Burden in adolescent children of parents with schizophrenia. The Edmonton High Risk Project.
OBJECTIVE
Adolescent children of parents with schizophrenia are generally overlooked in studies of family burden. Few published data exist about this younger cohort compared to adult family members such as parents, spouses, and siblings. This pilot study aims to examine the types of burden described by adolescent children of parents with a diagnosis of schizophrenia.


METHODS
Thirteen adolescents (9F: 4M) between the ages of 13 and 18 who had at least one parent diagnosed with schizophrenia were administered a semi-structured interview as part of a pilot project to examine burden in this group. Questions asked during the interview were directed at the subject's knowledge of the disorder, relationship with the parent, impact of the disorder on personal life, coping strategies used, and future concerns.


RESULTS
Responses showed that the adolescents were uninformed about their parent's illness, had difficulties dealing with symptoms (positive and negative), were required to assume additional household responsibilities, and were concerned about their parent's future welfare.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study illustrates that children of individuals with schizophrenia feel their lives are impacted by their parent's illness. More research is needed in this area to quantify and describe the types of burden experienced by this vulnerable group to ensure availability of adequate support.
Valiakalayil
Agitha
A
Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Alberta, Edmonton (AB), Canada.
Paulson
Lori Anne
LA
Tibbo
Philip
P
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect; D001294:Attitude to Health; D016241:Child of Impaired Parents / Q000523:psychology*; D017281:Cost of Illness; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000175:diagnosis; D012938:Social Perception; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires