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Prof. Dr. Dipl.-Psych. Christiane Melzig (formerly Pané-Farré)

Research interests

My research focuses on the basic function and psychopathologies of the defensive system. Defensive mobilization is triggered when threat is either expected or directly faced. Using experimental approaches and psychophysiological assessment techniques (startle EMG, autonomic arousal, respiration, EEG, fMRT) we aim to assess functioning of the defensive system in healthy participants, persons at high risk for psychopathology as well as mental disorders (primarily anxiety disorders). Our research is targeted at elucidating the etiology, prevention and treatment of exaggerated defensive mobilization to expected threat.