Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: PURPOSE: Parents' knowledge, understanding and attitudes have a strong influence on treatment outcomes in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP). However, little is known about parents' knowledge, perceptions and awareness regarding assessment, intervention and treatment options in CAP. METHODS: We evaluated 1872 parents (1104 mothers [59.0%], 768 fathers [41.0%]) who were over 18 years of age and had at least one child between the ages of 0-18, regardless of whether their child had previously received CAP treatment, using a questionnaire containing 29 questions. RESULTS: The most common misconceptions about CAP application records were that psychiatric records would cause difficulties in getting a job (92.6%) and would be obstacles to appointment to civil service (65.8%) and to getting driver's licence (34.8%). Regarding CAP drug treatments, the most frequently reported false beliefs were that psychiatric drugs cause weight gain (80.1%), are addictive (65.1%), cause long-lasting side effects (53.5%), numb the mind and cause drowsiness (52.7%), alter children's personalities (44.4%) and increase suicide risk (42.9%). Furthermore, 1105 (59.0%) participants answered 'Psychiatric disorders cannot be treated effectively even if psychiatric medications are used.' CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicated that parents' knowledge level was inadequate, and their attitudes and beliefs were negative and limited regarding CAP and treatments; in turn, they avoided treatment and did not engage in help-seeking behaviours. This study shows an urgent need for mental health education programs to increase parents' awareness and understanding of CAP and promote appropriate access to services.
DOI: 10.1002/jdn.70068
Authors: Ayla Uzun Cicek, Beyza Karatas Bozok, Suleyman Emre Bozok, Elif Abanoz, Semiha Comertoglu Arslan, Ilknur Ucuz, Ozlem Sireli
Language: English
Subfield: Social Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4416239119