Department
Psychiatry, Erasmus MC

Contact
+31 (0)10-7030146

f.vandenboogert@erasmusmc.nl

Advisors

• Dr. S.J. Roza, department of Psychiatry

Contents/objective

Retrospective studies in adult forensic psychiatry showed that aggressive and antisocial behavior during childhood or adolescence are important prognostic factors for recurrent violent offenses in adulthood. Also, early school leaving, psychopathic traits, relational problems, substance abuse, and traumatic experiences are major risk factors for criminal behavior and recidivism. However, whether biological factors, such as hormone levels, genetics and neuropsychological measures can serve as diagnostic or prognostic markers, is still largely unknown. This project focuses primarily on the value of these biological risk factors in predicting onset and course of aggressive or violent offenses. Data will be collected within Transfore, an adult forensic psychiatric institution in the eastern part of The Netherlands, and in Erasmus MC′s the iBerry Study ( www.iberrystudy.nl). The project is a collaboration between Erasmus MC, Transfore GGZ, and University of Twente.

For internships at the iBerry Study, please do not hesitate to contact the project staff via iberrystudy@erasmusmc.nl or 010 - 703 01 46. In the course of 2017, we will also be offering multiple research internship positions at the various locations of Transfore. In these extensive internships you will gain knowledge and expertise in both clinical and research skills. Please visit our site regularly for updates, or contact Frank van den Boogert ( f.vandenboogert@erasmusmc.nl) if you have any questions regarding research internships or the project in general.

Department
Psychiatry, Erasmus MC

Contact
dr. RM Kok, psychiatrist Parnassia Groep, research coordinator.

r.kok@parnassia.nl

Co-investigators

• W. Soebhag, psychiatrist, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Bavo-Europoort, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Primary investigator.
• F. Oostervink , psychiatrist, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, GGZ Haagstreek (Rivierduinen), Leidschendam, The Netherlands.
• I. Groeneweg, psychiatrist, Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Bavo- Europoort, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Contents/objective
Bipolar disorder is a chronic and severe condition characterized by manic/hypomanic, mixed, and depressive episodes. It is not only an illness of younger adults, but also of the elderly. (Oosterfink, Nolen & Kok, 2014) . Because of the severity of the symptoms, treatment is very important. Lithium is a well-known mood stabilizer for maintenance and acute treatment of bipolar disorder. In younger adults the lithium level for maintenance treatment is between 0.6 -0.8 mmol/l. These limits are controversial in the elderly. For example Sajatovic and Blow (2007) state in their influential book: “To reduce potential side effects and toxicities, clinicians should target moderate plasma concentration ranges 0.4-0.8 mmol/l; however higher concentrations may be necessary.” The authors did not mention if these levels are for maintenance or acute treatment. A literature search revealed a lack of studies comparing these lower with more conventional serum levels. Therefore, in this study our aim is to compare the effectivity of lithium in the range < 0.6 mmol/l with ≥ 0.6 mmol/l.

Our hospital has medical records of 400 elderly patients with a bipolar disorder, using lithium in the past 4 years. The student is expected to collect data about lithium efficacy from the EPD (electronic patient record) and specify his/her question based on a literature study. The student is also expected to write a research report and provide a verbal presentation of the findings at the department of Psychiatry. To get a good understanding of the pathology that is found in the clinic, it is possible to participate in an outpatient or inpatient clinic with a focus on bipolar patients.

References:

• Oostervink, F., Nolen, W. A., & Kok, R. M. (2014). Two years′ outcome of acute mania in bipolar disorder: different effects of age and age of onset. International journal of geriatric psychiatry.
• Sajatovic, M., & Blow, F. C. (Eds.). (2007). Bipolar disorder in later life. JHU Press.

Department
Psychiatry, Erasmus MC

Contact
M. A. (Maarten) van Schijndel MD, psychiatrist / project leader
+31 (0)10 7040139 (secretariat)

mpu.studygroup@erasmusmc.nl

Advisors

• Prof. J.J. van Busschbach PhD, Department of Psychiatry (section Medical Psychology and Psychotherapy), Principle Investigator / Professor of Health Related Quality of Life
• A. Boenink, MD PhD, psychiatrist, VU medical center
• RJ Osse MD PhD, psychiatrist, Erasmus MC
• J.L. Lijmer, MD PhD, psychiatrist and epidemiologist, OLVG
• J. van Waarde, MD PhD, psychiatrist, Rijnstate
• P.J. Caarls, MSc, PhD student

Contents/objective
The MPU study group is recruiting two master students who are interested in doing their research internship about a feasibility study on a new quality standard on hospital psychiatry.
An estimated 25-40% of the medically ill patients admitted to a hospital have a co-morbid psychiatric disorder. Numerous studies now demonstrate that patients who have both general medical and psychiatric disorders, have greater morbidity associated with their medical illness, increased health care service use, and worse functional outcomes.
In order to improve care for patients with concurrent medical and psychiatric disorders, we are currently developing a quality standard on hospital psychiatry. The quality standard covers both outpatient care, care delivered by psychiatric consultation-liaison services and care in Medical Psychiatric Units.

From April – June 2016 we will test the feasibility of the new quality standard including the indicators in four hospitals: OLVG and VUMC (both in Amsterdam), Rijnstate (Arnhem) and the Erasmus MC. Your master research preferably starts with preparation and planning in January 2016, from April –June data will be collected at the four locations and in July-August you will analyze the data and write your thesis.
Your research can answer questions on acceptability, implementation or effects of the quality standard and the indicators. We will discuss the specific appropriate research question with each student.
You will get insight in hospital psychiatry in different teaching hospitals and will work together with a variety of care professionals. If you are an enthusiast future colleague interested in clinical research and healthcare organization, please sent your motivation letter and CV to mpu.studygroup@erasmusmc.nl.
Requirements: master student in medicine, health sciences, health policy or healthcare management, fluent Dutch speaking and weekdays OV card.

References for more background reading:

• Generieke module ziekenhuispatienten met somatische psychiatrische comorbiditeit.

• Borckardt JJ et al. Excess health care service utilization and costs associated with underrecognition of psychiatric comorbidity in a medical/surgical inpatient setting. Qual Manag Health Care 2011 Apr-Jun;20(2):98-102.
• Kishi Y, Kathol RG. Integrating medical and psychiatric treatment in an inpatient medical setting. The type IV program. Psychosomatics. 1999 Jul-Aug;40(4):345-55.
• Richtlijn Consultatieve Psychiatrie, NVvP 2008
• Veldnormen MPU, NVvP 2014

Department
Psychiatry, Erasmus MC

Contact
Dr. A.M. Kamperman, post-doc researcher
+31 (0)10 7034763

a.kamperman@erasmusmc.nl

Advisors

• Prof. Dr. C. Mulder, psychiatrist
• Dr. S.R. Roza, psychiatrist

Description
Study objective: The ViPP-study assessed rates of violent victimization and risk factors in patients with severe mental illness (SMI). In six psychiatric hospitals (InGeest, Parnassia, BavoEuropoort, GGZ Dijk en Duin, Mondriaan, Altrecht) we collected data of almost 1000 patients with severe mental illness (depression, bipolar disorder and psychotic disorder). Data are available about experiences and consequences of victimisation, discrimination and self-stigmatization, perpetration of violence, childhood trauma, symptom severity and co-morbid psychopathology (e.g. anger, PTSD).

Student tasks:

• Formulating a relevant research question
• Writing a research proposal
• Analysing data
• Reporting of the findings
• Oral presentation of the findings at the department of Psychiatry

We offer:

• An interesting research topic
• Student’s preferences can influence the research topic
• Structured and good support of a post-doc researcher
• Possibility to participate in research meetings of the department
• Clinical experience on the psychiatric department

Literature:

• Teplin, et al (2005). Crime Victimization in Adults with Severe Mental Illness. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 911-921.

• See also: 'Geweld tegen Psychiatrische Patiënten'

Department
Psychiatry, The iBerry Study

Supervisor(s)
N.H. Grootendorst & G.C. Vedder

Contact details
Internship coordinator: Nita de Neve-Enthoven
+31 (0) 10 703 59 78

iberrystudy@erasmusmc.nl / n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl

www.iberrystudy.nl

Background and problem of interest
Although we do not know the exact functions of sleep, sleep plays an important role in restorative processes for the brain. Sleep helps important cognitive functions for every-day functioning, such as attention, memory, and emotion (1). Because of the numerous ways sleep impacts our brain, sleep problems and mental health problems often go hand in hand. The direction of this association is still to be demonstrated. Is it that sleep problems increase the risk of mental health problems, or is it the other way around (2)? Given observations of behavioural problems affecting sleep, and from sleep problems leading to behavioural problems it is most likely that the associations are bidirectional or circular in nature (2). Research is indicating that the amount of sleep has decreased over the last decades, in particular among adolescents (3), what further increases the importance of this research area.

Study goal
The goal of this research project is to further unravel the association between sleep and psychopathology.

Specific research question

• What is the association between sleep and psychotic experiences in adolescents?
• What is the association between sleep and suicidality in adolescents?
• What is the association between sleep and academic achievement?
• What is the relationship between gaming and screentime and sleep?
• How does perceived sleep and chronotype correlates with sleep measured using actigraphy?
• How does the COVID-19 pandemic influence sleep parameters?

Study design (methods, materials)
The research project is part of the iBerry (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=1022). The overall goal of the iBerry Study is to investigate (determinants for) the transition of having non-specific symptoms in adolescence to the development of full-blown psychiatric disorders later in life. Adolescents that participate in the iBerry Study come from the Greater Rotterdam region (the Netherlands), in which both rural and urban places are represented. Every 2-3 years the adolescent and his/her parents are invited to the iBerry research center for follow-up measurements, for a total period of 10 years. The baseline assessment was completed mid-2019, follow-up measurements have started in the beginning of 2019.

The assessments include psychiatric interviews, physical measurements, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Amongst these are (either measured from the adolescent, parent or both):

• Sleep and Activity research: actigraphy device (physical activity intensity and sleep/wake measurements), sleep and exercise diary, questionnaires
• Demographic questionnaires
• Psychiatric interview for DSM diagnoses
• Psychiatric symptoms questionnaires: e.g. Youth Self Report (YSR), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)
• Questionnaire about substance use
• IQ: Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietests (SON-R)
• Questionnaires about social media use and gaming (IAT/VAT)

Expected results
We expect to learn more about determinants of sleep problems. Furthermore, we expect sleep problems to be associated with several forms of psychopathology. In addition, poor sleep is likely to be related to decreased academic achievement.

References

• Tarokh, L., Saletin, J. M., & Carskadon, M. A. (2016). Sleep in adolescence: Physiology, cognition and mental health. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 70, 182.
• Gregory, A. M., & Sadeh, A. (2016). Annual research review: sleep problems in childhood psychiatric disorders–a review of the latest science. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, 57(3), 296-317.
• Keyes, K. M., Maslowsky, J., Hamilton, A., & Schulenberg, J. (2015). The great sleep recession: changes in sleep duration among US adolescents, 1991–2012. Pediatrics, 135(3), 460-468.
• Grootendorst-van Mil, N.H., Bouter, D.C., Hoogendijk, W.J.G., Van Jaarsveld, S.F.L.M., Tiemeier H., Mulder, C.L., & Roza, S.J. (submitted). The iBerry Study: A longitudinal cohort study of adolescents at high risk of psychopathology.

One-time or continuous project?
Continuous project

Task description
Inviting participants for follow-up measurements, data-collection adolescents and parents (including an extensive psychiatric interview and physical measurements), data processing and data-entry, administrative tasks, literature study, data analysis, reporting results. Final study results are presented at the Department of Psychiatry.
An internship at the iBerry Study introduces you to all the facets that are relevant in conducting a longitudinal study on such a large scale. Hard work? Yes, we are looking for students who have a hands-on mentality. But we believe that hard work pays off. Participating in the complete process of data collection while writing your thesis helps you to understand your data much better and therefore makes the writing process a lot more efficient and rewarding!

Start date
In consultation with the internship coordinator.

Specific requirements

• You are a master student in Medicine
• You have a good verbal and written command of the Dutch language
• You can work independently but also as a valuable team member
• You have good communication skills and telephone skills
• You have a great sense of responsibility
• You work very precise
• Relevant work experience and venipuncture qualification are a plus.

Other details?
Medical students: 5 days per week / 20 weeks
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse travel expenses and there is no internship allowance.

Application procedure

Questions regarding this internship can be addressed to internship coordinator Nita de Neve-Enthoven: n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl / +31 (0) 10 703 59 78. If you want to apply for the position, please send a recent resume and a motivation letter to n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl.

Department
Psychiatry, The iBerry Study

Supervisor(s)
N.H. Grootendorst-van Mil & F. van den Boogert or P. Spaan

Contact details
Internship coordinator: Nita de Neve-Enthoven
+31 (0) 10 703 59 78

iberrystudy@erasmusmc.nl / n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl

www.iberrystudy.nl

Background and problem of interest
Aggressive and (violent) criminal behavior have many adverse effects on victims, perpetrators, their families and society. Nowadays prediction of risk for recidivism is fully based on psychological and social factors and treatment is centered around psychotherapeutic interventions. However, fundamental research has shown that the value of many neurobiological factors in terms of prediction and prevention of aggressive behavior still remains to be unraveled. Innovative technologies potentiate research into biological pathways to aggressive behavior. Specific neurobiological markers of aggressive behavior may provide new insights for prediction and prevention of such antisocial behaviors (e.g. Cornet, Bootsman, Alberda, & De Kogel, 2017).

This research group is focussed on forensic psychiatry. The main outcomes of the theses projects are associations with or predictions of the following antisocial behaviour outcomes in adolescence:

• Various forms of aggressive behavior
• Various forms of criminal and rule-breaking behaviour (e.g. violent crime, group offending)
• Externalizing symptoms or disorders (ODD/CD)

The supervisors projects focus mainly on:
(a) associations of sensory processing, measured in accordance with Dunn’s model (Dunn, 1997), with antisocial behaviour. Sensory processing or sensory integration is the process by which information is received, organized, and used in everyday activities. Information is collected about sensory processing on seven senses: gustatory, olfactory, proprioceptive, visual, tactile, and auditory processing and activity level. The sensory profiles consist of the following quadrants: sensory sensitivity, sensory avoiding, low registration, and sensory seeking.
(b) associations of steroid hormones, measured in hair samples (Manenschijn, Koper, Lamberts, & Van Rossum, 2011) and studied in relation to e.g. dual-hormone theories (Mehta & Prasad, 2015), with antisocial behaviour. We are specifically interested in the stress-related hormone cortisol regulated by the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) and the sex hormone testosterone regulated by the Hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis).

Study goal
Our projects aim to study neurobiological markers that contribute to the prediction, distinction and prevention of aggressive and criminal behavior.
Mainly we focus on the extend to which various forms of sensory processing and the neuroendocrinological hormones cortisol and testosterone are associated with aggressive and criminal behaviour.

A thesis in this project group could focus such or other potentially important predictors of aggressive or criminal behaviour in adolescents, as long as the focus is at least somewhat relevant to the field of forensic psychiatry.

Specific research question
Some examples of possible research questions are:

• To what extend is sensory processing related to aggressive or criminal behavior?
• To what extend are hormonal values (e.g. cortisol/testosterone) related to aggressive or criminal behavior?
• Do adolescents with a history of experiencing violence (harsh parenting, violent life events) show more violent behavior?
• Do adolescents who offend in groups have different psychosocial characteristics than those that offend alone?
• Is worrying about corona related to externalizing problems in adolescents? Do adolescents that have criminally offended break the corona-regulations of the government more often than none-offenders?
• How is bullying or being the victim of bullying in adolescence related to aggressive or criminal behavior?

Study design (methods, materials)
The research project is part of the iBerry (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=1022) (Grootendorst-van Mil et al, submitted). The overall goal of the iBerry Study is to investigate (determinants for) the transition of having non-specific symptoms in adolescence to the development of full-blown psychiatric disorders later in life. Adolescents that participate in the iBerry Study come from the Greater Rotterdam region (the Netherlands), in which both rural and urban places are represented. Every 2-3 years the adolescent and his/her parents are invited to the iBerry research centre for follow-up measurements, for a total period of 10 years. The baseline assessment was completed mid-2019, follow-up measurements have started since early 2019.
The assessments include psychiatric interviews, physical measurements, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Amongst these are (either measured by adolescent, parent or both):

• Demographic questionnaires
• Self-Reported Early Delinquency scale (SRED)
• Psychiatric symptoms questionnaires: e.g. Youth Self Report (YSR), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)
• Psychiatric interviews (MINI-KID, MINI-PLUS)
• Sensory processing (AASP)
• Biological measurements (including length, weight, steroid hormone profile from hair samples)
• Self-harming behaviours (VOZZ, ISAS)
• Psychotic experiences (PQ-16)
• Questionnaire about substance use
• Questionnaire about bullying
• IQ: Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietests (SON-R)
• Decision making: Iowa gambling task (IGT)
• Various other concepts are measured, including social support, parenting styles, life events etc.

Expected results
Some of the expected findings:
(a) We expect to find sensory processing to be a neuropsychological marker for (specific types of) aggressive behavior and the instruments of use to have diagnostic and prognostic value for respectively aggressive behavior in and treatment success of forensic psychiatric patients.
(b) We expect that cortisol and testosterone levels from hair samples are associated with (various types of) aggressive behavior and that these hormones interact in a way that different combinations of hormonal levels are related to different types of aggressive behavior.

Many other associations and research questions in the field of forensic psychiatry may be studied for the thesis.

References

• Cornet, L.J.M., Bootsman, F., Alberda, D.L., De Kogel, C.H. (2017). Neurowetenschappelijke toepassingen in de jeugdstrafrechtketen: Inventarisatie instrumenten, preventie en interventie. Boom criminologie.
• Dunn, W. (1997). The Impact of Sensory Processing Abilities on the Daily Lives of Young Children and Their Families: A Conceptual Model. Infants & Young Children, 9(4), 23- 35.
• Grootendorst-van Mil, N.H., Bouter, D.C., Hoogendijk, W.J.G., Van Jaarsveld, S.F.L.M., Tiemeier H., Mulder, C.L., & Roza, S.J. (submitted). The iBerry Study: A longitudinal cohort study of adolescents at high risk of psychopathology.
• Manenschijn, L., Koper, J. W., Lamberts, S. W., & van Rossum, E. F. (2011). Evaluation of a method to measure long term cortisol levels. Steroids, 76(10), 1032-1036.
• Mehta, P. H., & Prasad, S. (2015). The dual-hormone hypothesis: A brief review and future research agenda. Current Opinion in Behavioral Sciences, 3, 163-168.

One-time or continuous project?
Continuous project

Task description
Inviting participants for follow-up measurements, data-collection adolescents and parents (including an extensive psychiatric interview and physical measurements), data processing and data-entry, administrative tasks, literature study, data analysis, reporting results. Final study results are presented at the Department of Psychiatry.
An internship at the iBerry Study introduces you to all the facets that are relevant in conducting a longitudinal study on such a large scale. Hard work? Yes, we are looking for students who have a hands-on mentality. But we believe that hard work pays off. Participating in the complete process of data collection while writing your thesis helps you to understand your data much better and therefore makes the writing process a lot more efficient and rewarding!

Start date
In consultation with the internship coordinator.

Specific requirements

• You are a master student in Medicine
• You have a good verbal and written command of the Dutch language
• You can work independently but also as a valuable team member
• You have good communication skills and telephone skills
• You have a great sense of responsibility
• You work very precise
• Relevant work experience and venipuncture qualification are a plus.

Other details?
Medical students: 5 days per week / 20 weeks
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse travel expenses and there is no internship allowance.

Application procedure

Questions regarding this internship can be addressed to internship coordinator Nita de Neve-Enthoven: n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl / +31 (0) 10 703 59 78. If you want to apply for the position, please send a recent resume and a motivation letter to n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl.

Department
Psychiatry, The iBerry Study

Supervisor(s)
N.H. Grootendorst & G.C. Vedder

Contact details
Internship coordinator: Nita de Neve-Enthoven
+31 (0) 10 703 59 78

iberrystudy@erasmusmc.nl / n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl

www.iberrystudy.nl

Background and problem of interest
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is tentatively incorporated in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). Proposed as a behavioral addiction, IGD shares many similarities in both physical and psychosocial manifestations with substance use disorder.
Online gaming has greatly increased in popularity in recent years, prevalences of gaming disorders in western countries are estimated at 1-10%. The etiology, the course and the consequences of IGD, however, are not well-understood at this time. IGD does, therefore, appears to be an area in which additional research is clearly needed.

Study goal
The present study aims to map the determinants, course and sequelae of Internet Gaming disorder (IGD) among adolescents.

Specific research question

• What are the important risk factors for the development of IGD?
• What is the natural course of IGD and what are risk factors for persistence of IGD?
• To what extend is IGD comorbid to other mental health disorders, in particular anxiety, depression and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder?
• What is the association between IGD and academic achievement?

Study design (methods, materials)
The research project is inbedded in the iBerry (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=1022). The overall goal of the iBerry Study is to investigate the transition of having non-specific symptoms in adolescence to the development of full-blown psychiatric disorders later in life. Adolescents that participate in the iBerry Study come from the Greater Rotterdam region (the Netherlands), in which both rural and urban places are represented. Every 2-3 years the adolescent and his/her parents are invited to the iBerry research center for follow-up measurements, for a total period of 10 years. The baseline assessment was completed mid-2019, follow-up measurements have started in the beginning of 2019.
The assessments include psychiatric interviews, physical measurements, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Instruments used for the current project include (either measured from the adolescent, parent or both):

• Demographic questionnaires
• Psychiatric interview for DSM diagnoses
• Psychiatric symptoms questionnaires: e.g. Youth Self Report (YSR), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI
• Questionnaire about substance use
• IQ: Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietests (SON-R)
• Questionnaires about social media use and gaming (IAT/VAT)

Expected results
The current project helps to fill in the gaps of knowledge on Internet Gaming Disorder.
This information is warranted to help create screening and intervention strategies for clinicians, policy makers and educators.

References

• Petry, N. M., Rehbein, F., Ko, C. H., & O’Brien, C. P. (2015). Internet gaming disorder in the DSM-5. Current psychiatry reports, 17(9), 72.
• Laconi, S., Pirès, S., & Chabrol, H. (2017). Internet gaming disorder, motives, game genres and psychopathology. Computers in human behavior, 75, 652-659.
• Laconi, S., Pirès, S., & Chabrol, H. (2017). Internet gaming disorder, motives, game genres and psychopathology. Computers in human behavior, 75, 652-659.
• Wang, H. R., Cho, H., & Kim, D. J. (2018). Prevalence and correlates of comorbid depression in a nonclinical online sample with DSM-5 internet gaming disorder. Journal of Affective Disorders, 226, 1-5.
• Grootendorst-van Mil, N.H., Bouter, D.C., Hoogendijk, W.J.G., Van Jaarsveld, S.F.L.M., Tiemeier H., Mulder, C.L., & Roza, S.J. (submitted). The iBerry Study: A longitudinal cohort study of adolescents at high risk of psychopathology.

One-time or continuous project?
Continuous project

Task description
After a training you will participation in all facets of data collection. This includes inviting participants for research visits, assessment of interviews at the research center (including a psychiatric interview and physical measurements and venipuncture), data processing and data-entry and administrative tasks.
Hard work? Yes, we are indeed looking for students who have a hands-on mentality and enjoy being part of our research team.
You will have weekly appointments with your research supervisor and you will receive additional schooling on literature study, data analysis and reporting results. Final study results are presented at the Department of Psychiatry.
At the department, you also have the possibility to attend research meetings and PhD defense ceremonies.

Start date
In consultation with the internship coordinator.

Specific requirements

• You are a master student in Medicine
• You have a good verbal and written command of the Dutch language
• You can work independently but also as a valuable team member
• You have good communication skills and telephone skills
• You have a great sense of responsibility
• You work very precise
• Relevant work experience and venipuncture qualification are a plus.

Other details?
Medical students: 5 days per week / 20 weeks
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse travel expenses and there is no internship allowance.

Application procedure

Questions regarding this internship can be addressed to internship coordinator Nita de Neve-Enthoven: n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl / +31 (0) 10 703 59 78. If you want to apply for the position, please send a recent resume and a motivation letter to n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl.

Department
Psychiatry, The iBerry Study

Supervisor(s)
N.H. Grootendorst & D.C. Bouter

Contact details
Internship coordinator: Nita de Neve-Enthoven
+31 (0) 10 703 59 78

iberrystudy@erasmusmc.nl / n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl

www.iberrystudy.nl

Background and problem of interest
Psychotic-like experiences, such as hallucinations and delusions, are common in children and adolescents. Population-based studies report prevalence rates ranging from 5 to 35%, with a median prevalence of psychotic-like experiences in adolescence of 7,5% (1). Although these experiences are common, psychotic-like experiences at this age are a risk factor for both psychotic and non-psychotic psychiatric disorders, and suicide attempts (2-4). Furthermore, adolescent psychotic-like experiences are associated with adverse social, educational and occupational outcomes in young adulthood (5). Given the unfavorable outcomes associated with psychotic-like experiences in adolescence it is important to recognize those at risk for psychotic-like experiences as early as possible for intervention purposes.

Study goal
The goal of this research project is to better understand psychotic-like experiences in adolescents and how they are associated with emotional and behavioral problems and psychiatric disorders.

Specific research question

• What risk factors are associated with psychotic-like experiences in adolescents? (e.g. major life events, socio demographic characteristics, family characteristics, IQ)
• What is the relationship between psychotic-like experiences and (subclinical) internalizing symptoms or disorders in adolescents? (e.g. depressive symptoms, anxiety)
• What is the relationship between psychotic-like experiences and (subclinical) externalizing symptoms or disorders in adolescents? (e.g. conduct problems, substance use)

Study design (methods, materials)
The research project is part of the iBerry (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=1022) (6). The overall goal of the iBerry Study is to investigate (determinants for) the transition of having non-specific symptoms in adolescence to the development of full-blown psychiatric disorders later in life. Adolescents that participate in the iBerry Study come from the Greater Rotterdam region (the Netherlands), in which both rural and urban places are represented. Every 2-3 years the adolescent and his/her parents are invited to the iBerry research center for follow-up measurements, for a total period of 10 years. The baseline assessment was completed mid-2019, follow-up measurements have started in the beginning of 2019.

The assessments include psychiatric interviews, physical measurements, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Amongst these are (either measured from the adolescent, parent or both):

• Demographic questionnaires
• Psychotic-like experiences (PQ-16)
• Psychiatric interview for DSM diagnoses
• Psychiatric symptoms questionnaires: e.g. Youth Self Report (YSR), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)
• Questionnaire about substance use
• IQ: Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietests (SON-R)
• Interview on major life events and traumatic experiences

Expected results
We expect that psychotic-like experiences are associated with more emotional and behavioral problems. The problems occur both before and after the psychotic-like experiences. Furthermore, we expect that adolescents that report psychotic-like experiences more often meet the criteria for psychiatric diagnoses. Psychotic-like experience are proposed as an import risk factor for both psychiatric disorders and adverse outcomes in adolescents.

References

• Kelleher I, Connor D, Clarke MC, Devlin N, Harley M, Cannon M. Prevalence of psychotic symptoms in childhood and adolescence: a systematic review and meta-analysis of population-based studies. Psychol Med. 2012 Sep;42(9):1857-63.
• Kelleher I, Keeley H, Corcoran P, Lynch F, Fitzpatrick C, Devlin N, et al. Clinicopathological significance of psychotic experiences in non-psychotic young people: evidence from four population-based studies. Br J Psychiatry. 2012 Jul;201(1):26-32.
• Remberk B. Clinical significance of psychotic-like experiences in children and adolescents Znaczenie kliniczne doznan podobnych do psychotycznych u dzieci i mlodziezy. Psychiatr Pol. 2017 Apr 30;51(2):271-82.
• Kelleher I, Corcoran P, Keeley H, Wigman JT, Devlin N, Ramsay H, et al. Psychotic symptoms and population risk for suicide attempt: a prospective cohort study. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013 Sep;70(9):940-8.
• Davies J, Sullivan S, Zammit S. Adverse life outcomes associated with adolescent psychotic experiences and depressive symptoms. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol. 2018 May;53(5):497-507.
• Grootendorst-van Mil, N.H., Bouter, D.C., Hoogendijk, W.J.G., Van Jaarsveld, S.F.L.M., Tiemeier H., Mulder, C.L., & Roza, S.J. (submitted). The iBerry Study: A longitudinal cohort study of adolescents at high risk of psychopathology.

One-time or continuous project?
Continuous project

Task description
Inviting participants for follow-up measurements, data-collection adolescents and parents (including an extensive psychiatric interview and physical measurements), data processing and data-entry, administrative tasks, literature study, data analysis, reporting results. Final study results are presented at the Department of Psychiatry.
An internship at the iBerry Study introduces you to all the facets that are relevant in conducting a longitudinal study on such a large scale. Hard work? Yes, we are looking for students who have a hands-on mentality. But we believe that hard work pays off. Participating in the complete process of data collection while writing your thesis helps you to understand your data much better and therefore makes the writing process a lot more efficient and rewarding!

Start date
In consultation with the internship coordinator.

Specific requirements

• You are a master student in Medicine
• You have a good verbal and written command of the Dutch language
• You can work independently but also as a valuable team member
• You have good communication skills and telephone skills
• You have a great sense of responsibility
• You work very precise
• Relevant work experience and venipuncture qualification are a plus.

Other details?
Medical students: 5 days per week / 20 weeks
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse travel expenses and there is no internship allowance.

Application procedure

Questions regarding this internship can be addressed to internship coordinator Nita de Neve-Enthoven: n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl / +31 (0) 10 703 59 78. If you want to apply for the position, please send a recent resume and a motivation letter to n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl.

Department
Psychiatry, The iBerry Study

Supervisor(s)
N.H. Grootendorst & S.J. Ravensbergen

Contact details
Internship coordinator: Nita de Neve-Enthoven
+31 (0) 10 703 59 78

iberrystudy@erasmusmc.nl / n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl

www.iberrystudy.nl

Background and problem of interest
A recent report from the Netherlands shows that one out of twelve Dutch households has registered problematic financial debts (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, 2020). Having financial debts seems to elevate the risk for several common mental disorders (Meltzer, Bebbington, Brugha, Farrell, & Jenkins, 2013). Besides that, having mental health problems might lead to experiencing financial hardship, suggesting a vicious circle between financial problems and mental health (Kiely, Leach, Olesen, & Butterworth, 2015; Richardson, Elliott, Roberts, & Jansen, 2017). Furthermore, debt attitudes seem to be passed on from parents to children (Almenberg, Lusardi, Säve-Söderbergh, & Vestman, 2018). However, the exact relationship between debts and psychiatric symptoms still remains unclear, as well as factors that might predict the development of financial debts.

Most previous research focused on financial debts and mental health in adulthood. However, especially the transition into adulthood is an interesting period to learn more about the development of both problems and its possible interaction. During this period, adolescents become legally responsible for their own financial matters (Nibud, n.d.). Besides that, this is also a crucial phase for the development of psychiatric disorders (Kessler et al., 2005; Paus, Keshavan, & Giedd, 2008; Schulenberg, Sameroff, & Cicchetti, 2004).

Study goal
The goal of the research project is to examine how financial debts arise in adolescents and to analyze what the effects of poverty and financial debts are on the mental health and vice versa. In this way we hope to find starting points to develop policy and suitable care for adolescents who either develop psychiatric disorders, financial debts, or both.

Specific research question

• What is the relationship between financial debts and (subclinical) internalizing symptoms in adolescents? (e.g. depressive symptoms, anxiety)
• What is the relationship between financial debts and (subclinical) externalizing symptoms in adolescents? (e.g. conduct problems, substance use)
• What are predictors of financial debts in adolescents? (e.g. personality factors, IQ, social support, substance use, financial stress, decision-making abilities, family characteristics, socio demographic characteristics)
• How do financial debts and psychiatric disorders (co-)develop into early adulthood?

Study design (methods, materials)
The research project is part of the iBerry (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=1022) (Grootendorst-van Mil et al, submitted). The overall goal of the iBerry Study is to investigate (determinants for) the transition of having non-specific symptoms in adolescence to the development of full-blown psychiatric disorders later in life. Adolescents that participate in the iBerry Study come from the Greater Rotterdam region (the Netherlands), in which both rural and urban places are represented. Every 2-3 years the adolescent and his/her parents are invited to the iBerry research centre for follow-up measurements, for a total period of 10 years. The baseline assessment was completed mid-2019, follow-up measurements have started since early 2019.

The assessments include psychiatric interviews, physical measurements, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Amongst these are (either measured by adolescent, parent or both):

• Demographic questionnaires
• Questionnaires about (family) income and financial debts
• Financial scarcity/stress: Psychological Inventory Financial Scarcity (PIFS)
• Psychiatric interview
• Psychiatric symptoms questionnaires: e.g. Youth Self Report (YSR), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)
• Questionnaire about substance use
• Self-Reported Early Delinquency scale (SRED)
• IQ: Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietests (SON-R)
• Decision making: Iowa gambling task (IGT)
• Social support: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)
• Parental involvement: Supervision/Involvement Scale – revised

During the project we collaborate with the Nationaal Instituut voor Budgetvoorlichting (Nibud), an independent organization that investigates, informs and advises about household finances in the Netherlands.

Expected results
It is expected that financial debts have a positive relationship with both internalizing and externalizing symptoms in adolescents, and that this works as a vicious circle over time. Furthermore, it is expected that debts arise from the age of 18 and once they have developed, the total debt amount keeps increasing. Another expectation is that adolescents who develop debts, have parents who have financial problems as well. Other expected determinants for developing debts and co-occurring mental disorders are: IQ, living environment, educational level, social support, risk taking behavior and substance use.

References

• Almenberg, J., Lusardi, A., Säve-Söderbergh, J., & Vestman, R. (2018). Attitudes toward debt and debt behavior (No. w24935). National Bureau of Economic Research.
• Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek (2020). Schuldenproblematiek in beeld: Huishoudens met geregistreerde problematische schulden 2015-2018. Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek.
• Grootendorst-van Mil, N.H., Bouter, D.C., Hoogendijk, W.J.G., Van Jaarsveld, S.F.L.M., Tiemeier H., Mulder, C.L., & Roza, S.J. (submitted). The iBerry Study: A longitudinal cohort study of adolescents at high risk of psychopathology.
• Kessler, R. C., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K. R., & Walters, E. E. (2005). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62, 593-602.
• Kiely, K. M., Leach, L. S., Olesen, S. C., & Butterworth, P. (2015). How financial hardship is associated with the onset of mental health problems over time. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, 50, 909-918.
• Meltzer, H., Bebbington, P., Brugha, T., Farrell, M., & Jenkins, R. (2013). The relationship between personal debt and specific common mental disorders. The European Journal of Public Health, 23, 108-113.

• Nibud. (n.d.). Uw kind wordt 18 jaar. Retrieved from https://www.nibud.nl/consumenten/uw-kind-wordt-18-jaar/ on November 6th 2020.

• Paus, T., Keshavan, M., & Giedd, J. N. (2008). Why do many psychiatric disorders emerge during adolescence? Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 9, 947-957.
• Richardson, T., Elliott, P., Roberts, R., & Jansen, M. (2017). A Longitudinal Study of Financial Difficulties and Mental Health in a National Sample of British Undergraduate Students. Community Mental Health Journal, 53, 344-352.
• Schulenberg, J. E., Sameroff, A. J., & Cicchetti, D. (2004). The transition to adulthood as a critical juncture in the course of psychopathology and mental health. Development and Psychopathology, 16, 799-806.

One-time or continuous project?
Continuous project

Task description
Inviting participants for follow-up measurements, data-collection adolescents and parents (including an extensive psychiatric interview and physical measurements), data processing and data-entry, administrative tasks, literature study, data analysis, reporting results. Final study results are presented at the Department of Psychiatry.
An internship at the iBerry Study introduces you to all the facets that are relevant in conducting a longitudinal study on such a large scale. Hard work? Yes, we are looking for students who have a hands-on mentality. But we believe that hard work pays off. Participating in the complete process of data collection while writing your thesis helps you to understand your data much better and therefore makes the writing process a lot more efficient and rewarding!
An internship at the iBerry Study introduces you to all the facets that are relevant in conducting a longitudinal study on such a large scale. Hard work? Yes, we are looking for students who have a hands-on mentality. But we believe that hard work pays off. Participating in the complete process of data collection while writing your thesis helps you to understand your data much better and therefore makes the writing process a lot more efficient and rewarding!

Start date
In consultation with the internship coordinator.

Specific requirements

• You are a master student in Medicine
• You have a good verbal and written command of the Dutch language
• You can work independently but also as a valuable team member
• You have good communication skills and telephone skills
• You have a great sense of responsibility
• You work very precise
• Relevant work experience and venipuncture qualification are a plus.

Other details?
Medical students: 5 days per week / 20 weeks
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse travel expenses and there is no internship fee.

Application procedure

Questions regarding this internship can be addressed to internship coordinator Nita de Neve-Enthoven: n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl / +31 (0) 10 703 59 78. If you want to apply for the position, please send a recent resume and a motivation letter to n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl.

Department
Psychiatry, The iBerry Study

Supervisor(s)
N.H. Grootendorst & N.G.M. de Neve-Enthoven

Contact details
Internship coordinator: Nita de Neve-Enthoven
+31 (0) 10 703 59 78

iberrystudy@erasmusmc.nl / n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl

www.iberrystudy.nl

Background and problem of interest
Non-suicidal self-injury refers to the deliberate destruction or alteration of bodily tissue in the absence of suicidal intent, e.g. cutting, burning oneself (1). It typically has its onset and peak in adolescence, with previously found prevalances as high as 20% (2). NSSI has been associated with many other psychiatric problems, like mood, anxiety and substance use disorders and is also one of the strongest predictors for future suicide attempts (3). The World Health Organization states that suicide is the second leading cause of death among persons aged 15-29 years (4). Woman are more likely to self-harm and undertake suicide attempts, but men die more often by suicide than women, probably because of a preference for highly lethal methods (5).
Both NSSI and suicidality are often accompanied by poor social, educational and occupational outcomes and might not resolve without treatment (6). Timely treatment may reduce chances of developing comorbid disorders and enhance treatment outcome. Identifying factors that increase vulnerability is thus essential for prevention and early intervention.

Study goal
The present study wishes to contribute to the understanding of the phenomenology, risk factors and the development of NSSI and suicidality in adolescents by fulfilling important knowledge gaps in the literature.

Specific research question

• What is the association between nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidality in adolescence?
• What risk factors are associated with nonsuicidal self-injury and suicidality in adolescence? (e.g. socio demographic characteristics, IQ, substance use, social support)
• What are the functions of nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescence? (e.g. self-punishment, sensation-seeking)
• What is the association between nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidality and internalizing and externalizing problems?
• What is the association between non suicidal self-injury, suicidality and having psychotic-like experiences?
• What is the association between nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidality and peer victimization?
• What is the association between nonsuicidal self-injury, suicidality and social media use?
• How do nonsuicidal self-harm and suicidality develop into adulthood?

Study design (methods, materials)
The research project is part of the iBerry (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=1022) (Grootendorst-van Mil et al, submitted). The overall goal of the iBerry Study is to investigate (determinants for) the transition of having non-specific symptoms in adolescence to the development of full-blown psychiatric disorders later in life. Adolescents that participate in the iBerry Study come from the Greater Rotterdam region (the Netherlands), in which both rural and urban places are represented. Every 2-3 years the adolescent and his/her parents are invited to the iBerry research centre for follow-up measurements, for a total period of 10 years. The baseline assessment was completed mid-2019, follow-up measurements have started since early 2019.

The assessments include psychiatric interviews, physical measurements, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Amongst these are (either measured by adolescent, parent or both):

• Demographic questionnaires
• Questionnaires about (family) income and financial debts
• Financial scarcity/stress: Psychological Inventory Financial Scarcity (PIFS)
• Psychiatric interview
• Psychiatric symptoms questionnaires: e.g. Youth Self Report (YSR), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)
• Questionnaire about substance use
• Self-Reported Early Delinquency scale (SRED)
• IQ: Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietests (SON-R)
• Decision making: Iowa gambling task (IGT)
• Social support: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)
• Parental involvement: Supervision/Involvement Scale – revised

During the project we collaborate with the Nationaal Instituut voor Budgetvoorlichting (Nibud), an independent organization that investigates, informs and advises about household finances in the Netherlands.

Study design (methods, materials)
The research project is part of the iBerry (Investigating Behavioral and Emotional Risk in Rotterdam Youth) Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study (N=1022) (7). The overall goal of the iBerry Study is to investigate (determinants for) the transition of having non-specific symptoms in adolescence to the development of full-blown psychiatric disorders later in life. Adolescents that participate in the iBerry Study come from the Greater Rotterdam region (the Netherlands), in which both rural and urban places are represented. Every 2-3 years the adolescent and his/her parents are invited to the iBerry research center for follow-up measurements, for a total period of 10 years. The baseline assessment was completed mid-2019, follow-up measurements have started since early 2019.
The assessments include psychiatric interviews, physical measurements, neuropsychological tests and questionnaires. Amongst these are (either measured by adolescent, parent or both):

• Automutilation: Inventory of Statements About Self-Injury (ISAS)
• Suicidality: Vragenlijst Over Zelfdoding en Zelfbeschadiging (VOZZ)
• Demographic questionnaires
• Psychiatric interview for DSM diagnoses
• Psychiatric symptoms questionnaires: e.g. Youth Self Report (YSR), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI)
• Questionnaire about substance use
• IQ: Snijders-Oomen Niet-verbale intelligentietests (SON-R)
• Decision making: Iowa gambling task (IGT)
• Questionnaire on bullying
• Social support: Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS)
• Interview on major life events and traumatic experiences
• Questionnaire on social media use
• General Assessment of Functioning Scale
• Child Outcome Rating Scale

Expected results
We expect that NSSI and suicidality are strongly associated. We expect that adolescents who report NSSI and/or suicidality report poorer outcomes on general functioning measures and more internalizing, externalizing problems and problematic substance use. Girls will report more NSSI than boys. We hypothesize that motivational background will vary for different types of NSSI and for boys and girls. Girls will more often report suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Adolescents with a history of significant major life events and traumatic experiences will more often report NSSI or suicidal ideation.

References

• Klonsky ED. Non-suicidal self-injury: an introduction. J Clin Psychol. 2007;63(11):1039-43.
• Muehlenkamp JJ, Claes L, Havertape L, Plener PL. International prevalence of adolescent non-suicidal self-injury and deliberate self-harm. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health. 2012;6:10.
• Ribeiro JD, Franklin JC, Fox KR, Bentley KH, Kleiman EM, Chang BP, et al. Self-injurious thoughts and behaviors as risk factors for future suicide ideation, attempts, and death: a meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Psychol Med. 2016;46(2):225-36.
• Organization WH. Suicide in the world: Global health estimates. 2019.
• Miranda-Mendizabal A, Castellvi P, Pares-Badell O, Alayo I, Almenara J, Alonso I, et al. Gender differences in suicidal behavior in adolescents and young adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. International Journal of Public Health. 2019;.64(2):pp.
• Nock MK, Joiner TE, Jr., Gordon KH, Lloyd-Richardson E, Prinstein MJ. Non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents: diagnostic correlates and relation to suicide attempts. Psychiatry Res. 2006;144(1):65-72.
• Grootendorst-van Mil, N.H., Bouter, D.C., Hoogendijk, W.J.G., Van Jaarsveld, S.F.L.M., Tiemeier H., Mulder, C.L., & Roza, S.J (2020). The iBerry Study: A longitudinal cohort study of adolescents at high risk of psychopathology. Submitted.

One-time or continuous project?
Continuous project

Task description
Inviting participants for follow-up measurements, data-collection adolescents and parents (including an extensive psychiatric interview and physical measurements), data processing and data-entry, administrative tasks, literature study, data analysis, reporting results. Final study results are presented at the Department of Psychiatry.
An internship at the iBerry Study introduces you to all the facets that are relevant in conducting a longitudinal study on such a large scale. Hard work? Yes, we are looking for students who have a hands-on mentality. But we believe that hard work pays off. Participating in the complete process of data collection while writing your thesis helps you to understand your data much better and therefore makes the writing process a lot more efficient and rewarding!

Start date
In consultation with the internship coordinator.

Specific requirements

• You are a master student in Medicine
• You have a good verbal and written command of the Dutch language
• You can work independently but also as a valuable team member
• You have good communication skills and telephone skills
• You have a great sense of responsibility
• You work very precise
• Relevant work experience and venipuncture qualification are a plus.

Other details?
Medical students: 5 days per week / 20 weeks
Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse travel expenses and there is no internship fee.

Application procedure

Questions regarding this internship can be addressed to internship coordinator Nita de Neve-Enthoven: n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl / +31 (0) 10 703 59 78. If you want to apply for the position, please send a recent resume and a motivation letter to n.deneve-enthoven@erasmusmc.nl.

Department
Psychiatry

Supervisor(s)
Prof. Dr. C. L. Mulder

drs. B. C. van Aken ( ups.studie@erasmusmc.nl)

drs. R. Rietveld ( ups.studie@erasmusmc.nl)

drs. G.J. van Vliet – de Zwart ( ups.studie@erasmusmc.nl)

Contact details

ups.studie@erasmusmc.nl

www.upsstudie.nl

Background and problem of interest
Recovery from psychosis is a construct that has gained increased attention over the past thirty years. Since the early nineties, patients and scientists have underlined the notion that recovery from a psychotic disorder can occur, even with symptoms being present (1-3). Subsequently, there has been increased attention for the multidimensional aspect of recovery in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia (2). However, there is a large heterogeneity in definitions of recovery shown in the different long-term studies (4). This causes confusion amongst patients, clinicians and researchers, as it remains unclear how different factors may influence different forms of recovery (i.e. personal, functional, social and symptomatic). Therefore, the present study aims at finding determinants of personal recovery, and disentangling time-dependent relationships amongst four dimensions of recovery and its determinants over a ten-year period.

Study goal
This master thesis project will be part of the UP'S (ups and downs) cohort study, were we study recovery over time in people with psychotic disorders. We study the process of recovery, along with various determinants of which we know are of influence on the different forms of recovery and the disorder itself, such as sleep dysfunction, cardiovascular risk and drug-use. However, we do not know the exact effects of these determinants on symptomatology, executive functioning and other forms of recovery over time. It is hypothesized that physical health, drug-use and sleep dysfunction will worsen symptoms and have an incrementing effect on executive functioning over time. As a student, you will be part of this sub-study within the cohort.

Specific research question
Your master thesis’ topic can be about the following subjects:

• Personal recovery
• Executive functioning
• Attachment

If preferable, all subjects can be investigated over time.

References

• Remington G, Foussias G, Agid O. Progress in defining optimal treatment outcome in schizophrenia. CNS drugs. 2010;24(1):9-20.
• Wunderink L, Nieboer RM, Wiersma D, Sytema S, Nienhuis FJ. Recovery in remitted first-episode psychosis at 7 years of follow-up of an early dose reduction/discontinuation or maintenance treatment strategy: long-term follow-up of a 2-year randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2013;70(9):913-20.
• Brazier J, Connell J, Papaioannou D, Mukuria C, Mulhern B, Peasgood T, et al. A systematic review, psychometric analysis and qualitative assessment of generic preference-based measures of health in mental health populations and the estimation of mapping functions from widely used specific measures. Health technology assessment (Winchester, England). 2014;18(34):vii.
• Peasgood T, Brazier J, Papaioannou D. A systematic review of the validity and responsiveness of EQ-5D and SF-6D for depression and anxiety. HEDS Discussion paper 12/15. 2012.
• Keetharuth AD, Brazier J, Connell J, Carlton J, Taylor Buck E, Ricketts T. Development and Validation of the Recovering Quality of Life (ReQoL) Outcome Measures. EEPRU Technical Research Report 050. Policy Research Unit in Economic Evaluation of Health and Care Interventions, Universities of Sheffield and York, 2017. (https://www. eepru. org. uk/EEPRU% 20report% 20MAIN% 20REPORT% 20v3. pdf), 2017.
• Slade M, Leamy M, Bacon F, Janosik M, Le Boutillier C, Williams J, et al. International differences in understanding recovery: systematic review. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences. 2012;21(4):353-64.

One-time or continuous project?
Ongoing project

Task description
Students will participate in every aspect of the study; informing participants, formulating hypotheses regarding above mentioned topics, collecting and analysing data, and subsequently writing a thesis using the acquired data. We expect students to examine their own research question within the UP’S cohort and present the results at the department of Psychiatry. Data collection consists of extensive interviews which are done every year for ten years. Recruitment of these patients, along with data collection, will be done in corporation of outreaching treatment teams. During the internship, students can therefore be partly working at the site of the teams.
An internship at the iBerry Study introduces you to all the facets that are relevant in conducting a longitudinal study on such a large scale. Hard work? Yes, we are looking for students who have a hands-on mentality. But we believe that hard work pays off. Participating in the complete process of data collection while writing your thesis helps you to understand your data much better and therefore makes the writing process a lot more efficient and rewarding!

Start date
In consultation with the researchers.

Specific requirements

• Master student
• Fluent Dutch speaking
• Proactive attitude
• Organizational skills
• Social skills
• Responsible
• Flexible
• Able to work independently and in a team
• Experience with conducting interviews (for research) is a plus

Application procedure

More information about the study can be found at www.upsstudie.nl. If you have any questions regarding this master thesis project, please contact Judith de Zwart, Ruth Rietveld or Bernice van Aken via ups.studie@erasmusmc.nl. If you want to apply for the position, please send your CV and motivation letter.