The economic consequences of mental health problems in childhood
- 8 September 2025 to 2 December 2025
- Project No: D26014
- DPhil Project 2026
- Health Economics Research Centre (HERC) National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU)
Background
Children and young people are facing a growing mental health crisis. According to the Global Burden of Disease 2021, mental disorders are the leading cause of years lived with disability for ages 5-14, accounting for 21.2% globally and 32.2% in England - both significantly higher than in 1991. National Health Service (NHS) data show sharp rises in mental health disorders among ages 8 - 19 years from 2017 to 2023, particularly after 2021. Socio-economic disadvantage is a key factor, with those affected more likely to belong to families experiencing housing instability and income loss. Mental health difficulties are also associated with frequent school absences.
Demand for NHS mental health services has surged: referrals for under-18s rose 53% since 2019, reaching 1.2 million in 2022, with nearly 500,000 open referrals by late 2023. Long waiting times (often a year or more) risk worsening long-term outcomes such as persistent mental health problems, lower educational achievement, and limited employment opportunities.
While many studies explore risk factors, less is known about the broader and longer-term effects. A recent systematic review of child and adolescent anxiety problems - the most common disorders - identified negative impacts across 15 life domains. Yet most research remains narrowly focused on health, overlooking wider social and economic consequences. Quantifying these broader impacts is crucial for understanding the full burden and guiding prevention and investment.
research experience, research methods and skills training
The successful candidate will develop expertise in health economics, applied econometrics, epidemiology, and mental health research, focusing on the analysis of large, nationally representative linked datasets (e.g. Millennium Cohort Study, Next Steps, ECHILD, NPD, CPRD, HES) to quantify the economic impacts of childhood mental health problems (e.g. NHS costs, educational outcomes, employment prospects). They will gain hands-on experience in literature reviews, study design, data analysis, public and patient involvement, and in communicating findings to diverse stakeholders. Support will be provided throughout the DPhil to publish in peer-reviewed journals.
FIELD WORK, SECONDMENTS, INDUSTRY PLACEMENTS AND TRAINING
The successful candidate will receive training in literature reviews, advanced econometric and epidemiological methods, public and patient involvement, and communication skills for both specialist and general audiences. They will also have opportunities to present their research internally, to stakeholders, and at national and international conferences.
PROSPECTIVE STUDENT
This project would suit a candidate with a genuine interest in advancing the economics of child mental health to inform policy, particularly through a health inequalities lens, with a strong background in quantitative skills (econometrics, epidemiology, statistics). The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in health economics, economics, econometrics or a closely related quantitative discipline. Experience with data analysis using Stata or R would be highly desirable.
Supervisors
External supervisor
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Departments of Experimental Psychology and Psychiatry |