World Congress in Berlin: HIIT as the key to better mental health!

World Congress in Berlin: HIIT as the key to better mental health!

The World Congress of Biological Psychiatry will take place in Berlin from September 9th to 12th, 2025. Under the motto “From Innovations to Improved Mental Healthcare for All,” psychiatrists, psychologists, health professionals and scientists will gather here to discuss progressive approaches to mental health care. The event is organized by Prof. Dr. Andreas Ströhle from the Charité Berlin and Dirk Wedekind from the University Medical Center Göttingen.

A central symposium of the conference is entitled “Physical Exercise in Mental Disorders”. The lecture by Prof. Dr. Moritz Petzold from the Faculty of Natural Sciences is working on the topic of “High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) in the Treatment of Mental Disorders”. The talk aims to highlight how HIIT works and its benefits compared to other forms of training. Particular consideration is given to the results of studies that examine the effectiveness of high-intensity interval training for various mental illnesses.

Innovative approaches in focus

During his lecture, Prof. Dr. Petzold will also present the results of a study in which he himself was involved. This study analyzes the effectiveness of HIIT in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. In addition, the superiority of HIIT in terms of improving physiological parameters is discussed.

In recent years, HIIT has emerged as a promising method in the treatment of mental illnesses. A literature review on the psychological aspects of HIIT, published in Exercise Therapy and Health Sports, provides valid data on 13 studies and 1204 patients. Although the results show inconsistent positive effects, negative psychological effects of HIIT could not be proven. This highlights the need for further systematic research on this topic.

E-learning programs for further training

Two important e-learning programs will be presented parallel to the congress. The first program, entitled “Early Interventions in Major Mental Disorders,” is aimed at healthcare professionals and students. It covers important topics such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, as well as the effectiveness of early interventions.

The second e-learning program called “Advancing Cognition Understanding in MENtal illness (ACUMEN)” focuses on cognitive functions in mentally ill people. This represents a valuable resource to promote the exchange of clinical insights and deepen knowledge.

Participation in these programs provides access to leading international experts and provides the opportunity to discuss relevant clinical topics.

For more information about the event and symposium sessions, please visit World Congress of Biological Psychiatry and the programs offered there that could help improve mental health care.

Recap: The congress will create a forum for innovation and exchange, with the topic of exercise therapy playing a central role.

The findings about the benefits of HIIT in therapy could be of great importance for many patients and represent a new way to treat mental illnesses.