The Effects of Parental Mental Illness upon Children: A Descriptive Study of the Views of Parents and Children

The association between parental mental illness and child disturbance has been documented although the experience of children coping with such illness has received comparatively little attention. This article details the impact of parental mental illness on children of patients attending a community mental health team. Information was obtained from 24 adults and 26 dependent children. Children were concerned about their parents, had little understanding of their parent’s illness and most wanted more information. Parents were aware of the negative impact of the illness upon their children, particularly disruption to everyday life and concerns about significant behaviour problems. Despite the negative impact of the illness, parents perceived their relationship with their children positively. In undertaking this research a number of potential barriers to identifying the needs of these children were identified which are reported. The study highlights the need for more collaborative and integrated child and adult mental health services and the development of a more family-centred focus.