Research Interests

My primary research interest is to develop new treatment options in child and adolescent psychiatry based on a neurobiological understanding of mechanisms underlying specific symptom domains - in particular negative affect. In this vein, I'm interested in basic research studying biomarkers of disease and clinical or translational research alike. I am passionate to develop new pharmacological, psychotherapeutic or other options to promote neuromodulation in underage patients, enabling fast, efficient and safe relieve of symptoms. From the clinical perspective I thus have a strong interest in treatment resistant disorders, rare or complex and new diseases.   

Methods

I specialised in methods of autonomic neurosciences, addressing the interplay between the brain and the body. Typically, I work with research methods of psychophysiology (e.g. electrocardiogram, electrodermal activity, blood pressure monitoring, pupillometry, measures of respiration etc.) in combination with neuroimaging (e.g., functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging, functional near-infrared spectroscopy) and their modification via non- or minimal-invasive neuromodulation (e.g., transcranial direct current stimulation, repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation and transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation) or pharmacological intervention. Further, I have a strong interest in systematic reviews and meta-analysis to facilitate science to practice transfer. 

Selecte Publications

1. Koenig J.Neurovisceral Regulatory Circuits of Affective Resilience in Youth - Principal Outline of a Dynamic Model of Neurovisceral Integration in Development. Psychophysiology 2020, 57(5):e13568; DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13568; 3,378 Impact Factor [PubMED]
2. Thayer JF, Mather M, Koenig J. Stress and Aging: A Neurovisceral Integration Perspective. Psychophysiology, 2021; 58(7): e13804, DOI: 10.1111/psyp.13804. 3.378 Impact Factor [PubMed]
3. Koenig J, Parzer P, Haigis N, Liebemann J, Jung T, Resch F, Kaess M. Effects of Acute Transcutaneous Vagus Nerve Stimulation on Emotion Recognition in Adolescent Depression. Psychological Medicine, 2021: 51(3):511-520; DOI: 10.1017/S0033291719003490; 5.641 Impact Factor [PubMed]