Research priorities on physical-mental comorbidity in children and adolescents: an international consensus.

Jiang, Denan; Zhou, Jiali; Zhu, Yajie; Abdin, Edimansyah; Afifi, Tracie O; Andrade, Laura Helena S G; Bendayan, Rebecca; Berkelbach van der Sprenkel, Emma E et al. · EClinicalMedicine · 2025

expert_opinion · Level V

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Abstract

Physical-mental comorbidity in children and adolescents is an emerging global health concern, yet research remains fragmented and lacks a coordinated agenda. We conducted a global priority setting exercise using the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative method. A total of 134 research ideas were scored by 45 experts against five criteria: answerability, effectiveness, potential for paradigm shift, potential for translation and implementation, and impact on equity. The highest-ranked priorities focused on treatment strategies, early intervention, reducing disparities in care, and the role of schools and communities in supporting health. Comparative analyses revealed both shared and context-specific needs across income settings. This is the first global consensus on research priorities for child and adolescent physical-mental comorbidity and offers a strategic roadmap to guide future research and policy.