Kristian Reveles Jensen

Scientific interests

I am a psychiatry resident and PhD student specializing in the neurobiological underpinnings of affective disorders, with a focus on developing improved diagnostics and prognostics. My research is centered on the BrainDrugs - Depression study, where I investigate:

• Synaptic density using PET UCB-J tracer imaging
• Brain volume and connectivity through MRI
• Cognition and reward learning via behavioral testing and fMRI
• Predictive value of EEG markers in precision psychiatry

My primary research interests include:

1. The role of neuroimaging and electrophysiological biomarkers in psychopathology and treatment prediction
2. Modulation of brain function through psychotherapy, pharmacology, and brain stimulation
3. Serotonergic and dopaminergic transmission in healthy and disordered brains
4. Gender differences in affective disorders, including menstrual-related mood disorders
5. Psychological effects of serotonergic drugs, i.e. SSRIs and psychedelics
6. Effects and side effects of psychotropic drugs and psychotherapy

Biography

Teaching and Supervision

As a part-time lecturer at the University of Copenhagen, I teach two neuroscience and neurology as part of two courses:

1. Human Biology (SMOA09001U): A comprehensive course covering human anatomy and physiology for bachelor students in molecular biomedicine.
2. Human Diseases for Non-Clinicians (SFOB20005U): An introduction to common and significant diseases in Western populations for public health students.

I also supervise bachelor and master students, guiding them in their research projects and theses.

Previous Research Experience

• Neural Correlates of Gene Function group (University of Oxford)
  • Investigated the COMT Val158Met polymorphism's effect on reward learning and cognition
• Prof. Rune Berg's lab (University of Copenhagen)
  • Developed CLARITY method for large volume tissue clearing and imaging in rodent brains
• Prof. Mette Rosenkilde's lab (University of Copenhagen)
  • Studied viral entry into the brain and related neurobiology topics

Interdisciplinary Approach

My work bridges the gap between clinical psychiatry and neuroscience, combining advanced neuroimaging techniques, electrophysiology, and genetic and pharmacological approaches to better understand and treat affective disorders. I focus on:

1. The mechanisms of action, efficacy, and side effects of both pharmacological interventions (such as SSRIs and psychedelics) and psychotherapeutic approaches in treating mental health disorders.
2. Utilizing EEG markers to predict treatment outcomes and guide personalized treatment strategies in precision psychiatry.
3. Integrating multiple modalities (PET, MRI, fMRI, EEG) to develop comprehensive models of brain function in health and disease.

Publications

My full list of scientific publications can be accessed on Google Scholar.

1. Jensen KHR et al. (2024) Psychoneuroendocrine profiles of unmedicated men with major depressive disorder and associations to treatment effects and sexual side-effects. Neuroscience Applied
2. ATM, Jensen KHR, MBJ, VGF, VH Dam (2024) No association between serotonin 4 receptor brain binding and personality trait Neuroticism - A positron emission tomography study in depressed patients and healthy individuals. Neuroscience Applied
3. Jensen KHR, et al. (2024) EEG abnormalities are not associated with poor antidepressant treatment outcome - A NeuroPharm study. European Neuropsychopharmacology
4. Jensen KHR, et al. (2023) Deep phenotyping towards precision psychiatry of first-episode depression — the Brain Drugs-Depression cohort. BMC Psychiatry
5. Jensen KHR, DEM, ASO, SEPB, SVL, PMF, VG Frokjaer (2022) Effects of an Oral Contraceptive on Dynamic Brain States and Network Modularity in a Serial Single-Subject Study. Frontiers in Neuroscience
6. Jensen KHR*, STP, MV, MB Jørgensen (2020) Shocking colours - ECT temporarily improves colour perception. Journal of Brain Stimulation
7. Jensen KHR*, CAEN, SHS, PCT, MB Jørgensen (2020) Cochlear Implant Should not be Contraindication for ECT and TMS. Journal of Brain Stimulation
8. Jensen KHR*, MK, UK, MBJ, A Jørgensen (2020) Etomidate enabled ECT without suppressing adrenocortical function in a case with difficulties in inducing seizures by conventional methods. Psychiatry Clinical Neuroscience
9. Jensen KHR* (2019) Commentary: Premenstrual Dysphoria is a controversial, but not trivial, diagnosis. Danish Medical Journal (Ugeskriftet)
10. Jensen KHR*, K Sinclair (2018) Clinical Review: Premenstrual Dysphoria Disorder is often overlooked. Danish Medical Journal (Ugeskriftet)
11. Jensen KHR (2018) MSc Thesis: The effects of dopaminergic modulation on model-based reinforcement learning. Oxford University
12. Jensen KHR*, RW Berg (2017) Invited Review: Advances and Perspectives in Tissue Clearing Using CLARITY. Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy
13. Jensen KHR*, RW Berg (2016) CLARITY-compatible lipophilic dyes for electrode marking and neuronal tracing. Scientific Reports
14. Jensen KHR, JC Rekling (2010) Development of a no-wash assay for mitochondrial membrane potential. Journal of Biomolecular Screening

*Corresponding author.