Have you ever discussed your relationship with your GP? One in four patients say they have, and 77% found the conversation helpful.
My research shows that relationship issues are rarely the main reason for a doctor’s visit, but the topic often arises when the GP takes a holistic approach to the patient’s concerns. This kind of comprehensive perspective on health is central to both my research projects and clinical work. I have a particular interest in projects related to relational health, as it is well-known that close relationships are essential for both physical and mental health.
I am a researcher at the General Practice Research Unit at NORCE. In addition, I am a specialist in Family Medicine (MD) working as a GP in Arendal, a couples therapist, and passionate about communicating knowledge on relationships and health.
I am the author of two books on the topic: Bruksanvisning for parforholdet (A User Manual for Relationships) and Bruksanvisning for hverdagssexen (A User Manual for Everyday Sex). I am also co-host of the podcast Fastlegetimen (The GP appointment).
I frequently give lectures for both professionals and the general public, have been a guest on multiple podcasts, and am often consulted as an expert in media, including NRK1’s Debatten, God morgen Norge, Aftenposten RIKS, VG, and more.
I am currently leading a pilot study testing a model for systematic annual check-ups for frail elderly patients in general practice.
Another study I am the project leader of, is testing a model for systematic annual health check-ups for the frailest elderly patients in general practice.
These patients are relatively rarely seen by the GPs, yet they often have multiple chronic conditions and use several medications. We aim to investigate whether a more structured follow-up can lead to better, more personalized treatment for these patients.
Postpartum mental health is another area I am engaged in. One in five women experience postpartum depression, with vulnerable groups being particularly at risk. I lead two work packages in a project aiming to map existing services for these patients and assess the follow-up they receive. Based on this, we plan to develop a model for postpartum mental health care, which we will later test in practice.
Supporting this group could have a significant impact on both the parents' and children's health. Parents' mental health plays a crucial role in their children's health later in life, especially through the influence they receive from their parents during the first year of life.
