Moa Pontén

Moa Pontén

Postdoctoral Studies
Telephone: +46852486908
Visiting address: Norra Stationsgatan 69, plan 7, 11364 Stockholm
Postal address: K8 Klinisk neurovetenskap, K8 CPF Bjureberg, 171 77 Stockholm

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Grants

  • Swedish Research Council
    1 December 2023 - 30 November 2026
    Suicide is the leading cause of death for ages 10-19 years in Sweden. The most reliable predictor of suicide is self-harm (including suicide attempts). Decades of research have failed to produce reliable assessments of risk factors for self-harm that could be applied with confidence in the clinic. Further, few evidence-based out-patient treatments for self-harm exist to date. Instead, involuntary care is increasingly used in this population, despite evidence indicating that it may worsen prognosis. Two studies will be conducted. Study 1 aims to identify clinically applicable risk factors of self-harm and Study 2 is a randomized clinical trial for youth who self-harm. Study 1 will for the first time assess youth at risk of self-harm prospectively (aged 12 to 14 years) at two timepoints: pre onset of self-harm and at follow-up. Participants will be assessed using a range of psychophysiological, cognitive, and psychosocial measures, with a particular focus on pain-sensitivity. Identified individuals with self-harm will be included in a parallel randomized controlled trial (total N=200) of a cognitive behavioral family treatment targeting risk factors for self-harm and suicide, compared to an active control group. By identifying clinically applicable risk factors and evaluating a potentially effective out-patient intervention, this project aims to reduce the need for involuntary care and prevent suicide in youth.

Employments

  • Postdoctoral Studies, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 2025-2028

Degrees and Education

  • Degree Of Doctor Of Philosophy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 2023
  • Degree Of Master Of Science In Psychology, Karolinska Institutet, 2018

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