The topic of children and adults with a mentally ill parent is still largely neglected in scientific research. Little is known about the prevalence of children affected in world estimates yield a number of 10 million children, without taking into account the presumably high number of unreported cases. About 45% of mentally ill people in world have children; about half of the affected women are mothers, and approximately one-third are fathers. According to the prognoses of the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2010, depression will be the second most widely prevalent illness worldwide. In the face of the increasing number of mental illnesses, we assume that simultaneously the number of relatives affected will also increase.
Mental health disorders in children and adolescents are caused by biology, environment, or a combination of the two. Examples of biological factors are genetics, chemical imbalances in the body, and damage to the central nervous system, such as a head injury. Many environmental factors also can affect mental health, including exposure to violence, extreme stress, and the loss of an important person.
Families and communities, working together, can help children and adolescents with mental disorders. A broad range of services is often necessary to meet the needs of these young people and their families.
The number of young people and their families who are affected by mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders is significant. It is estimated that as many as one in five children and adolescents may have a mental health disorder that can be identified and require treatment.
Treatment of Children with Mental Disorders |
