Treating Parents of Children With Chronic Health Conditions: The Role of the General Psychiatrist

Pediatric chronic health conditions affect one-quarter of children and adolescents in the U.S. As a result, general psychiatrists will regularly treat adult patients whose children have chronic conditions. These conditions may be physical, mental, or developmental but all have a major impact on the lives of parents/caretakers and families.

Pediatric chronic health conditions are quite common, affecting one-quarter of children and adolescents in the U.S. As a result, general psychiatrists will regularly treat adult patients whose children have chronic conditions. These conditions may be physical, mental, or developmental but all have a major impact on the lives of parents/caretakers and families. Taking a biopsychosocial approach to understanding the types of problems these parents and families face, this article delineates the domains of challenges posed by children with chronic conditions along with practical strategies for the general psychiatrist treating the adult parent/caretaker. Systemic thinking and acting “family” opens up possible interventions and can lead to improved outcomes for the general psychiatrist’s patient as well as their children.