Silke Behrendt

Silke Behrendt is an Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Southern Denmark. She is affiliated with the Research Unit of Psychiatry (Odense) and Odense University Hospital (OUH), with a focus on clinical psychology and alcohol use disorder (AUD) research.

• Primary Affiliation: University of Southern Denmark
• Secondary Affiliation: Karolinska Institutet (KI)
• Collaboration: Odense University Hospital (OUH)

Research Interests:
Behrendt specializes in Alcohol Use Disorder among older adults, investigating treatment outcomes, predictors of recovery, and the intersection of AUD with physical illnesses. Her work addresses healthcare access disparities, quality-of-life improvements, and digital interventions like text messaging for high-risk alcohol use. She employs methodologies such as Motivational Interviewing, Generalized Linear Modeling, and DSM-5 diagnostics. Her research also explores comorbidities like Alcoholic Polyneuropathy and Nicotine Dependence in aging populations.

Scientific Contributions:
Recent work includes studies on the AUD treatment gap in middle-aged and older adults, age-moderated psychotherapy effectiveness, and quality-of-life outcomes post-treatment. She leads projects like Mind the Gap (2023–2026) and Text Messaging to Reduce High-Risk Alcohol Use (2023–2025).

Awards and Roles:
Behrendt serves on the editorial review board of the journal Addiction (2023–) and has organized conferences on AUD treatment for older adults (e.g., 2024). She mentors via PhD committee roles and delivers guest lectures on targeted alcohol interventions.