Abstract
Research focusing on the impact of parental illness has increased rapidly in recent years, with studies on a range of both chronic and acute illnesses having now been reported. A key and consistent finding is the elevated risk of depression that young people face when adjusting to and living with a parent experiencing such a condition. Examples from the literature include studies focusing on parental multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cancer, affective disorder and traumatic brain injury. Such a body of literature emphasises the need to recognise and manage the increased risk of depression that young people face when confronted with such parental conditions and that a more family centred approach to parental illness is required. Additionally, it is important that the potential threat parental illness poses to young people’s mental well-being is reflected in relevant clinical guidelines.
Highlights
Depression in adolescence is largely characterised by features similar to those in adults
Depression in childhood and adolescence frequently goes undiagnosed (Kramer & Garralda, 2000), and this is compounded by the fact that adolescents are unlikely to consult general practitioners about mental health problems (Potts, Gillies & Wood, 2001)
Evidence suggests that the risk of such mental health problems is, in part, associated with the mental health of both the affected and non-affected parent, and that where both parents report depressive symptoms the prevalence of internalising disorders in their offspring is two to three times higher than that found in the normal population (Steck et al, 2006)
Summary
Depression in adolescence is largely characterised by features similar to those in adults. This highlights the need for its detection and treatment, and data indicates that at least 12% of adolescents report a minimum of low level depression (Sihvola et al, 2007). Data from a number of studies suggests young people experience a range of issues such as changing roles, heightened responsibility and reduced independence (Morley, Selai, Schrag, Jahanshahi, & Thompson, 2011).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
