Transition-Age Children With Mental Illness: Hearing the Voices of Mothers

Abstract

Members of a local NAMI organization were surveyed in order to explore the perspectives of mothers of transitional age (18-25) children diagnosed with mental illness. Social workers in a diversity of mental health care settings can use this information to improve competence with this population. Results indicate a dynamic shift in the mothering role during this time period. Findings also suggest mothers and their transition-age children need emotional and practical support from social workers and other mental health professionals.

Mental disorders and transition to adult mental health services: A scoping review

“…Lastly, clinicians identified working more closely between pediatric and adult services as important, although many thought this was difficult to achieve in practice. Similar needs and experiences for people with mental disorders emerged from other studies involving patients, parents and clinicians [34,54,60]. On the other hand, the perspective of patients with eating disorders who had completed the transition was that the transition to adult care services may be improved with increased coordination, communication, and collaborative partnerships between pediatric and adult providers [27].…”

“…Studies evaluating the experience of patients, carers and clinicians [26] To evaluate experiences of patients with eating disorders who had transferred to adult services Qualitative interviews Young people advocated for better coordination and communication between paediatric and adult providers to bridge the gap between two different systems of care [34] To explore mothers' perspectives of transitionalage (18)(19)(20)(21)(22)(23)(24)(25) youths with mental disorders Survey questionnaire Services' providers did not meet youth's needs for emotional support, preparing for independent living, practical advice, collaborative and case planning, and information about their illness [54] To survey experiences of young adults with mental disorders before and after transition Qualitative interviews Descriptions of adult services were vague and superficial in comparison to the lengthy descriptions provided for child service, (i.e.) job searches, and the relationship with clinician [7] To explore parents' experiences and to collect their recommendations for transfer to adult care Survey questionnaire Parents pointed out lack of information, lack of coordinated planning, difficulties in accessing services, and unmet needs in multiple areas [60] To describe professionals' views of the transition process from child to adult psychiatry Focus groups A gap could occur due to different perspectives, lack of knowledge, a mutual understanding, and cooperation.…”

“We Sometimes Hold on to Ours” – Professionals’ Views on Factors that both Delay and Facilitate Transition to Adult Care

“…Many of our participants reflected on the role of parents. We know that the changing role to support the child’s independence by taking on adult roles and responsibilities is not always easy for parents (35), for young people or health professionals (36): where the “parent as partner” role has been described (37). Tensions known to occur, where a shift to the young person as the central decision-maker, we suggest might be more easily recognized and enabled through use of the benchmarks (Factor 6).…”

Promoción de una parentalidad positiva en familias con adolescentes que padecen problemas de salud mental

“…En el plano informativo, estas familias muestran altos niveles de desinformación en relación a los síntomas derivados de las enfermedades mentales, así como en relación a los recursos y servicios disponibles (Ward y Gwinner, 2014). Esta desinformación dificulta a los progenitores la diferenciación entre los síntomas de la enfermedad mental y los problemas de conducta propios de la adolescencia (Gerten y Hensley, 2014). A nivel evolutivo, no saben qué esperar en cada momento del desarrollo, especialmente en lo relativo a la sexualidad (Tarleton y Ward, 2005).…”

“…A nivel evolutivo, no saben qué esperar en cada momento del desarrollo, especialmente en lo relativo a la sexualidad (Tarleton y Ward, 2005). Además, estos padres y madres tienen especial dificultad para transferir responsabilidades y lograr un equilibrio entre independencia y apoyo, pues perciben en ellos una falta de preparación para la vida adulta (Gerten y Hensley, 2014;Tarleton y Ward, 2005).…”