Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Family Status

Background: Much attention has been given to parental separation as a possible risk factor for adverse child development; however, little information is available regarding the family status of children referred to psychiatric facilities. Aims: To assess the association between psychiatric illness in childhood and family status compared to the background population. Methods: Data was derived from a national register on children referred to psychiatric facilities in Denmark and a databank containing detailed statistical information on the Danish society. Results: Regardless of age significantly fewer children with psychiatric illnesses lived with both biological parents as compared to the background population (51.1% vs 73.3%). There were no gender differences. Analyses of the specific diagnoses association with family status revealed only few significant differences. Conclusions: Psychiatrically ill children are at increased risk of not living with both biological parents independent of age of the child. Adapted from the source document.