Katrin Usai

Dr. Katrin Usai is a Research Fellow at the Central Institute of Mental Health in Mannheim, Germany, affiliated with the research group 'Learning and Brain Plasticity in Mental Disorder'. Her work focuses on understanding neural and neuroendocrine mechanisms underlying chronic pain conditions, utilizing advanced neuroimaging techniques and psychophysiological assessments.

Research Focus: Her investigations span:

• Neural circuit plasticity in pain chronification
• Default mode network alterations in chronic back pain
• Neuroendocrine interactions (HPA axis, oxytocin) in pain processing
• Developmental trajectories of pain perception
• Reward learning mechanisms in pain transition

Publication Trends: Recent work (2019-2025) demonstrates consistent focus on corticostriatal pathways, default mode network dynamics, and neuroendocrine modulators in chronic pain populations. Studies utilize multimodal approaches including fMRI, behavioral assays, and endocrine profiling to map pain-related neuroadaptations across lifespan stages.