Division of Psychiatric Neuroscience
Research group leader
- Name / Titel
- Prof. Dr. med. Sebastian Walther
- sebastian.walther@upd.unibe.ch
Staff
Research focuses
- Movement disorders in schizophrenia and psychosis risk syndrome
- gesture impairments in schizophrenia
- Reduced spontaneous motor activity in depression and schizophrenia
- Noninvasive brain stimulation in psychomotor retardation
- Modulation of interpersonal distance in psychosis
Methods
- Psychopathology
- Behavioral experiments
- Psychophysiology (actigraphy , skin-conductance)
- Imaging (EEG, fMRI, DTI, ASL)
- rTMS
- Video analysis
Short description
We examine the basics of disturbed communication in affective disorders and schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Our main focus is nonverbal communication, particularly spontaneous movements, gestures, and interpersonal distance. Many patients are misunderstood by their environment due to altered nonverbal behavior. Furthermore, patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders have difficulties interpreting nonverbal information correctly.
In our studies, we combine modern, descriptive psychopathological methods with objective measurements. We also try to understand the neural basis of these behavioral alterations. Therefore, we examine patients with EEG and various MRI techniques. The aim is to develop specific neurostimulation techniques or training programs helping patients to improve everyday functioning.