Currently, 21 research projects are funded through the national programme on mental health research. The projects were granted through a call on children’s and young people’s mental health that was carried out in 2022. Read more about the ongoing projects below.

Promoting teen sleep – short- and long-term effects on mental well-being

An increasing number of teenagers are sleeping too little as a result of the 24-hour society, technological entertainment, pubertal biologic changes and anxiety about the future. In the short term, both mental health and school performances are affected. In the long term, it increases the risk of leaving school without passing and developing prolonged health problems. The project evaluates and compares the effects of two sleep promoting school-based programmes in grades 7 and 8. The purpose is to advance our knowledge about how effective certain interventions are in enhancing teenagers’ sleep health and, potentially, preventing depression.

Project leader: Pernilla Garmy
Granted funds: SEK 3,8 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Promoting teen sleep – short- and long-term effects on mental well-being (vr.se)

Improving access to evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder in youth with autism

A large majority of young people with autism also suffers from several mental disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) which is potentially treatable. Unfortunately, since the evidence-based treatment is limited to highly specialized care, the need for such treatment is unmet among the families of autistic children. The project aims to develop a digital intervention for OCD in young people with autism as a potential solution and evaluate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The intervention is co-developed and evaluated together with clinicians, young people with autism and their families.

Project leader: David Mataix-Cols
Granted funds: SEK 7,5 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Improving access to evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder in youth with autism: Randomised controlled trial and subsequent clinical implementation (vr.se)

Increasing access to personalized care for pediatric anxiety disorders

Anxiety disorders (ADS) makes it harder for children to function in daily life. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been proved effective for ADS, conducted both in person and online (ICBT). However, child and adolescent mental health services (CAMHS) are in need of empirical guidance regarding their service delivery in order to provide care in a timely and evidence-driven way. The project aims to identify how to best allocate resources by comparing two models of service delivery. The long-term goal is to improve access to and precision of high-quality care and to reduce waiting-list time, patient burden, and overall healthcare costs.

Project leader: Eva Serlachius
Granted funds: SEK 7,9 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Increasing access to personalized care for pediatric anxiety disorders: a large-scale randomized controlled trial of stepped versus stratified care (vr.se)

Estimating the prevalence of emotional distress and mental disorders among teenagers in Sweden and evaluating their need for support – toward a broader perspective on support for mental health

Mental health problems among adolescents are possibly increasing, but knowledge about the actual numbers and the adolescents’ needs are lacking. The project aims to fill these knowledge gaps by systematically assess the proportion of adolescents in Sweden with different levels of mental health problems, and further assess their need and utilization of support and care. The levels range from emotional distress, which does not fulfill diagnostic criteria, to mental disorders such as depression or anxiety.

Project leader: Christina Dalman
Granted funds: SEK 6,9 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Estimating the prevalence of emotional distress and mental disorders among teenagers in Sweden and evaluating their need for support (vr.se)

Improving the Assessment of Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents using Natural Language Processing

There is a need to develop cost-efficient solutions for assessing mental illness. The methods used today have been criticized for being imprecise or too time consuming, AI technology offers possibilities for the healthcare to improve both precision and efficiency in the assessment process. Furthermore, the technology provides effective increase of knowledge regarding which treatment works best for certain individuals. The project aims to investigate which type of education and data required to facilitate clinicians´ decision-making and create confidence in the results of the AI analysis. A digitalized solution can provide a large contribution for the care of mental illness among children and young people.

Project leader: Oscar N. E. Kjell
Granted funds: SEK 5,8 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Improving the Assessment of Depression and Anxiety in Children and Adolescents using Natural Language Processing (vr.se)

A randomized controlled study of stepwise care for aggressive, oppositional behaviors among youth

Children with externalizing behaviors, such as Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder, are at higher risk of continuous aggressive behaviors, academic failures, and mental health problems, compared to other children. Treatments usually provide low to moderate effects and the knowledge of change mechanisms is unsatisfying. Therefore, there is a considerable need for improved treatments. A stepped care model can lead to more effective care as well as reduced costs and work burden for mental health professionals, but more knowledge is needed. The study is expected to provide this needed knowledge about effects and cost effectiveness of a stepped care model for youths and their parents.

Project leader: Pia Enebrink
Granted funds: SEK 8,8 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Improving access to evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder in youth with autism: Randomised controlled trial and subsequent clinical implementation (vr.se)

The impact of personal, environmental, and biopsychosocial factors in and out of school on students’ mental health and well-being

Research has shown that mental health and well-being among children and young people has deteriorated in recent years. In Sweden, children show lower satisfaction with life compared to children in other European countries. Psychosomatic symptoms such as sleep problems, anxiety, and nervousness have increased in recent decades, especially in the last ten years. A healthy development during childhood and adolescence is important for the level of education and for the opportunity to achieve a satisfying and productive life in the long term. Schools play a key role in promoting the health and well-being of young people. The aim of the project is to study how children and adolescents’ mental health has changed since the early 1980s and to study the impact of personal, environmental and social factors in and out of school.

Project leader: Alli Klapp
Granted funds: SEK 4,6 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: The impact of personal, environmental, and biopsychosocial factors in and out of school on students´ mental health and well-being: A longitudinal cohort study (vr.se)

Depression and anxiety in youth: A Swedish prospective cohort study of prevalence and treatment gaps

Youth contains instability and challenges that can have a negative impact on the mental health. Yet there is limited knowledge about the prevalence of psychiatric conditions among youths and about the degree to which young persons with psychiatric conditions receive care. The project will increase knowledge within these two fields. More specifically, the project will study the differences in prevalence and treatment gaps between societal groups, as well as about the role of different coping strategies. Such knowledge is relevant for preventive work and early interventions against depression and anxiety.

Project leader: Sara Brolin Låftman
Granted funds: SEK 5 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Depression and anxiety in youth: A Swedish prospective cohort study of prevalence and treatment gaps (vr.se)

Children and young people of the crisis – mental health, resilience and their determinants among forcibly displaced persons

There is far too little knowledge about the mental health of refugee children and young people. In order to accommodate the mental health of all children, it is important to have an in-depth understanding of this group. The project aims provide in-depth data on mental health and its determinants and to advance the understanding of resilience against mental illness among refugee children and young people. Furthermore, the project intends to translate findings into strategies for prevention and early support, as well as hands-on methods. The project fosters the implementation of the UNCRC, the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the EU, the Public Health Strategy, and The Gender Equality Policy and the UN SDG goals.

Project leader: Laura Korhonen
Granted funds: SEK 5,2 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Child and young people of crisis – mental health, resilience, and their determinants among forcibly displaced persons (vr.se)

The role of school demands and achievements for temporal trends in stress and mental health

The increase of mental illness among adolescents coincides with a set of major education reforms concerning curricula, assessment systems and eligibility requirements. Greater demands, lower achievements and associated higher rates of school failure have been put forth as a leading cause. The aim of this project is to study the role of school demands and pupils’ achievements for mental health among Swedish pupils between 1990 and 2018. The project will contribute with a deeper understanding of how pupil’s mental health evolves during formative school years in relation to different policy contexts.

Project leader: Björn Högberg
Granted funds: SEK 4,1 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: The role of school demands and achievements for temporal trends in stress and mental health (vr.se)

Intersectoral collaboration in school – early promotion and preventive interventions on class- and group level to increase child engagement, health and reduce risk of exclusion and mental ill-health

Many children do not achieve educational goals due to disengagement and limited participation. For example, children from socio-economically disadvantaged areas and children with psychiatric disorders or behavior problems are at risk. Poor results in school may lead to mental illness and inequality in society, such as exclusion from higher education and the labour market later in life. The purpose of the project is to meet these challenges by implementing a Canadian research programme in Swedish schools and study its’ effects. The programme focuses on creating inclusive and adaptive learning environments to meet children’s individual needs. Thereby, the project may promote health and prevent mental illness and exclusion.

Project leader: Maria Borgenstig
Granted funds: SEK 5,2 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: INTERSECTORAL COLLABORATION IN SCHOOL early promotion and preventive interventions on class- and group level to increase child engagement, health and reduce risk of exclusion and mental ill-health (vr.se)

Meeting adolescent’s mental health needs – implementing a new service model for mental health practice in primary care

Youths with untreated mental health problems are at higher risk for developing psychiatric diseases than other adolescents. Primary care is the main healthcare provider of prevention and treatment of mental health problems but is limited due to scarce resources and an increasing demand for care. International research suggest that the service model Primary Care Behavioural Health (PCBH) is an advantageous way to manage mental health problems in primary care, however, more research about the model is needed. The project aims to generate more knowledge about PCBH by doing an implementation in primary care in one Swedish region. The project can make crucial contributions to both research and clinical practice concerning the management of mental health problems among youths.

Project leader: Per Nilsen
Granted funds: SEK 5,3 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: MEETING ADOLESCENTS’ MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS – IMPLEMENTING A NEW SERVICE MODEL FOR MENTAL HEALTH PRACTICE IN PRIMARY CARE (vr.se)

Functioning and psychiatric problems in youth – a large scale study of strengths and weaknesses, participation, facilitating and hindering environmental factors in autism and ADHD

There is limited knowledge in society about the multiple functional risk and protective factors of mental problems, especially concerning people with autism and ADHD, who are at higher risk of mental illness. Society needs to get better at preventing mental illness and offering help based on individual strengths and weaknesses, as well as facilitating factors in the environment. The project aims to gain novel and reliable knowledge about function and mental health among youth with autism and ADHD. In addition, the project will promote function-based care and support for young people with autism and ADHD as we all create knowledge about preventive factors for mental illness.

Project leader: Sven Bölte
Granted funds: SEK 8,6 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Functioning and psychiatric problems in youth – a large scale study of strengths and weaknesses, participation, facilitating and hindering environmental factors in autism and ADHD (vr.se)

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder

Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) is a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that affect between one to five percent of the population. However, the disorder was first recognized in 2013, and we know very little about its causes, course and consequences. Neither evidence-based treatment nor national guidelines for ARFID exist, although parents are in great need of guidance on how to manage their children’s condition. Therefore, the project aims to increase knowledge about ARFID by studying genetic and environmental contributors through a developmental lens. The project will act as the foundation of an understanding of ARFID, identify factors related to onset, maintenance and outcome.

Project leader: Cynthia Bulik
Granted funds: SEK 7 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: ARFID Initiative Sweden (vr.se)

Long-term effects of ADHD medication treatment on public health relevant outcomes

The short-term benefits of ADHD medications are well-established. However, their long-term benefits remain debated. The major reason is that it has been difficult to study long-term effects with the methods previously used. The project will take a discontinuation design to investigate whether ADHD medication remains beneficial after long-term use. The results will help identification of patients that would likely benefit from long-term treatment as well as help care providers deliver optimized and personalized treatment.

Project leader: Zheng Chang
Granted funds: SEK 3,9 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Long-term effects of ADHD medication treatment on public health relevant outcomes (vr.se)

A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Interactive Non-Stigmatizing Intervention to Prevent Eating Disorder in Youths Through Strengthening of Protective Factors with Potential for Wide Implementation

Eating disorders are common and cause significant morbidity and mortality. Due to stigma, only 25 percent seek help and only 50 percent recover after receiving treatment. Large-scale prevention is urgently needed to reduce the emergence and burden of eating disorders. However, current prevention programmes do not meet requirements for efficient and economically attractive large-scale implementation. The project aims to investigate the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of a brief and interactive prevention programme that has the potential to be widely implemented. The prevention programme focuses on protective factors against eating disorders which reduces the risk of their occurrence and their stigmatization.

Project leader: Ata Ghaderi
Granted funds: SEK 7,4 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: A Randomized Controlled Trial of an Interactive Non-Stigmatizing Intervention to Prevent Eating Disorder in Youths Through Strengthening of Protective Factors with Potential for Wide Implementation (vr.se)

KIDS in action promoting health equity in socially deprived areas

Research shows that migrant children living in vulnerable areas are at higher risk of mental illness. These children are seldom allowed to participate in evaluating their own well-being. According to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children must be involved in defining their well-being, and even in developing methods for evaluating interventions. Therefore, this project aims to give children opportunities to explore, measure and evaluate well-being over time. For example, the project will seek answers to how children describe general well-being, what key factors in the social context that increase their well-being and what role gender play.

Project leader: Margareta Rämgård
Granted funds: SEK 4,8 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: KIDS in action promoting health equity in socially deprived areas (vr.se)

YOUNG-KIN: The mental wellbeing of children as next of kin

Children whose parent, or other co-habiting family member, have serious health issues or have died unexpectedly often experience challenging life situations, mental health issues and social inequalities. Serious health issues include mental disorder or disability, serious physical illness or injury and addiction to alcohol or other agents. This group of children or adolescents are under-investigated and will therefore be studied in the project. The project aims to study prevalence and distribution, life conditions and risk factors for their mental health, differences between gender and need of mental health support. The project also tests a psychosocial intervention for prevention of mental health issues usually linked with children having a next of kin with serious health issues.

Project leader: Elizabeth Hanson
Granted funds: SEK 5,6 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: YOUNG-KIN: The mental wellbeing of children as next of kin (vr.se)

The effect and experience of the brief parental programme AFFEKT within primary health care – for parents of children with externalizing behaviors

Children with externalizing behaviors are common, however efficient and brief support programmes for parents with these children are missing. Within primary care, families in need of interventions can be identified early on, to prevent future ill-health and costs for society. The project aims to evaluate a parental support programme by studying its effect on children’s external behavior and the parents’ sense of competence, strategies, mental health and quality of life. Increased knowledge about the program is important for the implementation of the intervention and other parental programmes.

Project leader: Py Eriksson
Granted funds: SEK 4,3 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: The effect and experience of the brief parental programme AFFEKT within primary health care (vr.se)

Mental health through the adolescents eyes: longer term trends in Nordic countries

The mental health amongst Nordic adolescents, particularly girls, has deteriorated. The project´s overall purpose is to develop knowledge about how adolescents’ mental health has changed from 1986 to 2022 in the Nordic countries. Furthermore, the project will investigate determinants of both mental well-being and various forms of mental distress. Some determinants that will be investigated is time trends, age as well as gender and socioeconomic status, the introduction of social media and school-, peer- and family related resources.

Project leader: Charli Eriksson
Granted funds: SEK 9,6 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Mental health through the adolescents eyes: longer term trends in Nordic countries (vr.se)

Severe and enduring eating disorder in adolescents

About twenty percent of eating disorders will have a chronic course, called severe and enduring eating disorders, associated with high morbidity and mortality. Among identified risk factors for this severe condition are early onset of eating disorder, having an overcontrolled personality style, and signs of systemic inflammation. The project aims to study these and other related risk factors and evaluate a treatment against maladaptive emotional overcontrol. Such knowledge can contribute to improved treatments with capacity to break a chronic course in eating disorders.

Project leader: Mia Ramklint
Granted funds: SEK 4,9 million
Grant type: Project
Call for proposals: Children’s and young people’s mental health 2022

More about the project: Severe and enduring eating disorder (SE-ED) in adolescents (vr.se)