About our Department
Our research
Background information
We study the frequency, determinants and course of child psychiatric disorders, such as:
- Anxiety.
- Depression.
- Eating disorders.
- Somatoform disorders.
- Aggressive and antisocial behaviors.
- Hyperactivity.
- Developmental problems.
Psychopathology in the general population, in at risk populations, and in clinical samples is studied with epidemiological methods.The key objectives are:
- Develop and test assessment instruments and diagnostic procedures.
- Assess the prevalence and incidence of child and adolescent psychiatric disorders.
- Study the onset and course of psychopathology from infancy into adulthood.
- Determine the role of etiological factors using longitudinal research designs.
Overall aim
With our research, teaching and clinical activities, we aim to influence child and adolescent psychiatric health, policy and practice. The introduction of standardized assessment procedures in the Netherlands and Belgium has been major influencing factor.
The core aim of our research activities is to advance scientific knowledge for the benefit of children and families.
Research focus areas
- Long-term follow-up of emotional and behavioral problems.
- Autism spectrum disorders.
- Eating disorders.
- Affective disorders.
- Psychopharmacology.
- Hereditary neurocognitive developmental disorders.
- Pediatric psychology.
- Neuro-imaging & neurodevelopment.
- Psychiatric epidemiology.
- Craniofacial malformations.
