Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Family Status

Background  Much attention has been given to parental separation as a possible risk factor for adverse child development; however, little information is available regarding the family status of children referred to psychiatric facilities. Aims  To assess the association between psychiatric illness in childhood and family status compared to the background population. Methods  Data was derived from a national register on children referred to psychiatric facilities in Denmark and a databank containing detailed statistical information on the Danish society. Results  Regardless of age significantly fewer children with psychiatric illnesses lived with both biological parents as compared to the background population (51.1% vs 73.3%). There were no gender differences. Analyses of the specific diagnoses association with family status revealed only few significant differences. Conclusions  Psychiatrically ill children are at increased risk of not living with both biological parents independent of age of the child.