This group focuses on how psychological, social and physical functioning change before and after diagnosis of depressive and anxiety disorders, particularly in old age. How do (aging-related) challenges affect the incidence and course of affective disorders, and why do people differ in how fast and well their daily function recovers after depression and anxiety? To answer such questions, we use data from large clinical and population-based cohort studies (e.g., NESDO, NESDA, LASA) and from qualitative interviews with people who have gone through depression. Resilience, self-reliance and functional recovery are key topics in our research. We collaborate with the department of epidemiology & data science, VU health sciences and VU sociology.

Team members

dr. Almar Kok Assistant professor
dr. Nadine Paans Postdoc researcher and GZ-psychologist
Kelly Fredriksen PhD student (department of Epidemiology & Data Science)
dr. Gaby Lunansky Postdoc researcher (department of Epidemiology & Data Science)