Congratulations, Susanna!
Today, our talented Susanna Österman successfully defended her thesis Improving Detection and Treatment of Health Anxiety: Diagnostic Tools, Digital Interventions, and Substance-Related Risks in Alfred Nobels allé at Karolinska Institutet (KI), Flemingsberg. Opponent was Professor David Tolin, Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine.
Also present were principal supervisor Volen Ivanov and co-supervisors Erland Axelsson (KI), Erik Hedman-Lagerlöf (KI) and Nils Lindefors (KI). The examination board consisted of Ann-Sophie Lindqvist Bagge (University of Gothenburg), Sven Alfonsson (KI), Erik Pettersson (KI).
What is severe health anxiety?
Severe health anxiety is a disabling condition where individuals experience persistent and excessive fear of illness. These fears lead to considerable emotional distress, impair daily functioning, and reduce overall quality of life. Although evidence-based treatments are available, many individuals remain undiagnosed and go without the support they need.
Susanna’s thesis set out to tackle these challenges by exploring how severe health anxiety can be better understood, detected and treated.
Click here to read the full thesis!
The entire Rück research group is incredibly proud of you, Susanna, and your important contributions toward improving care for people affected by this condition. 💐💐
Rücklab - Psychiatry research at Karolinska Institutet 