Mental health problems are growing fast across the world and are of increasing public health concern. They negatively impact the health-related quality of life of the affected individuals and their families. They are also associated with large economic costs for the individuals, society, and the economy. These include costs due to school absenteeism and worse educational attainment, reduced employment engagement and lost productivity, and increasing demand for health and social care.   

We conduct a wide range of studies on the mental health of children and young people. Mental health disorders can have long-term negative consequences if they are not promptly addressed. Using systematic reviews, meta-analyses, large birth cohort studies and other linked observational/ administrative data, we try to understand the socioeconomic, potentially modifiable, risk factors of mental health disorders early in life; and we quantify the costs of their long-term adverse consequences in terms of educational achievement and future employment prospects.   

We also conduct health economic evaluations to assess the costs and benefits of digital and other types of treatment for addressing mental health problems in children, young people, and adults. Learn more about our work in mental health Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and economic evaluation.