The impact of a physically ill parent on adolescents: cross-sectional findings from a clinic population.
The degree to which the physical illness of a parent affects adolescents is unknown. This study examines this issue through a cross-sectional survey of patients referred consecutively to an adolescent outpatient psychiatry clinic. Demographic and clinical data concerning symptoms, diagnosis of major depression, peer isolation, and family functioning were collected on all subjects from both the adolescent and a parent (usually the mother). No significant differences were found between the groups on measures of family functioning, peer isolation and major depression. According to both youth and parent report, adolescents with physically ill parents had more somatic symptoms than controls. These findings are discussed in the light of the existing literature and the methodological shortcomings of the study.
Morgan
J
J
Adolescent Psychiatric Ambulatory Services, Chedoke Child and Family Centre, Hamilton, Ontario.
Sanford
M
M
Johnson
C
C
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001294:Attitude to Health; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology