Experiences in a group of grown-up children of mentally ill parents

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric and mental health nursing Vol. 14; no. 8; pp. 744 - 752
• Main Authors: KNUTSSON-MEDIN, L., EDLUND, B., RAMKLINT, M.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.12.2007
• Subjects: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Adult Children - psychology; Attitude to Health; Child; Child of Impaired Parents - psychology; children of psychiatric patients; Emotions; Female; Humans; Male; MEDICIN; MEDICINE; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mental Health Services; Nursing; offspring at risk; Parent-Child Relations; parental mental illness; Professional-Family Relations; qualitative methods; resilience; Sweden; Sweden
• ISSN: 1351-0126; 1365-2850; 1365-2850
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2850.2007.01181.x

Children of mentally ill parents have increased rates of psychopathology and reduced adaptive functioning. However, there are very few studies examining the subjective experiences of those children and their opinions concerning their previous contact with psychiatric services. This study followed up a group of children of former psychiatric inpatients by sending them a questionnaire asking about their experiences. Thirty‐six individuals responded. Answers were analysed qualitatively by using manifest content analysis. Participants reported negative experiences and lack of information and support from psychiatric care. They had wanted more explanations and more support for themselves. Quantitative data are used to establish the significance of the results.