Our research
Suicide and mental health lab is a research group affiliated with the National Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention (NASP). In an interdisciplinary environment (public health, psychology, psychiatry, molecular biology, and anthropology), we conduct research with the aim of developing innovative methods to prevent suicide and mental health problems. We also conduct studies to identify trends, risk factors and vulnerable populations related to suicide. The research that we, and other researchers, conduct is used to guide our activities within strategic public health work, education, and knowledge dissemination.
Our organisation
NASP is a collaborative centre that consists of several units, all of which are organised under two main institutional frameworks: Karolinska Institutet (KI) and Stockholm County Health Care Area (SLSO) at Region Stockholm. NASP is also a WHO collaborating centre for research, method development, and education in suicide prevention.
In focus

Screen habits among youth may increase depression levels through poor sleep
Young people with high screen time develop poorer sleep habits, which in turn can lead to increased levels of depression – especially among girls.
Among girls, 38–58 percent of future depression levels were explained by the fact that screen time first had a disruptive effect on their sleep. Among boys, screen time was directly linked to elevated depression levels the following year, regardless of how much sleep problems the screen time caused. The study has been published in PLOS Global Public Health.

Swedish Suicide Research Conference
Welcome to the first edition of Swedish Suicide Research Conference (SSRC) May 6–7 2025 at World Trade Center Stockholm.
Join an exciting event that brings together national and international experts and researchers in suicidology and suicide prevention.

Simple measures can prevent suicide in rail transport
Every year, 135 people die by suicide in Sweden’s transport system, with about 85 of these occurring in rail transport. Johan Fredin Knutzén investigates intelligent measures that can save lives.