This study examines whether convicted DUI offenders hold permissive implicit attitudes toward DUI, and whether these can be modified through a behavioral and psychological training program, Approach Avoidance Training (AAT). Seventy-two participants will be recruited from three Danish DUI course sites and randomized to: A) PC-AAT adapted to DUI-related stimuli + DUI courses; or B) a sham version of PC-AAT with the same stimuli + DUI courses. Implicit and explicit attitudes will be assessed before and after treatment using behavioral tasks and questionnaires. The study also explores unconscious reactions to DUI cues through physiological responses such as galvanic skin response. To date, DUI interventions have targeted only explicit attitudes. The proposed intervention is expected to help offenders gain greater control over automatic behavior. If efficacious and later effective, AAT could be easily integrated into traffic courses, potentially reducing DUI-related accidents.

PI: Associate Professor Angelina Mellentin

This study examines whether a gamified smartphone app (AACTP) can improve treatment outcomes for people with alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is linked to attentional bias toward alcohol cues, which may reduce treatment effectiveness. While AACTP has shown promise in non-clinical samples, its effect in clinical settings is unknown. 235 patients from outpatient clinics in Denmark will be randomized to receive either standard treatment or standard treatment plus AACTP. The study aims to assess whether the app enhances treatment results.

PI: Associate Professor Angelina Mellentin

This study investigates the effect of combining internet-based treatment modules with face-to-face therapy for individuals with alcohol dependence. The study uses a randomized stepped-wedge design to evaluate the blended treatment approach.

PI: Professor Anette Søgaard-Nielsen

This randomized study investigates whether adding the serious game Maze Out to standard treatment can improve outcomes for individuals with eating disorders. The game was co-developed with patients and clinical staff. The study also explores whether involving patients’ close network in the gameplay enhances mutual understanding and family functioning.

PI: Professor Anette Søgaard-Nielsen

Cognitive dysfunctions (CD) are common in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), especially those with co-occurring attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Few studies have examined differences in CD between patients with AUD only and those with both AUD and ADHD, or how ADHD affects treatment response. This study investigates whether attentional control training (ACT), targeting automatic attention toward alcohol cues, can enhance evidence-based treatment as usual (TAU), which primarily targets controlled cognitive processes. A total of 236 patients from outpatient clinics across Denmark are randomized to receive either smartphone-delivered ACT + TAU or a sham version of ACT + TAU. Assessments include clinical interviews, cognitive and behavioral tasks, self-reports, and biomarkers of alcohol use at baseline and post-treatment, with follow-ups at 3 and 6 months. The study examines subgroup differences in CD and treatment outcomes, aiming to inform more targeted and effective interventions for individuals with AUD, particularly those with ADHD.

This study evaluates the societal impact of outpatient alcohol treatment in Greenland, implemented through behandling af alkoholisme (Allorfik) since 2016. Using national registry data, the project follows patients two years after treatment to assess changes in employment and use of health and social services.

PI: Professor Anette Søgaard-Nielsen

Individuals at high risk of developing or escalating alcohol use disorder (AUD) have the lowest treatment rates across psychiatric conditions, and little is known about this large non-treatment-seeking group. Preliminary data suggest that stepped-care models effective in face-to-face settings may not translate well to internet-based delivery. No superiority trial has yet compared the effectiveness of internet-based brief alcohol intervention (iBAI), unguided, and guided cognitive behavioral therapy (iCBT) in reducing alcohol use overall and across subgroups. A total of 3.519 participants will be randomized to: 1) online assessment (OA) + iBAI; 2) OA + unguided iCBT; or 3) OA + guided iCBT. iCBT modules address alcohol use and co-occurring internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Data will be collected at baseline and 3-, 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-ups, with registry follow-up for up to 10 years. The study will compare internet-based and face-to-face stepped-care approaches using machine learning–based personalization to guide future prevention for non-treatment-seeking populations.

PI: Associate Professor Angelina Mellentin

This study examines the effect of equipping general practitioners with tools to identify and address patients' problematic alcohol use. The study uses a stepped-wedge randomized design to evaluate the implementation of the evidence-based “15-method” in Danish primary care.

PI: Professor Anette Søgaard-Nielsen

This project evaluates a performance management model developed to monitor and improve the quality of outpatient alcohol treatment. Based on 18 years of regularly collected data, the study focuses on two key outcomes: 1) retention in planned treatment and 2) reduction in alcohol use.

PI: Professor Anette Søgaard Nielsen

This project investigates whether simple, targeted text messages can help reduce alcohol consumption in older adults with high-risk alcohol use. The aim is to explore a low-cost, accessible method to support behavior change in a population often overlooked in alcohol prevention efforts.

PI: Associate Professor Angelina Mellentin

Virtual reality (VR) holds promise for enhancing behavioral interventions, yet it has never been applied to the behavioral and neuropsychological, approach avoidance training program (AATP), including the AATP adapted to alcohol use disorder (AUD). A total of 204 inpatients with AUD with co-occurring psychiatric disorders from Germany, Poland, and Denmark. Participants are randomly assigned to: A) VR-AATP + treatment as usual (TAU), B) PC-AATP + TAU, or C) TAU only. Outcomes are measured before and after treatment, and at a three month follow up, including alcohol use, approach-avoidance bias, craving, and impulsivity. It is expected that both intervention groups will show better outcomes than TAU only, with VR-AATP outperforming the conventional PC-AATP.

PI: Associate Professor Angelina Mellentin

This project investigates whether virtual reality can enhance the effect of a psychological training program for people with alcohol use disorder and co-occurring mental health conditions. The training targets automatic responses to alcohol cues. By comparing a VR-based version with the traditional computer version, the study aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with dual diagnoses.

PI: Associate Professor Anette Søgaard-Nielsen

Individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) often display attentional biases toward alcohol cues, which may reduce the effectiveness of treatment as usual (TAU). AlcoAttention is a gamified behavioral and neuropsychological intervention targeting this bias type. A total of 236 patients from eight outpatient AUD centers will be randomized to: A) AlcoAttention + TAU; or B) a sham version + TAU. Outcomes are assessed before and after treatment, and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups, including self-reports and biomarkers of alcohol use, attentional and other bias types, and automatic as well as controlled cognitive functions. It is expected that AlcoAttention will enhance the effect of TAU compared to its sham equivalent. In addition, proximal, distal, and clinical outcome transfer will be explored, along with patient characteristics related to treatment effects.

PI: Professor Tanja Sheldrick-Michel

We treat organoids derived from iPSCs of patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and neurotypical controls with DHA, an Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Using single-cell RNA sequencing, we compare gene expression profiles to investigate the behavior and presence of different cell types under DHA treatment across developmental time points. We also assess inflammatory protein expression to evaluate potential protective effects. This study aims to determine whether DHA can prevent molecular and cellular alterations observed in ASD-derived organoids.

PI: Professor Tanja Sheldrick-Michel

This project investigates brain function in individuals with autism who also have ADHD—a condition present in approximately 40% of autistic individuals. Using advanced brain imaging (PET and MRI), we measure brain energy use and dopamine levels, which are key to attention, motivation, and emotional regulation. As the first study of its kind, it aims to generate new insights that may improve understanding and treatment for people with both autism and ADHD.

PI: Professor Tanja Sheldrick-Michel

This project investigates how brain metabolism, amyloid plaque accumulation, and the dopamine system are linked in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and the prodromal stage called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Using advanced brain imaging and artificial intelligence, we aim to improve early diagnosis and deepen our understanding of disease progression.

PI: Professor Manouchehr S. Vafaee

This study aims to investigate the role of key enzymes of oxidative stress (OS) due to free radicals in the prodromal phase of schizophrenia. To assess the role of these enzymes as contributing factor for the development of a psychosis. This results will pave the way clinical implementation of preventive strategies for schizophrenia such as Omega fatty acids (repairing OS damage) before the outbreak of symptoms.

PI : Professor Tanja Sheldrick-Michel

Brain organoids, generated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of healthy individuals in our laboratory, are exposed to defined concentrations of alcohol. Biochemical signatures are measured at multiple time points to assess temporal effects. Morphometric analyses are performed in parallel to investigate structural changes, enabling direct correlation between biochemical alterations and morphological outcomes during normal brain development.

PI : Professor Tanja Maria Sheldrick-Michel

Our research explores how psychedelics interact with brain organoids to understand their influence on oxidative stress and cellular structure.

PI: Professor Tanja Sheldrick-Michel

This project explores KLOTHO-mimetic peptides and their potential roles in mental health and healthy aging. Using a “drug testing in a dish” approach, we study how these peptides influence inflammation-related enzymes to uncover new therapeutic possibilities.

PI: Professor Tanja Sheldrick-Michel

Comparison of social cognitive impairments in patients with acquired social cognitive deficits (e.g., dementia, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and multiple sclerosis) with patients with congenital social cognitive deficits (autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia). Research methods: systematic review, social cognitive testing, development of new VR-based social cognitive assessments. In addition, development and evaluation of social cognitive training.

PI: Professor Vibeke Fuglsang-Bliksted

Psychotherapy for young patients with auditory hallucinations and their parents. A total of 10 sessions are offered, focusing on psychoeducation and strategies for managing voice-hearing. The patient makes an audio recording in which the voices are imitated. During a therapy session, the parents wear an in-ear device and listen to the young person’s recording as part of gaining a deeper understanding of their situation.

PI: Professor Vibeke Fuglsang-Bliksted

We have developed Danish teaching materials (films and photos) based on the well-established American SCIT (Social Cognition and Interaction Training). This is an RCT study comprising 10 sessions for young patients with schizophrenia, as well as a smaller efficacy study with 6 sessions targeting adolescents (aged 13–17) with a psychotic disorder. Patients are recruited in the Region of Southern Denmark, the Region of Northern Denmark, and Region Zealand.

PI: Professor Vibeke Fuglsang-Bliksted

We study the role of the WNT signaling pathway in ADHD using iPSCs and cerebral organoids. Through single-cell sequencing and proteomic analysis at multiple stages of organoid development, we examine how this pathway affects brain cell development over time. Our findings aim to identify novel drug targets, such as Rapamycin, for patients who do not respond to standard ADHD treatments like Methylphenidate.

PI: Professor Tanja Maria Sheldrick-Michel

We have translated the tests and will be making Danish film versions and collect normative Danish Data. We will compare the new Danish versions to the original USA and Australian normative data. The tests will eventually be used both clinically and as part of future research projects.

PI: Professor Vibeke Fuglsang-Bliksted