Nyhed
DKK 180 million for the treatment of children and youth with mental health problems
Lagt online: 13.09.2024
Nyhed
DKK 180 million for the treatment of children and youth with mental health problems
Lagt online: 13.09.2024
Forside
DKK 180 million for the treatment of children and youth with mental health problems
By Torben Haugaard Jensen, AAU Communication and Public Affairs.
Photo: Colourbox
Mental illness and poor well-being among children and youth is a growing challenge in Denmark. As many as 15 percent have a psychiatric diagnosis before they turn 18.
Untreated mental illness and poor well-being can have serious consequences for children and young people's development, schooling and beyond over the life course.
Many families often do not receive the help they need, and this puts more pressure than ever on the healthcare system.
When a child or young person is not thriving, the whole family is affected. Therefore, it is important that the family is in focus.
With a grant of DKK 180 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Obel Family Foundation, researchers from AAU, in collaboration with the North Denmark Region Psychiatric Services, are now launching a new research project to create faster diagnostics and better treatment options.
Jan Mainz is a professor at Aalborg University and head of the project entitled "Best for Us". He emphasizes the importance of involving all parties that families encounter in the process.
"An important element is the active involvement of all relevant actors and co-creation in order to offer something to patients that makes a real difference. This includes children, young people, parents and professionals from the municipalities, regional psychiatric services and general practice."
An offer for the entire family
A recent survey among parents of children with mental illness shows that almost one in four parents have been on sickness absence as a direct consequence of the child's mental health challenges.
According to Jan Mainz, we lack a treatment option that focuses on the effect of a child's mental health problems on the family as a whole. That is precisely why the "Best for Us" project has a special focus on helping the entire family.
"When a child or young person is not thriving, the whole family is affected. Therefore, it is important that the family is in focus, so that we can jointly create an inclusive and coherent process," says Jan Mainz.
The goal is to develop a more coherent, effective course of treatment that makes a difference, one that children and families throughout the country can benefit from.
Translated by LeeAnn Iovanni, AAU Communication and Public Affairs
Facts
- "Best for Us" extends over five years
- The project will primarily be carried out in the North Denmark Region Psychiatric Services in collaboration with the four North Jutland municipalities of Aalborg, Hjørring, Mariagerfjord and Thisted
- "Best for Us" consists of a number of different initiatives. Aalborg University has a special role in the sub-projects:
- "Mapping of interventions for children and young people with mental health problems and illness across sectors as well as the prevalence and development of mental health problems and illness"
- "Development of a digital platform that supports treatment and psychoeducation for children, young people and their families and strengthens cross-sectoral communication"
- "The municipal role in the identification, support and treatment of children and young people with mental health problems and illness in a coherent stepped-care model"
- Evaluation of the implementation and effect of "Best for Us"
- The project is supported with DKK 180 million from the Novo Nordisk Foundation and the Obel Family Foundation