions with transdiagnostic applicability. If acceptable and effective, these will be made available to healthcare providers, offering an evidence-based framework to improve treatment and reduce the burden of PSS.
DFG Programme
Research Units
