Emerging Psychopathology in Adolescents
Background of the EMERGE-study
Mental health in adolescents is a major global health issue as more than 30% of all mental disorders begin by the age of 14 and 60% by the age of 24. Additionally, most mental disorders have a high likelihood of persisting into adulthood or recurring in another form. Therefore, it is of great importance to provide prevention approaches for various mental health problems in adolescence. These approaches should enable early and precise identification of who will develop mental health problems and provide appropriate support to promote mental health for affected adolescents.
Objectives of the EMERGE-study
The central aim of this epidemiological study is to further develop current prevention approaches, which are static and focused on specific mental health problems, into a dynamic and transdiagnostic prevention approach for adolescents. To achieve this, we survey nearly 1200 adolescents from the Swiss general population aged between 11 and 17 years about the course, patterns, and possible indicators of improvement and deterioration of mental health. Additionally, we investigate the transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying these mental health problems. For this purpose, we conduct diagnostic interviews upon study enrollment and after 12 months and ask participating adolescents to complete online questionnaires five times at three-month intervals.
Relevance of the EMERGE-study
The EMERGE study aims to better understand the course and dynamic interplay between mental health problems and mental health in adolescents. This provides the opportunity to support adolescents who are not seeking help even though they would need it, at an early stage. This serves the overarching goal of promoting long-term positive mental health in adolescence.
Research funding
The EMERGE study is funded by an Eccellenza grant "Understanding emerging psychopathology in adolescence: Towards a transdiagnostic indicated prevention approach" by the Swiss National Science Foundation (PCEGP1_186913; PI: Prof. Dr. phil. Stefanie Schmidt).
