Psychology

Research group's organization

The field of psychiatry operates with a decentralized research structure across four distinct cities, maintaining research expertise within individual clinics.

In 2023, a dedicated research group focused on OCD and anxiety disorders was formally established. Led by a group leader in a 50% researcher position, this group is financially supported by Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust (HMR). Their mission is to centralize research efforts, ensuring high-quality research that directly informs clinical practice.

Additionally, the group acts as a catalyst for expanding research in other locations within the psychiatry field in HMR.

Research group's strategy

During the period from 2012 to 2022, our psychiatry research group has been dedicated to enhancing research quality and competency within clinical settings.   The group shifted from a decentralized model across four different locations to a more cohesive and strategic approach.  

Our key strategies during this period included:

1. Establishment of Specialized Research Units: We formed a centralized research group specifically focused on OCD and anxiety disorders. This unit  integrates high-quality research into clinical practice and acts as a hub for advancing research in these specialized areas within HMR.
2. Funding and Resource Allocation: We allocated resources to strengthen our research infrastructure. This involved securing funding through grants, partnerships, and collaborations at both national and international levels.
3. Recruitment and Talent Development: We prioritized attracting researchers and clinicians. We aimed to bring in talent that could contribute to our specialized areas, fostering an environment rich in expertise and innovation.
4. Internationalization and Collaboration: Recognizing the global impact of psychiatry research, we actively sought international collaborations. These partnerships provided valuable insights, best practices, and access to diverse expertise.
5. Development of Competency Groups: We established additional competency groups to extend the reach of our centralized research unit’s expertise, ensuring a more cohesive and uniform approach.

 

Andersson HW, Wenaas M, Nordfjærn T. Relapse after inpatient substance use treatment: A prospective cohort study among users of illicit substances. Addict Behav. 2019;90:222-8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.11.008

 

Brecke V, Thorsen AL, Ousdal OT, Vriend C, Alnæs D, Hagen K, et al. Diffusion Tensor Imaging Before and 3 Months After Concentrated Exposure Response Prevention in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:674020. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.674020

 

Davíðsdóttir SD, Sigurjónsdóttir Ó, Ludvigsdóttir SJ, Hansen B, Laukvik IL, Hagen K, et al. Implementation of the Bergen 4-Day Treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Iceland. Clin Neuropsychiatry. 2019;16(1):33-8

 

de Joode NT, Thorsen AL, Vester EL, Vriend C, Pouwels PJW, Hagen K, et al. Longitudinal changes in neurometabolite concentrations in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex after concentrated exposure therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. J Affect Disord. 2022;299:344-52. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2021.12.014

 

Eldøen G, Kvalheim SE, Thesen T, Mygland Å, Ljøstad U, Bakke S, et al. Web-based vestibular rehabilitation in persistent postural-perceptual dizziness. Brain Behav. 2021;11(10):e2346. https://doi.org/10.1002/brb3.2346

 

Fuglset TS. Set-shifting, central coherence and decision-making in individuals recovered from anorexia nervosa: a systematic review. J Eat Disord. 2019;7:22. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40337-019-0251-5

 

Fuglset TS. Is set-shifting and central coherence in anorexia nervosa influenced by body mass index, anxiety or depression? A systematic review. BMC Psychiatry. 2021;21(1):137. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03120-6

 

Gjerde PB, Dieset I, Simonsen C, Hoseth EZ, Iversen T, Lagerberg TV, et al. Increase in serum HDL level is associated with less negative symptoms after one year of antipsychotic treatment in first-episode psychosis. Schizophr Res. 2018;197:253-60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2017.10.042

 

Grøtte T, Hagen K, Eid J, Kvale G, le Hellard S, Solem S. Changes in contamination-related obsessions and compulsions during the COVID-19 pandemic: A Norwegian longitudinal study. J Obsessive Compuls Relat Disord. 2022;35:100758. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2022.100758

 

Hagen K, Nordahl H, Launes G, Kvale G, Öst LG, Hystad S, et al. Does Concentrated Exposure Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Improve Insomnia Symptoms? Results From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:625631. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.625631

 

Hagen K, Solem S, Stavrum AK, Eid J, Kvale G, Samdal O, Hellard SL. Mental health symptoms during the first months of the COVID-19 outbreak in Norway: A cross-sectional survey study. Scand J Public Health. 2022;50(6):730-7. https://doi.org/10.1177/14034948211059525

 

Hagland P, Thorsen AL, Ousdal OT, Gjestad R, de Wit SJ, Hansen B, et al. Disentangling Within- and Between-Person Effects During Response Inhibition in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:519727. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.519727

 

Hansen B, Hagen K, Öst LG, Solem S, Kvale G. The Bergen 4-Day OCD Treatment Delivered in a Group Setting: 12-Month Follow-Up. Front Psychol. 2018;9:639. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00639

 

Hansen B, Kvale G, Hagen K, Havnen A, Öst LG. The Bergen 4-day treatment for OCD: four years follow-up of concentrated ERP in a clinical mental health setting. Cogn Behav Ther. 2019;48(2):89-105. https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2018.1478447

 

Hansen B, Kvale G, Hagen K, Hjelle KM, Solem S, Bø B, Öst LG. The Bergen 4-Day Treatment for Panic Disorder: A Pilot Study. Front Psychol. 2018;9:1044. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01044

 

Haram A, Fosse R, Jonsbu E, Hole T. Impact of Psychotherapy in Psychosis: A Retrospective Case Control Study. Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:204. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00204

 

Havnen A, Anyan F, Hjemdal O, Solem S, Gurigard Riksfjord M, Hagen K. Resilience Moderates Negative Outcome from Stress during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Moderated-Mediation Approach. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(18). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17186461

 

Hean S, Willumsen E, Ødegård A. Making sense of interactions between mental health and criminal justice services: the utility of cultural historical activity systems theory. Int J Prison Health. 2018;14(2):124-41. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijph-01-2017-0006

 

Hoseth EZ, Krull F, Dieset I, Mørch RH, Hope S, Gardsjord ES, et al. Exploring the Wnt signaling pathway in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Transl Psychiatry. 2018;8(1):55. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41398-018-0102-1

 

Hoseth EZ, Krull F, Dieset I, Mørch RH, Hope S, Gardsjord ES, et al. Attenuated Notch signaling in schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Sci Rep. 2018;8(1):5349. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-23703-w

 

Iversen HM, Eide TO, Harvold M, Solem S, Kvale G, Hansen B, Hagen K. The Bergen 4-day treatment for panic disorder: replication and implementation in a new clinic. BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):728. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04380-6

 

Jörns-Presentati A, Groen G, Ødegård A. Psychometric Properties of the German Version of the Perception of Interprofessional Collaboration Model-Questionnaire (PINCOM-Q). Int J Integr Care. 2021;21(4):3. https://doi.org/10.5334/ijic.5660

 

Kallestad H, Saksvik S, Vedaa Ø, Langsrud K, Morken G, Lydersen S, et al. Digital cognitive-behavioural therapy for insomnia compared with digital patient education about insomnia in individuals referred to secondary mental health services in Norway: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open. 2021;11(6):e050661. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-050661

 

Kvale G, Hansen B, Björgvinsson T, Børtveit T, Hagen K, Haseth S, et al. Successfully treating 90 patients with obsessive compulsive disorder in eight days: the Bergen 4-day treatment. BMC Psychiatry. 2018;18(1):323. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-018-1887-4

 

Kvale G, Hansen B, Hagen K, Abramowitz JS, Børtveit T, Craske MG, et al. Effect of D-Cycloserine on the Effect of Concentrated Exposure and Response Prevention in Difficult-to-Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2020;3(8):e2013249. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.13249

 

Larsen BK, Hean S, Ødegård A. A conceptual model on reintegration after prison in Norway. Int J Prison Health. 2019;15(3):282-92. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijph-06-2018-0032

 

Larsen BK, Hean S, Ødegård A. Exploring Norwegian prison frontline workers' perceptions of inter professional collaboration - a pilot study. Int J Prison Health. 2021. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijph-08-2021-0084

 

Lassen ER, Hagen K, Kvale G, Eid J, Le Hellard S, Solem S. Personality traits and hardiness as risk- and protective factors for mental distress during the COVID-19 pandemic: a Norwegian two-wave study. BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):610. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-022-04237-y

 

Launes G, Hagen K, Sunde T, Öst LG, Klovning I, Laukvik IL, et al. A Randomized Controlled Trial of Concentrated ERP, Self-Help and Waiting List for Obsessive- Compulsive Disorder: The Bergen 4-Day Treatment. Front Psychol. 2019;10:2500. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02500

 

Launes G, Hagen K, Öst LG, Solem S, Hansen B, Kvale G. The Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT) for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Outcomes for Patients Treated After Initial Waiting List or Self-Help Intervention. Front Psychol. 2020;11:982. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00982

 

Launes G, Laukvik IL, Sunde T, Klovning I, Hagen K, Solem S, et al. The Bergen 4-Day Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Does It Work in a New Clinical Setting? Front Psychol. 2019;10:1069. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01069

 

Leira WS, Bjerkeset O, Reitan SK, Stordal E, Roaldset JO. Characteristics associated with later self-harm hospitalization and/or suicide: A follow-up study of the HUNT-2 cohort, Norway. J Affect Disord. 2020;276:369-79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2020.03.163

 

Lillevik Thorsen A, de Wit SJ, Hagland P, Ousdal OT, Hansen B, Hagen K, et al. Stable inhibition-related inferior frontal hypoactivation and fronto-limbic hyperconnectivity in obsessive-compulsive disorder after concentrated exposure therapy. Neuroimage Clin. 2020;28:102460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102460

 

Lindqvist S, Vasset F, Iversen HP, Hofseth Almås S, Willumsen E, Ødegård A. University teachers' views of interprofessional learning and their role in achieving outcomes - a qualitative study. J Interprof Care. 2019;33(2):190-9. https://doi.org/10.1080/13561820.2018.1534809

 

Maridal HK, Bjørgaas HM, Hagen K, Jonsbu E, Mahat P, Malakar S, Dørheim S. Psychological Distress among Caregivers of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders in Nepal. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;18(5). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18052460

 

Morsund Å H, Ellekjaer H, Gramstad A, Reiestad MT, Midgard R, Sando SB, et al. The development of cognitive and emotional impairment after a minor stroke: A longitudinal study. Acta Neurol Scand. 2019;140(4):281-9. https://doi.org/10.1111/ane.13143

 

Morsund Å H, Ellekjær H, Gramstad A, Reiestad MT, Midgard R, Sando SB, et al. Cognitive and Emotional Impairment after Minor Stroke and Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI): A Prevalence Study. Stroke Res Treat. 2019;2019:2527384. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/2527384

 

Morsund Å H, Ellekjær H, Gramstad A, Reiestad MT, Midgard R, Sando SB, et al. Factors influencing employment after minor stroke and NSTEMI. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis. 2020;29(9):105036. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2020.105036

 

Mørch RH, Dieset I, Færden A, Reponen EJ, Hope S, Hoseth EZ, et al. Inflammatory markers are altered in severe mental disorders independent of comorbid cardiometabolic disease risk factors. Psychol Med. 2019;49(10):1749-57. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291718004142

 

Mørch RH, Dieset I, Færden A, Reponen EJ, Hope S, Hoseth EZ, et al. Inflammatory markers are altered in severe mental disorders independent of comorbid cardiometabolic disease risk factors - ERRATUM. Psychol Med. 2019;49(10):1758. https://doi.org/10.1017/s0033291719000291

 

Reindal L, Nærland T, Sund AM, Glimsdal BA, Andreassen OA, Weidle B. The co-occurrence of motor and language impairments in children evaluated for autism spectrum disorder. An explorative study from Norway. Res Dev Disabil. 2022;127:104256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ridd.2022.104256

 

Reindal L, Nærland T, Weidle B, Lydersen S, Andreassen OA, Sund AM. Age of First Walking and Associations with Symptom Severity in Children with Suspected or Diagnosed Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord. 2020;50(9):3216-32. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-019-04112-y

 

Reindal L, Nærland T, Weidle B, Lydersen S, Andreassen OA, Sund AM. Structural and Pragmatic Language Impairments in Children Evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). J Autism Dev Disord. 2023;53(2):701-19. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04853-1

 

Thesen T, Himle JA, Martinsen EW, Walseth LT, Thorup F, Gallefoss F, Jonsbu E. Effectiveness of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Telephone Support for Noncardiac Chest Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res. 2022;24(1):e33631. https://doi.org/10.2196/33631

 

Thorsen AL, Vriend C, de Wit SJ, Ousdal OT, Hagen K, Hansen B, et al. Effects of Bergen 4-Day Treatment on Resting-State Graph Features in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Biol Psychiatry Cogn Neurosci Neuroimaging. 2021;6(10):973-82. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpsc.2020.01.007

 

Tjelle K, Opstad HB, Solem S, Launes G, Hansen B, Kvale G, Hagen K. Treatment Adherence as Predictor of Outcome in Concentrated Exposure Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Front Psychiatry. 2021;12:667167. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.667167

 

Unnarsdóttir AB, Lovik A, Fawns-Ritchie C, Ask H, Kõiv K, Hagen K, et al. Cohort Profile: COVIDMENT: COVID-19 cohorts on mental health across six nations. Int J Epidemiol. 2022;51(3):e108-e22. https://doi.org/10.1093/ije/dyab234

 

Veddegjærde KF, Sivertsen B, Skogen JC, Smith ORF, Wilhelmsen I. Long-term effect of cognitive-behavioural therapy in patients with Hypochondriacal Disorder. BJPsych Open. 2020;6(3):e42. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjo.2020.22

 

Wenaas M, Andersson HW, Kiik R, Juberg A. User involvement in interprofessional team meetings within services for substance use disorders. Nordisk Alkohol Nark. 2021;38(2):190-203. https://doi.org/10.1177/1455072520978353

 

Wenaas M, Bahl NKH, Kiik R, Juberg A. Patient Assessments of the Factors Facilitating and Impeding User Involvement During the First Phase of Substance Abuse Treatment. Subst Abuse. 2021;15:11782218211050368. https://doi.org/10.1177/11782218211050368

 

Westad YAS, Hagen K, Jonsbu E, Solem S. Cessation of Deliberate Self-Harm Behavior in Patients With Borderline Personality Traits Treated With Outpatient Dialectical Behavior Therapy. Front Psychol. 2021;12:578230. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.578230

 

"Translational Approach to the Understanding and Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Can D-Cycloserine Enhance and Stabilize the Treatment-Response in Relapsed and Non-Responding ODC-Patients? A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Multi-Center Study", Haukeland University Hospital. In this randomized clinical trial of 163 participants, D-cycloserine did not significantly affect treatment outcomes. Most patients responded to the concentrated exposure and response prevention treatment, and nearly 50% were recovered at 1-year follow-up. Effect of D-Cycloserine on the Effect of Concentrated Exposure and Response Prevention in Difficult-to-Treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial (ntnu.no)  

"Changing Specialist Mental Health Care", Haukeland University Hospital.  Implementation and clinical evaluation of the B4DT treatment. The study will compare The Bergen 4-day format to treatment as usual in five disorders; panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, depression and body dysmorphic disorder. PI Kristen Hagen. Current research - Helse Bergen HF (helse-bergen.no) 

"International Implementation of Bergen 4-Day Treatment", Haukeland University Hospital. International implementation of the Bergen 4-day treatment.  

"Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity", Haukeland University Hospital/University of Bergen. The Bergen 4-day Treatment (B4DT) is concentrated and powerful and offers a nearly experimental approach where individual clinical responses represent the gateway to describe underlying mechanisms for brain plasticity. Based on data from the Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, we aim to elucidate markers of brain plasticity at multiple levels, including molecular and cellular alterations, structural adaptations as well as changes in neural connectivity and functional reorganization. This will be achieved in a large-scale research effort integrating psychological, genetic, epigenetic and imaging predictors of brain plasticity. 

"The Bergen 4-Day Treatment for Panic Disorder; Dissemination and Clinical Effectiveness", Helse Møre and Romsdal Hospital Trust/University of Bergen. Objective: to disseminate and investigate clinical effectiveness of the Bergen 4-day treatment for panic disorder.

 

NB! The Cristin links redirect to the Norwegian version of the page. In order to read the information in English, click "English" in the upper right corner of the Cristin page.

Members with a doctorate degree

Kristen Hagen (Cristin, NTNU)

Egil Jonsbu (Cristin, NTNU)

Atle Ødegård (Cristin, HiMolde )

Merethe Wenaas (Cristin)

Lise Reindal (Cristin, NTNU)

Eva Zsuzsanna Hoseth (Cristin)

Tone Seim Fuglset (Cristin)

Skjalg Stafsnes (Cristin)

Marianne Klokk (Cristin)

PhD candidates

Håvard Berg Opstad (Cristin)

Kristian August Tjelle (Cristin)

Thorstein Olsen Eide (Cristin, UiB)

Johanna Vigfusdottir (Cristin, NTNU)

Edvard Breivik (Cristin, NTNU)

Wibeke Stuen Leira (Cristin)

Kari-Elise Frøystad Veddegjærde (Cristin)

Ragnhild Normann (Cristin)