This Article Full Text (PDF) References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in Web of Science Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Web of Science (2) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Alakus, C. Articles by Castle, D. Search for Related Content PubMed PubMed Citation Articles by Alakus, C. Articles by Castle, D. Social Bookmarking                         What's this?

The Needs of Parents with a Mental Illness Who Have Young Children: an Australian Perspective On Service Delivery Options

Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Australia

Rebecca Conwell

Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Australia

Monica Gilbert

Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Australia

Anne Buist

Mental Health Research Institute of Victoria, Australia

David Castle

St. Vincent's Mental Health Service, Australia, david.castle{at}svhm.org.au

Background and aims: This article discusses a collaborative approach to assisting parents with a mental illness who have children aged 5 years and under and explores themes found in the literature, focus groups with consumers and workshops with clinicians working with parents who have a mental illness.

Method: Focus groups and workshops were held for consumers and clinicians. The workshops included information about a proposed group intervention and discussions about themes found in the literature review and previous focus groups.

Results: Using thematic analysis, the gaps identified in the focus groups and workshops were classified into five main categories — namely, interagency collaboration, a need for accessible support groups, a need for information and resources about mental illness, and parenting issues related to mental illness and independence. This information informed the development of a treatment package.

Conclusion: The content of the proposed treatment package has been informed by the findings of the literature review, focus groups and workshops. The sessions focus on topics about parenting and managing mental health and consumers are actively involved at the outset in their own care and the care of their child. The intervention will be trailed in clinical settings to establish efficacy and effectiveness.

International Journal of Social Psychiatry, Vol. 53, No. 4, 333-339 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0020764006074543


CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    Twitter    What's this?