Youth Mental Health

In the division of Youth Mental Health, we investigate transdiagnostic symptoms of emotional dysregulation in children and adolescents, e.g. pathological irritability and self-harm. Our aim is to use a combination of clinical, experimental, neurobiological and ambulatory assessments to gain a better understanding of the development of mental disorders and to contribute to their prevention. We strive to take a holistic view of the mental health of children and adolescents in a developmental context, taking into account current societal challenges.

Research projects

Understanding tonic and phasic irritability in help-seeking children and youth

There are two components of irritability in childhood: irritable mood and temper outbursts. But what role do these two facets play in developmental psychopathology?

Principal Investigators: PD Dr. Sébastien Urben, Prof. Dr. Ines Mürner-Lavanchy

Team members: Aline Dietsche, Julia Giovannini, Marion Abi Kheir, Leon Schmidt

Link to SNF data portal: https://data.snf.ch/grants/grant/215660

[Translate to English:] colorful head child

Proximal risk factors for suicidality in an at-risk sample of Zambian youth

This experience sampling (ESM, also known as ecological momentary assessment, EMA) substudy of the study "Assessing suicidal behavior and suicidal ideation among youth attended at the Emergency department of five public hospitals in Lusaka, Zambia" will investigate feasibility of ESM and proximal risk factors for suicidal ideation and behavior in 16-25 year-olds.

Principal Investigators: Dr. med. Irene Falgas Bague, Prof. Dr. Günther Fink, Prof. Dr. Ines Mürner-Lavanchy

Co-investigators: Dr. Ravi Paul, Chimuka Muleya, Mariia Kuleba