Nurturance of children during inpatient psychiatric treatment of their parents

The mental illness of a parent and especially the need of inpatient treatment burdens families. The aim of this study is to access the service needs of children with mental ill parents. Therefore 83 (54 female) patients with non full aged children out of four hospitals for psychiatry and psychotherapy were questioned with inventories. Diagnoses and biographic data were assessed by the documentation of the German Association of psychiatry and psychotherapy. 40% of the patients ore dissatisfied with the care of their children during their inpatient treatment. 55% quote that they cancelled or missed former inpatient treatments because of the inadequate nurturance of their children. 51% have strong resentments against the youth welfare custodies. There is a need for adequate treatment through medical and social services. Treatment options for these families should be developed, implemented and evaluated.