The Mental Health | Policy | Economics group hosts diverse backgrounds in mental health, policy, and economics. Our expertise has been channeled into evaluating the efficacy of emerging digital health interventions, understanding their role in addressing health inequalities in early years policy, and deriving actionable insights from big data analytics. The Mental Health | Policy | Economics group research also aims to probe the interplay between digital health platforms, socio-economic determinants of mental health. Moreover, the Mental Health | Policy | Economics group has developed a research agenda in problematic internet usage in the Bootstrap Project funded by H2020 allowing us to explore the broader implications of internet habits on mental health in children and adolescents, potentially leading to therapeutic digital solutions. This, combined with our ongoing collaboration with European, US and Latin American academic institutions, offers a unique opportunity to delve into cross-cultural investigations of digital health adoption and its effectiveness across different populations.

Digital mental health is an evolving and significant domain within healthcare, characterized by the integration of digital technologies into mental health services and research. Our groups research in the field encompasses a broad spectrum of interventions, including wearable devices, telemedicine, mobile health apps, and the application of data science and artificial intelligence. Our research into these offers new avenues for diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing management of mental health conditions.

We also assess how economically they offer the potential to reduce healthcare costs, notably through decreased patient absenteeism from work and reduced rates of non-attendance at appointments. These technologies also improve patient experience and satisfaction by increasing the efficiency and convenience of consultations, providing flexibility, and enabling better engagement with treatment plans.

Our work on digital mental health is rapidly developing, in a field that holds significant promise for improving mental health care delivery and outcomes. Its potential to provide more accessible, efficient, and personalized mental health care is immense. We have also focused on the challenges related to access, integration, and the equitable distribution of digital health resources. As the field continues to evolve, we have deemed essential to address these challenges proactively to ensure that digital mental health solutions are accessible and beneficial to all segments of the population, thereby contributing to a more inclusive and effective mental health care system.

The Mental Health | Policy | Economics Group research agenda in drug policy and substance use encompasses a wide range of topics within the field. Our work in this area is characterized by a focus on public health implications, policy analysis, and the socio-economic dimensions of drug use and regulation. Part of the group’s work is based on our analysis of global policy options and contribution to understanding and shaping drug policy. Our collaborations with international organizations like the European Commission, UNODC, and DEA, among others are part of our policy engagement schedule. This work emphasizes the complexities and challenges in regulating illegal drugs within varying legal and socio-economic contexts globally​​.

We also work on substance use patterns and public health. Our research also focuses on the public health aspects of substance use and we are also interested in research related to treatment and access to care. Another significant aspect of our research is the examination of treatment patterns for substance use disorders. We also work on th impact of socio-political factors on drug policy. We also explore how broader socio-political factors influence drug policy.

Our research agenda spans from policy analysis and global drug regulation to the public health impacts of substance misuse, offering comprehensive insights into the multifaceted world of drug policy and substance abuse. Our work is instrumental in informing both academic understanding and practical policy-making in this crucial area of public mental health.

In the realm of mental health research, our research group leads work on problematic use of the internet, particularly in our work with the Bootstrap, launched under the EU's Horizon 2020 program, addresses the growing concern about the problematic use of the internet (PUI), which affects an estimated 6% of the general population. This concern is especially pronounced for children and young people. PUI encompasses behaviors such as excessive gaming, buying, gambling, email checking, social media use, and viewing pornography, which can impair daily functioning and necessitate professional mental health intervention. The project aims to foster networked interdisciplinary research across Europe and beyond, focusing on reaching a consensus on the definition of PUI, developing age-appropriate assessment tools, and planning studies to understand its clinical course and socio-health-economic impact​​.

Moreover, the economic and policy implications of digital technology form a crucial part of our groups research agenda in this area and our work includes evaluating how countries can develop policies that both promote digital literacy and safeguard citizens from the potential harms of problematic internet use. We also consider the economic repercussions, such as workforce productivity and healthcare costs associated with digital overuse, along with the broader social and economic challenges and opportunities inherent in a heavily digitalized society.

Within the wide-ranging scope of the Mental Health | Policy | Economics group’s work lies a distinct emphasis on autism epidemiology and policy. The complexities of autism, as a spectrum condition, present a diverse neurological, social, and environmental challenges.

The group's research delves into uncovering patterns of autism prevalence, understanding the diverse presentations of the condition, and identifying both health service and socio-economic factors affecting a diagnosis. Beyond the realm of pure epidemiology, the team recognizes the paramount importance of effective policy to address the multifaceted needs of those with autism. We examine educational systems and their ability to accommodate and support autistic students, workplace adjustments for autistic adults, and the broader societal perceptions and stigmas that can impact this community. Furthermore, the group collaborates with policy makers, aiming to ensure that the latest research informs decision-making, leading to truly inclusive policies that recognize and celebrate neurodiversity.

In the realm of mental health research, the focus on women's mental health is gaining increased attention, particularly within our research group. Our research explores various aspects, including the higher prevalence of certain mental disorders in women, such as depression and anxiety, and the impact of life events like pregnancy, menopause, and societal roles that disproportionately affect women's mental well-being.

From a policy perspective, our group delves into how existing mental health policies may or may not adequately address the specific needs of women. This includes evaluating the effectiveness of current mental health services and interventions for women, and identifying gaps where improvements are needed. Our work often intersects with broader issues such as gender inequality, access to healthcare, and social stigmas surrounding mental health. By influencing policy-making, our research aims to advocate for more inclusive and effective mental health strategies that are sensitive to the nuances of women’s mental health issues. We also examine the economic impact of women's mental health issues on both individuals and societies. Our work highlights the importance of investing in women's mental health not only as a matter of health equity but also as a strategy for economic development and societal well-being.