Perception of Parental Mental Illness in Children

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Perception of Parental Mental Illness in Children - A survey in Tier 3 CAMHS

  • IRAS ID

    1178862

  • Contact name

    Viji Janarthanan

  • Contact email

    vijayalakshmi.janarthanan@alderhey.nhs.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    Alder Hey Hospitals NHS trust

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    0 years, 5 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    It was estimated that 2,000,000 children and young people in England and Wales, or 1 in 6 children aged 5 to 18, will be affected by a parent suffering from mental illness. (Parrott 2008)
    Children living with parents who have a mental illness receive little or no explanation about their parent’s mental illness. As yet we have little evidence from the child’s perspective in terms of perception of their parent’s illness, what helps them to cope and the services that would make a difference.

    To find out how children (ages 12-18) perceive the diagnosis of severe mental illness (Major depression/Bipolar llness/Schizophrenia) in their parents and the impact of the same on their lives.

    Specific aim:
    • To identify those children who are living either part time or full time with parents who have a diagnosis of schizophrenia, major depressive disorder or bipolar illness and are attending Tier 3 CAMHS(Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) services
    • To assess their perception of parental mental illness i.e. how their understood their parents illness and its impact on their lives
    • To consider assessing the same in their siblings under the age of 18 who are not open to psychiatric services (Healthy Controls)

  • REC name

    North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1

  • REC reference

    15/NS/0069

  • Date of REC Opinion

    5 Aug 2015

  • REC opinion

    Unfavourable Opinion