Four hot topics in mental health research
Article
|Published
|The PsychGen Center at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) has been in dialogue with the organization Mental Helse to learn what kind of mental health research their members think is important. Researchers at PsychGen have received more than 30 suggestions and have written a series of short, easy-to-read articles that respond to some of the key topics that were raised.
A version of this text was first published on the website of Mental Helse (Mental Health Norway).
Gender Differences in Self-Harm and Suicide
Research shows it's important to understand how self-harm and suicide differ between genders. In Norway in 2023, the suicide rate among men aged 25–74 was more than twice as high as among women. Studies from around the world confirm that suicide attempts are more likely to be fatal in men. At the same time, self-harming behavior and suicidal thoughts are more common among girls and women.
But gender differences are about more than just numbers. The methods and ways people hurt themselves also vary. For example, boys who experience bullying or act aggressively toward others are more likely to harm themselves. In some cases, aggression and risky behavior may be a form of self-harm. Girls and women are more likely to overdose on medication or swallow harmful substances, or to cut themselves, while boys and men often use more violent methods such as burning or weapons.
When it comes to gender identity, research shows that transgender and non-binary individuals often face more difficult life experiences. These include discrimination at school or work, as well as physical and sexual violence and hate speech. Such experiences increase the risk of mental health problems, self-harm, and suicide.
That’s why it’s crucial for both researchers and healthcare professionals to take gender differences into account while also seeing each person as a whole. This can help create better, more targeted prevention and treatment strategies.
References
Fox, Kathryn R., Millner, Alexander J., Mukerji, Cora E. , Nock, Matthew K. (2018). Examining the role of sex in self-injurious thoughts and behaviors, Clinical Psychology Review, 66, 3-11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2017.09.009.
Folkehelseinstituttet. (2024). Selvmord i Norge - Folkehelserapporten. Retrieved January 15, 2025 from https://www.fhi.no/he/folkehelserapporten/psykisk-helse/selvmord-i-norge/?term=#om-selvmord-selvmordsforsk-og-selvskading
Brunner, R., Kaess, M., Parzer, P., Fischer, G., Carli, V., Hoven, C. W., Wasserman, C., Sarchiapone, M., Resch, F., Apter, A., Balazs, J., Barzilay, S., Bobes, J., Corcoran, P., Cosmanm, D., Haring, C., Iosuec, M., Kahn, J. P., Keeley, H., Meszaros, G., … Wasserman, D. (2014). Life-time prevalence and psychosocial correlates of adolescent direct self-injurious behavior: a comparative study of findings in 11 European countries. Journal of child psychology and psychiatry, and allied disciplines, 55(4), 337–348. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.12166
Berardelli, I., Rogante, E., Sarubbi, S., Erbuto, D., Cifrodelli, M., Concolato, C., Pasquini, M., Lester, D., Innamorati, M., & Pompili, M. (2022). Is Lethality Different between Males and Females? Clinical and Gender Differences in Inpatient Suicide Attempters. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 19(20), 13309. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192013309
How are Children Affected When a Parent Has a Serious Mental Illness?
Children of parents with serious mental health problems are more likely to develop mental health challenges themselves—but most of them stay mentally well. Still, it’s important to understand how mental illness can be passed down from one generation to the next, as this topic has not received enough attention in research or clinical practice. As a result, signs of mental health issues in children may be missed or discovered too late.
Many parents are aware that their mental health can affect their children, but healthcare providers rarely talk about it, and treatments often focus only on the individual, not the whole family. A parent's mental illness doesn’t automatically mean their children will be affected. But fear of stigma can prevent both children and parents from seeking help.
How children are affected by having a parent with serious mental illness is still being actively studied. Mental disorders often arise from a complex mix of biological and environmental risk factors. Some children also show a high level of resilience—the ability to handle stress and bounce back from adversity, helping them do well in life despite difficult circumstances.
References
Hannigan, L. J., Eilertsen, E. M., Gjerde, L. C., Reichborn-Kjennerud, T., Eley, T. C., Rijsdijk, F. V., ... & McAdams, T. A. (2018). Maternal prenatal depressive symptoms and risk for early-life psychopathology in offspring: genetic analyses in the Norwegian Mother and Child Birth Cohort Study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(10), 808-815. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(18)30225-6
Maciejewski, D., Hillegers, M., & Penninx, B. (2018). Offspring of parents with mood disorders: Time for more transgenerational research, screening and preventive intervention for this high-risk population. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 31(4), 349–357. https://doi.org/10.1097/YCO.0000000000000423
Rutter, M. (1985). Resilience in the face of adversity: Protective factors and resistance to psychiatric disorder. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 147(6), 598-611. https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.147.6.598
Do Lifestyle and Environment Matter for Mental Health?
Yes—both lifestyle and the environment play a major role in mental health. Research shows that regular physical activity, a healthy diet, good sleep, and strong social connections all contribute to better mental well-being. Support from family and friends and living in a safe, stable environment also make a positive difference. On the other hand, things like social isolation, discrimination, or dissatisfaction with one’s home or neighbourhood can harm mental health.
There are many small things people can do in daily life to support their mental health. For example, the "Five Ways to Wellbeing" are five simple actions proven to boost quality of life:
Be present,
Be active,
Keep learning,
Connect with others, and
Give to others.
While some factors, like our genes, are beyond our control, our lifestyle and environment can significantly influence our mental health.
References
Bjørndal, L. D., Ebrahimi, O. V., Lan, X., Nes, R. B., & Røysamb, E. (2024). Mental health and environmental factors in adults: A population-based network analysis. American Psychologist, 79(3), 368. https://doi-org.ezproxy.uio.no/10.1037/amp0001208
Firth, J., Solmi, M., Wootton, R. E., Vancampfort, D., Schuch, F. B., Hoare, E., Gilbody, S., Torous, J., Teasdale, S. B., & Jackson, S. E. (2020). A meta‐review of “lifestyle psychiatry”: the role of exercise, smoking, diet and sleep in the prevention and treatment of mental disorders. World psychiatry, 19(3), 360-380. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20773
Folkehelseinstituttet. (2024). Hverdagsgleden - fem kunnskapsbaserte grep for god livskvalitet. Retrieved January 21, 2025 from https://www.fhi.no/ps/livskvalitet-og-trivsel/hverdagsgledens-fem-kunnskapsbaserte-grep-for-god-livskvalitet/
Tian, Y. E., Cole, J. H., Bullmore, E. T., & Zalesky, A. (2024). Brain, lifestyle and environmental pathways linking physical and mental health. Nature Mental Health, 2(10), 1250-1261. https://doi.org/10.1038/s44220-024-00303-4
How Can Diet Affect Mental Health Conditions?
What we eat can have a big impact on mental health conditions. A healthy, balanced diet supports both the body and the brain. Research shows that helping people improve their diet and lifestyle can be an important addition to therapy and medication in the treatment of mental illness. Food affects how the brain works and can improve mental well-being.
Health authorities recommend eating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy products, and healthy fats like plant oils every day. They also suggest including fish, minimally processed meat, and sources of plant-based proteins like beans and lentils. These foods contain nutrients that support brain and body health. In contrast, unhealthy foods that are high in sugar, fat, and salt may make symptoms of conditions like depression and anxiety worse.
Changing your diet takes time and usually starts with small steps. Everyone’s needs are different, so it’s important to get personalized guidance from healthcare professionals. Supplements are not a substitute for healthy foods and should only be used when recommended by a doctor or dietitian.
References
Helsedirektoratet. Dette bør du spise – nye nasjonale kostråd fra Helsedirektoratet 2024 [oppdatert 15.08.2024; sitert 18.02.2025]. Tilgjengelig fra: https://www.helsedirektoratet.no/nyheter/dette-bor-du-spise--nye-nasjonale-kostrad-fra-helsedirektoratet.
Loughman, A., Staudacher, H. M., Rocks, T., Ruusunen, A., Marx, W., O Apos Neil, A., & Jacka, F. N. (2021). Diet and Mental Health. Modern trends in psychiatry, 32, 100–112. https://doi.org/10.1159/000510422
O’Neil, A, Quirk, SE, Housden, S, et al. (2014) Relationship between diet and mental health in children and adolescents: a systematic review. Am J Public Health 104, e31–42. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2014.302110