In Turku, child psychiatry recognises the inseparable connection between the psychological well-being of children and society. Factors such as the COVID pandemic, war, and migration have a significant impact on the mental health of children and adolescents. In addition to conducting cutting-edge research, Turku is actively developing means to make an impact on psychological well-being from an early stage within primary health care, starting from maternity clinics.
“Psychosocial and mental health issues are increasingly highlighted in public discussion. Something needs to be done at an early stage and we need means for it”, says Professor André Sourander.
Epidemiological research in child psychiatry has been conducted on both protective measures and risk factors relating to the psychological well-being of children. According to Sourander, particular interest has been shown towards the impact of biological factors on child development during pregnancy. The impact of risk factors extends not only to mental health, but also to the person’s entire future, education, exclusion, self-destruction, and substance abuse problems.
The Research Centre for Child Psychiatry is an independent research centre of the University of Turku. Sourander is the real primus motor of the research centre, and his scientific work and US connections have built up an internationally significant body of research. Evidence of this is the considerable research funding received from the European Research Council (ERC) to develop mental health services for children. The project explores the implementation, personalisation and genetics of digitally assisted parenting.
Overall, psychiatry is the largest operational area of Turku University Hospital (Tyks), employing over 1,000 people. Despite challenges in service accessibility, much good is being done in the field of child and adolescent psychiatry, where research and clinical work go hand in hand. Senior Physician Taina Juvén has been active in introducing the latest research and treatment methods to Tyks Child Psychiatry. The exponentially growing amount of research-based information in the field has led to a demand for trained specialists.
“Studies have shown that, in most situations, even a little help given is enough as long as it is given in time. The Research Centre for Child Psychiatry is making a valuable contribution here, having developed fine methods for children and adolescents”, says Head of Operational Division in Tyks Psychiatry Jyrki Heikkilä.
Strongest Families programme implemented in every third child health clinic
Doctoral Researcher and Development Manager Terja Ristkari conducts research on digital services and interventions in the Research Centre for Child Psychiatry.
“Children and families have a long way to go before they get access to specialised care. A lot should be done already before that”, says Ristkari.
The Strongest Families parent training intervention programme has shown remarkable effectiveness in Turku, and has been implemented in every third child health clinic in Finland. The programme was developed in collaboration with a Canadian working group. The study was based on research evidence that untreated behavioural problems have a poor prognosis, and early intervention is of great importance.
The role of the child health clinics in the Strongest Families programme is to identify the families that could benefit from it. Epidemiological research evidence also serves as the foundation for this identifying process. When screening for vision, hearing, height and weight, psychosocial well-being is also assessed. And once identified, a family can get help already in three weeks through digital parent training combined with regular telephone coaching.
Sourander says it is revolutionary that help is available so quickly and evidence-based treatments have been implemented into primary health care. Similarly, a digitally assisted programme for school-age children is currently being developed, with a significant study to be published in the future.
”The effectiveness of parent training has long been recognised globally. We teach positive parenting skills that support the child”, says Ristkari.
Read the whole article on the University of Turku website: Health Through Research: Child Psychiatry Explores Early Interventions
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Image: Tyler OlsonSimplefoto / University of Turku
