[Developmental problems in young adults suffering from mental illness: results from an in-depth interview study].
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed at investigating the impact of mental illness on the general psycho-social development of young adults.


METHODS
Results from an in-depth interview study with 16 young adults (20 to 31 years old) suffering from mental illness are presented. Particularly, illness-related issues were explored from the perspective of developmental psychology.


RESULTS
Coping with typical developmental tasks of early adulthood (e. g. autonomy; intimate relationships; vocational training) is impeded. At the same time, young patients wish as much normality as possible in their daily life, e. g. social contacts with not-affected peers. In many cases, young adults affected try to maintain a cautious distance to psychiatric facilities as well as to other patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Young people suffering from mental illness are in a complicated process of identity formation, as they have to integrate the illness into their self-concept and their daily life (illness-identity work). Hence, their assistance needs are different from those of older patients. It is a challenge for community based psychiatry to provide help offers which meet the specific requirements of young mentally ill people.
Stelling
Kirsten
K
Abteilung für Medizinische Psychologie und Medizinische Soziologie, Universität Leipzig. kirstenstelling@web.de
Kuhn
Katharina
K
Riedel-Heller
Steffi G
SG
Jungbauer
Johannes
J
D002321:Career Choice; D015897:Comorbidity; D004522:Educational Status; D054541:Family Conflict / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006801:Humans; D007063:Identity Crisis; D007207:Individuation; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007406:Interview, Psychological; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012050:Rehabilitation, Vocational / Q000523:psychology; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012803:Sick Role; D012917:Social Adjustment; D012944:Social Support; D055815:Young Adult