Trimbos News

Pre-announcement: 7th European Conference on Positive Psychology 2014 in Amsterdam
14 march 2013. The 7th European Conference on Positive Psychology will be held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands from 1 to 4 July 2014.
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IPS method helps psychiatric patients to find work
14 march 2013. Research has shown that the new IPS method can successfully guide people with chronic conditions to find mainstream paid employment.
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Raising the age limit for tobacco: a good signal
24 january 2013. The joint decision by the Dutch Council of Ministers to raise the age limit for the sale of cigarettes to 18 years gives a clear signal that smoking puts young people at serious risk. The is the view expressed by the National Smoking Discouragement Expertise Centre of the Trimbos Institute.
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Symptom-oriented mini-interventions: sleeplessness, worry and stress
27 february 2013. Sleeplessness, worry and stress are frequent complaints with a demonstrable link to depression and anxiety. In collaboration with the field, the Trimbos Institute has developed three symptom-oriented mini-interventions.
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E-learning programme Recognising Depression
25 february 2013. The e-learning programme Recognising Depression (Signaleren depressie) is an online course for professionals at vocational university level (HBO) who are aiming to improve their skills to identify depression.
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Local authorities to prioritise independent living for the homeless
21 january 2013. A greater number of central regional authorities believe it is important for homeless people to make the transition from shelters to independent or sheltered housing. They have also given greater priority to the prevention of homelessness.
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Annually, 191,400 people develop a first mental disorder
17 january 2013. Annually, an estimated 191,400 people in the Netherlands develop a first-time mental disorder such as an anxiety disorder, mood disorder or substance use disorder. Those most at risk are younger age groups, lower educated people and those on low incomes.
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Successful completion of improvement program: A better Long-term Perspective
15 january 2013. In 2012, the Long-Term Perspective improvement program was successfully terminated in a festive closing conference at the Healthcare Insurers Innovation Foundation in the town of Zeist.
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Psychiatric patients often drop out of treatments prematurely
10 january 2013. Research carried out by the WHO has shown that almost a third of people who suffer from psychiatric disorders choose to drop out of their treatment prematurely. This study was published in the British Journal of Psychiatry.
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Launch of portal Alcohol & Health in four countries
13 december 2012. On 6 December a portal was launched in four countries (Belarus, Brazil, India and Mexico) about alcohol and health. The portal is an initiative of the World Health Organization, the Trimbos Institute, and collaborating parties in the countries concerned.
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More drunkenness in nightlife venues where ‘everything goes’
28 november 2012. There are greater levels of drunkenness in a nightlife venue when there is an atmosphere of ‘everything goes’. This has emerged from research by four European research institutes, including the Trimbos Institute.
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Trends in drug use in Europe: response of the Trimbos Institute to the EMCDDA’s 2012 Annual Report
15 november 2012. In November the 2012 Annual Report of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) was published. The report contains an overview of the current situation of drug use in Europe.
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Life goals more difficult to realise after early psychosis
16 october 2012. People who have experienced a psychosis at an early age have the same dreams for the future as their peers, but they lag well behind in realising them.
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Self management promising
8 october 2012. Self management is a promising way of organising help for the homeless. According to research by the Trimbos Institute, both individuals and society can benefit from it.
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Marked differences in depressive disorders
2 october 2012. In her doctoral thesis Insights into the heterogeneity of depressive disorders [Inzicht in de heterogeniteit van depressieve stoornissen], Didi Rhebergen questions the validity of diagnoses of depression in the DSM classification system, such as dysthymic disorder.
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Dealing with public nuisance caused by aggression and substance use
26 september 2012. How do alcohol and drugs influence aggressive behaviour? And how should a professional with a public function deal with people who exhibit this kind of aggressive behaviour?
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Participation in sport good for youth mental health
25 september 2012. Young people who are physically active have fewer mental health problems, on average. Research by the Trimbos Institute and the Free University of Amsterdam (VU) shows that this may be partly due to better body image and the social aspects of participating in sport.
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Early-life mental disorder a predictor of low household income later
28 August 2012. Research conducted by the Trimbos Institute and the University of Groningen found that people who suffered from a mental health disorder in childhood or adolescence are more likely to have a low household income later in life.
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Growing demand for treatment among cannabis and benzodiazepine users
23 July 2012. The number of cannabis users seeking treatment from the addiction care services continues to rise. And treatment demand for usage of sleeping pills and sedatives has almost doubled, although numbers are still limited.
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Happy Drinks: alcohol-free cocktail in Holland Heineken House London
11 July 2012. This summer in London, athletes, visitors and guests at the Holland Heineken House were able to order a Happy Drink for the fist time: an alcohol-free cocktail with a kick and a special twist.
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Unstable ecstasy and speed market
11 July 2012. The drugs market in 2011 was characterised by an unstable ecstasy and speed market. In addition, new psychoactive substances - also known as designer drugs - are attracting a lot of interest, although the number of users appears limited.
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16-year olds continue to drink heavily
28 June 2012. Young people over the age of 16 continue to drink alarmingly heavily, but younger age groups show a declining trend in alcohol consumption. This is the result of data from the survey of Health Behaviour in School-age Children (HBSC) that takes place every four years.
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Master your Mood online: proven effectiveness
26 June 2012. The intervention Master your Mood can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. This has been shown by the first Dutch randomised controlled trial (RTC) of an online group-based intervention for young people with depression.
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Case Manager points the way in dementia care
14 June 2012. Informal and family carers who are supported by a case manager are better informed about dementia and are more knowledgeable about the care options available. They are also better able to deal with problem behaviour in the person they are caring for.
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Trimbos team reaches the final of the International Health Battle
5 June 2012. At the International Health Battle 2012 the Trimbos student team has reached the final, with a digital tool designed to motivate breast cancer patients to take exercise.
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New National Smoking-Discouragement Expertise Centre
4 June 2012. At the request of the Ministry for Health Welfare and Sport (VWS), the Trimbos Institute has developed plans for a National Smoking-Discouragement Expertise Centre (NET).
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Psychosocial care needed for those with a chronic somatic illness 
8 May 2012. The report Towards an integrated approach … contains pointers for better integration of psychosocial care in the standard care given to those with a chronic somatic illness.
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The Netherlands no longer tops the list for underage drinking
2 May 2012. According to the international WHO/HBSC report, Dutch youngsters aged under 15 no longer top the list internationally for alcohol use. The report contains the results of research on health and wellbeing of juveniles in Europe, the United States and Canada.
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Toolbox for positive psychology
9 May 2012. The new online toolbox Key Competence Happiness is designed to introduce the theme of positive psychology to training and counselling courses.
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Link between psychopathology in parents and in their children
25 April 2012.  A clear association has been found between mental health disorders in parents and in their children. This is the result of research published in the British Journal of Psychiatry which examined the association between psychopathology in parents and in their adult children.
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National approach to tackling depression greatly improved
26 April 2012. The Depression Initiative, a five-year long programme aimed at improving treatment for depression has greatly improved the national approach to tackling depression.
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Prescription for Well-Being
13 February 2012. The Trimbos Institute has compiled a guidebook which describes the creation and introduction of the programme, Prescription for Well-Being.
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Annual Report 2011 of the Trimbos Institute
6 February 2012. The 2011 Annual Report of the Trimbos Institute is available online under the title Prepared for the Future. The theme is primary mental health care.
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The role of conduct disorder in ADHD and alcohol disorder
30 January 2012. Recent research shows that conduct disorder plays an important role in the association between ADHD and alcohol disorder. The results of the research were published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence in November 2011.
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Bridging the Gap: improvement programme for young people with early psychosis
30 January 2012. The Trimbos Institute has commenced a preliminary study on the expectations and ambitions of people who have experienced an early psychosis or strong preliminary signs of a first episode of psychosis (ultra risk group).
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Integrated approach to using experts by experience shows promise
26 January 2012. Research by the Trimbos Institute shows that the transition experiment 'Work for experts by experience' has an innovative effect on the integrated approach to activities.
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Cognitive Fitness pilot programme a success
10 January 2012. A pilot training programme Cognitive Fitness in the mental health service has been completed. A total of 40 people with long-term mental health conditions participated in the programme, which according to research by the Trimbos Institute, was a success.
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Doing More with Routine Outcome Monitoring (ROM)
13 December 2011. The Trimbos Institute is starting the project From measuring to improving [Van meten naar verbeteren]. The aim of the project is to use ROM data to improve the quality of care and psychological safety in teams.
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Response of the Trimbos Institute to the EMCDDA Annual Report
15 November 2011. On 15 November the Annual Report 2011 of the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA) was released. The report contains an overview of the current situation regarding the drug problem in Europe.
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Emotional wellbeing can influence recovery
15 November 2011. Recent research shows that a high level of emotional wellbeing can contribute to recovery and to the chances of survival in physical illness.
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Launch of  digital selector for schizophrenia
23 November 2011. The digital selector for schizophrenia is now available for people with psychotic disorders and their families. This instrument supports them in making important decisions.
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WRAP in the Netherlands: first group of 'experts by experience' certified!
23 November 2011. On 18 November 19 people received the 'WRAP-facilitator' certificate. This means that WRAP (Wellness Recovery Action Plan) has now also gained a foothold in the Netherlands.
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Trimbos Institute to create internet course for older age groups
12 October 2011. The Trimbos Institute has been commissioned by the municipality of Almelo to develop an internet course designed to boost the self-sufficiency and quality of life of older people.
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Launch of e-learning programme: Early identification of alcohol and drug use for MBO schools
4 October 2011. On 3 October, Education Minister Van Bijsterveldt gave the go-ahead for an e-learning module designed to flag problem substance use by students at secondary vocational schools (MBO).
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Research on self-management for chronic anxiety and depression
19 September 2011. The Trimbos Institute is collaborating with 13 mental health organisations (GGZ) to conduct research on improving self-management in clients with chronic anxiety and depression.
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Results of global research on depression
9 August 2011. The results were recently published of research on the global prevalence of depressive disorder, its demographic risk factors and the functional limitations that result from depression.
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Research on health care use by suicidal patients
19 July 2011. The British Journal of Psychiatry has published the results of a study on health care use for mental health problems by people who have suicidal ideation. In most of these cases, help is not sought.
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One in three cannabis users smoke joints (almost) daily
30 June 2011. Cannabis use among young people and school-goers is on the decline, but treatment demand continues to rise. This is the conclusion of the 2010 Annual Report of the National Drug Monitor (NDM).
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'Staying Sober' for people with MID
29 June 2011. On 1 July the Trimbos Institute launched 'Staying Sober', a programme consisting of information and training on alcohol and drugs for adolescents and (young) adults with mild intellectual disability (MID).
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Need for weed: monitoring the progression of joint-smoking behaviour
28 June 2011. Together with the University of Amsterdam the Trimbos Institute has set up the project Need for Weed. This examines how joint-smoking behaviour develops and which factors play a role in frequent cannabis use.
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Happy Drinks: alcohol-free with a kick
22 June 2011. Enjoying a drink and having fun without alcohol. That is the mission of Happy Drinks from the Trimbos Institute and top chef Pierre Wind.
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Tackling work absenteeism with e-health
18 July 2011. The Trimbos Institute, together with the Achmea insurance group has initiated a project this summer with a view to reducing the duration of work absenteeism among employees with mental health problems.
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Start of the campaign: ‘How can I help my child to say no to smoking, alcohol and marijuana?
June 8, 2011. The Trimbos Institute and STIVORO, the Dutch expert centre for tobacco control, have started a campaign to encourage parents to reduce their children’s vulnerability to the temptations posed by drugs, alcohol and smoking.
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Working on the future of depression prevention
June 7, 2011. On September 14th, the closed conference ‘Shaping the Research Agenda for Depression Prevention will take place in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Subsequently, a symposium will be organised in the afternoon on the topic of depression prevention.
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'PIEP zei de muis' helps vulnerable children
May 30, 2011. Research conducted by the Trimbos Institute shows that the intervention ‘PIEP zei de muis’ (‘SQUEAK said the mouse’ [a line from a Dutch nursery rhyme]), aimed at vulnerable children, succeeds in reaching this group and generates effects.
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Knowing what helps against aggression and violence
May 18, 2011. Two interventions offered in the Netherlands to groups who are at risk of aggression and/or violence have proven to be effective.
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Start of the campaign 'More fun with self control'
May 17, 2011.  STIVORO, the Dutch expert centre for tobacco control, and the Trimbos Institute have started the campaign ‘Meer lol met self control’ (‘More fun with self control’), aimed at young adults. 
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Annual Report 2010: Continue with Self-management
May 16, 2011. The Trimbos Institute 2010 Annual Report appeared under the title of 'Continue with Self-management.'
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Taking stock of khat problems in the Netherlands
April 27, 2011. The Trimbos Institute is taking stock of supply and demand in the field of prevention and assistance related to the use of khat by Somalis in the Netherlands.
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Study starts of self-managed homeless shelter facilities
April 26, 2011. The Trimbos Institute has started a study of the opportunities and the obstacles facing shelter facilities for homeless people which is managed by the homeless themselves.
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Many problems for adults with ADHD
January 24, 2011. Almost three quarters (72%) of people who had ADHD in childhood continue to have this disorder in adulthood. Adults with ADHD often have problems in daily functioning. They also suffer more mental disorders than people without ADHD.
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New Knowledge Centre Body & Mind Initiative to improve care
January 20, 2011. The aim of the new national Knowledge Centre Body & Mind Initiative is to develop and disseminate knowledge about the connection between physical and mental symptoms. The Centre was recently set up on the initiative of the Trimbos Institute and Breburg mental health services.
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Mental Health Services Trend Report 2010 published
January 12, 2011. The GGZ Mental Health Services Trend Report 2010 provides an update of the main developments in the Netherlands in the area of organization, structure and financing of the mental health services, access to and use of these services and their quality and effectiveness.
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Call to invest in the nation's mental capital
The Trimbos Institute, together with the national umbrella organisation for mental health, GGZ Nederland, and the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development, ZonMw, are calling for investment in the mental functioning of the country's citizens.
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Youth in the Netherlands doing well
Young people in the Netherlands are doing well. They feel well, they rate their social situation positively, and they are positive about their life. However, they are still  prone to risk behaviours, such as smoking, drinking and unhealthy eating habits.
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Youth alcohol outpatient clinic achieves results
Definitive results from the project Preventing harmful alcohol effects in young people of the Reinier de Graaf Group show that the aftercare programme of the Outpatient Clinic for Youth & Alcohol is effective in achieving behavioural change among youngsters aged up to 16 and among parents.
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Weed-Check, new intervention for young people
November 30, 2010. The Weed-Check is a new, brief intervention for youngsters who use cannabis regularly, but are not (yet) in need of treatment. 
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New Centre for night-life problems
November 29, 2010. The Trimbos Institute and the Dutch Centre for Crime Prevention and Safety (CCV) have set up the Centre for a Safer and Healthier Nightlife (CVGU).
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European Seminar on Peer Work and Outreach Work
November 25, 2010. Recently the Trimbos Institute co-organised a seminar on an important element of social and health policies: involvement of the target group. The event was part of Correlation II, a European programme on social inclusion and public health.
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Trends in drug usage in Europe: a response to the EMCDDA 2010 Annual Report
On November 10th the 2010 Annual Report was published of the Lisbon-based European Centre for Drugs and Drugs Addiction (EMCDDA). It contains an overview of the current state of affairs of drug problems in Europe. Margriet van Laar, head of the Trimbos Drug Monitoring program, indicates in the following response what the Annual Report’s statistics mean for the situation in the Netherlands.
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More attention needed for people with mild intellectual disability
November 10, 2010. People with mild intellectual disability (MID) are more vulnerable to psychological disorders and drug- and alcohol related problems.
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Neuroticism is costly
October 4, 2010. The behaviour of neurotic individuals has an enormous economic impact on society, according to researchers from the Vrije Universiteit (VU Amsterdam) and the Trimbos Institute.
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Decline in number of opiate addicts
October 21, 2010. The number of opiate addicts (especially heroin) has declined during the past decade. This trend is accompanied by a drop in the number of opiate clients receiving treatment for addiction.
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Link between chronic somatic illness and suicide
September 23, 2010. Research has shown that there is a link between chronic somatic conditions (especially epilepsy) and the onset of suicidality.
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EU-wide approach to promoting safety and health in the social scene
September 22, 2010. In Zürich, at the Club Health congress on safety and health in the social scene, the Trimbos Institute presented the Healthy Nightlife Toolbox.
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Searching for meaning course helps the elderly
September 22, 2010. According to a recent study, older people who participated in the course Op zoek naar zin [Searching for Meaning], have a reduced chance of suffering depressive symptoms.
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Trimbos Institute WHO Collaborating Centre
September 20, 2010.The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated the Trimbos Institute as a WHO Collaborating Centre for Dissemination of good practices in mental health.
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Minder drinken.nl (Drink less) declared best researched web intervention
September 20, 2010. The website Minderdrinken.nl (Drinking Less) of the Trimbos Institute is the best researched online intervention for self-help programmes for problem alcohol use.
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Annual report 2009: From vulnerable to resilient
September 20, 2010. The Trimbos Institute 2009 Annual Report has been published. The title of this year’s report is From vulnerable to resilient.
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Dementiedebaas.nl wins international award
September 20, 2010. The website www.dementiedebaas.nl (Mastery over Dementia) has won an international prize for ‘most promising psycho-social intervention’.
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Examining the link between early cannabis use and depression
September 20, 2010. An article has appeared in the American Journal of Epidemiology, examining the association between cannabis use before the age of 17 and the development of depressive symptoms in later life.
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GPS for dementia sufferers
September 20, 2010. Research by the Trimbos Program on Aging has found that informal carers of dementia sufferers have responded enthusiastically to a new GPS device.
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International congres on Triple P
September 20, 2010. The Helping Families Change conference will be held from 9 through 11 February 2011 in the city of Antwerp in Belgium. This is the 13th Triple P conference (Positive Pedagogical Programme).
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Mental health disorders linked to lower income
September 20, 2010. An article has appeared in the British Journal of Psychiatry which examines the relationship between serious mental health disorders and earnings
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More cooperation needed in suicide prevention
September 20, 2010. There are large regional differences in the Netherlands in approaches to suicide prevention. Recent studies have highlighted the need for a collaborative approach by the regional health services (GGD) and municipally governed organisations within specialised mental health care (GGZ), to maximise the chances of success in this area.
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New data on mental health in the Netherlands
September 20, 2010. The findings of the second NEMESIS population study contain new data on the prevalence of mental health disorders in the Netherlands.
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Positive response to online group course for parents with mental health and addiction problems
September 20, 2010. The online group course KopOpOuders (Chin up Parents) developed by the Trimbos Institute has been evaluated as ‘theoretically well-founded’ by the Intervention Evaluation Committee of the Netherlands Youth Institute (NJi).
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Risk of schizophrenia for pot-smoking adolescents
September 20, 2010. Young people who smoke dope during adolescence incur a higher risk of developing psychotic symptoms than those who do not use cannabis at this age.
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ICASA official foundation
September 13, 2010. With the launch of the website the International Collaboration on ADHD and Substance Abuse (ICASA) is now an official Foundation.
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