title: Mother's perceptions of child mental health problems and services: A cross sectional study from Lahore.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the perceptions of mothers regarding child mental health problems, its causes, preferred treatment options, and to determine whom they would consult, if their child had a psychiatric illness.
  
  
  METHODS
  Following informed consent, a questionnaire covering perceptions regarding various aspects of child mental illness was used for data collection from mothers. They were asked to identify the symptoms and behaviours they considered psychopathological in children, which treatments they would prefer, where they would turn for help with a mentally ill child, and their understanding of the causes of child psychiatric disorders in addition to ways to increase awareness of child psychiatric issues in the society.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Ninety one mothers participated in the study. They equally perceived emotional, behavioural and cognitive symptoms as suggestive of mental ill health in childhood. Mothers perceived multiple causes of child mental health problems, including family problems, economic difficulties, social adversity and possession by evil spirits. A substantial proportion preferred medication, recitation of Holy Quran and psychotherapy as the preferred treatment options. Overall, mothers preferred consulting health professionals than religious scholars and faith healers. They were keen for steps to increase mental health awareness within their society.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Despite different cultural perspective, mothers exhibit good understanding of symptoms of child mental health issues and appear open to various services and treatment options. Understanding parental perceptions and expectations from child psychiatric services are crucial in increasing families' engagement in treatment.
authors.affiliation: Dr. Nazish Imran, MBBS; MRCPsych (London). Associate Professor, Child & Family Psychiatry Department, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Nazish
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Imran
authors.affiliation: Dr. Sania Ashraf, Resident Medical Officer. Child & Family Psychiatry Department, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Sania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ashraf
authors.affiliation: Miss Rabia Shoukat, Intern Psychologist, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Rabia
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shoukat
authors.affiliation: Dr. Muhammad Ijaz Pervez, MBBS. House Officer, Academic Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Sciences, King Edward Medical University/Mayo Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
authors.forename: Muhammad Ijaz
authors.initials: MI
authors.lastname: Pervez
keywords: Emotional; Mental health; Mothers; Pakistan; Perceptions; behavioural problems