Indication for Psychotherapy in Offspring of a Parent Affected by a Chronic Somatic Disease (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis)

Abstract

Based on the transcripts of video-recorded, semi-structured interviews with 41 offspring (aged 6-18 years) of parents with multiple sclerosis, we evaluated the indication for psychotherapy. These results were then compared with the previously determined coping ability of each child/adolescent. Psychotherapy was indicated for 22 out of the 41 children/adolescents. There was a significant relation between the indication for psychotherapy and the children's inability to cope with the parental disease. The present findings confirm the risk of mental health problems in children of somatically ill parents. In our sample, half of the children and adolescents were estimated to benefit from individual psychotherapy, which might enhance their ability to cope with the parental illness.