Psychological Abnormalities in Children from the Perspective of Parents with a Mental Disorder

摘要

Background There is increased risk for children with a mentally ill parent to get a mental illness. In Germany, it is assumed that the risk for psychological abnormalities in children with a mentally ill parent is increased by a factor of 2,4. The aim of this study was to give an overview of psychological abnormalities in children with mentally ill parents. Methods Patients were asked about their children and possible psychological abnormalities in their children during their stay in a psychiatric ward. Data of n=118 children (51,7%) of psychiatric inpatients could be used for analyses. Results: One-fourth of the children showed psychological abnormalities. According to their parent, one fourth was also in psychotherapeutic/psychiatric treatment. There were no differences in the abnormalities associated with sociodemographic factors of the parent. Conclusion Our results show that children of a mentally ill parent also suffer from psychological abnormalities. More explicit analyses of the care situation of these children as well as data from direct interviews with them are needed.