Screening for early identification of the need for psychosocial support for children of mentally ill parents

Abstract

Background: Children of mentally ill parents have an increased risk for mental disorders themselves, which is increased once again by the experience of abuse and neglect. Objective: The aim of this study is to present the development and preliminary piloting of a specific screening procedure that enables an early identification of a possible need for support in children with mentally ill parents. Material and methods: For children of mentally ill parents, two screening procedures were developed. In the parent questionnaire of the “children screening” mental abnormalities of the children and adolescents (6–18 years old) as well as resources are collated in an abbreviated form (mental abnormalities: 26 items, available resources: 4 items). In the “family screening” familial risk and stress factors (8 items) are also enquired about in a self-report of the parents as well as indications for abuse and neglect in the family (9 items). Results: Both screening procedures are easy to evaluate with the help of a traffic light system. The responsible psychiatrist receives a preliminary estimation and definite indications on the current need for psychosocial treatment and support of the whole family and particularly the children. Subsequently, they can initiate further steps for the integrated care of the family. Conclusion: The children and family screening procedures are economical in time and easily understandable screening procedures for identification of the need for treatment and support of the family. Subsequently, after the final validation it is planned to systematically implement the screening procedures in the psychiatric care of mentally ill parents. In this way the far-reaching negative consequences for these children can be prevented.