What Do Children and Adolescents Value in Their Mental Health Recovery?

Abstract

Although it is recommended that goals are part of mental health recovery, little is known about recovery goals of children and adolescents. This study aims to explore the goals for mental health recovery of children and adolescents and to consider these with regard to gender, age and primary diagnosis and those set by their parents. All open files at a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) clinic in June 2014 were retrospectively analysed for personal goals. Qualitative analysis was conducted in order to explore themes and subthemes. Comparisons were made across age, gender, diagnosis and parental goals. Ethical approval was obtained. Of the open files, 51% of attendees (n = 45) had set goals for attending CAMHS, with forty per cent (n = 36) of parents having set separate goals. Four themes emerged: (1) “My world, My space” (20%, n = 9), (2) “Me and Others: Interpersonal” (51%, n = 23) (3) “Me Myself and I: Intrapersonal” (80%, n = 36), and (4) “Help me get better: Therapeutic Intervention” (9%, n = 4). Ten subthemes were identified. Seventy-three per cent of specific goals, (n = 82) related to functional improvement and 27% (n = 30) related to symptoms. Males and children under 13 were more likely to have functional goals. From a parental perspective, 58% of goals were child focused and 42% related to parents. Only 50% of parents and children (n = 11) had a consensus on themes though difference in specific goals remained. Functional recovery was valued more highly than symptomatic improvement by children and adolescents. The lack of consensus on specific goals between parents and children reflects previous research findings. Routine recording and monitoring of individual recovery goals is recommended for this age group.