Perceptions and Experiences of (Family Members of) People With Mental Illness About the Chance for Mental Illness in (Future) Children, and Needs for Care and Research

Perceptions and Experiences of (Future) Parents With Mental Illness and Family Members of People With Mental Illness About Risk for Mental Illness in (Future) Children, Potential Resilience Factors, and Needs for Care and Research

Despite consistent evidence that mental illness runs in families, intergenerational transmission of risk of mental illness is rarely considered in clinical practice. Neither preventive programs for children of parents with mental illness are usually implemented in care, nor supportive programs for parenting. Furthermore, parents with mental illness are not always aware of how their disorder may impact the well-being of their children. To date, the needs for counseling, care and research in parents with mental illness and family members of people with mental illness are unclear. Therefore, this prospective qualitative interview study aims to gain insights into the perceptions and experiences of (future) parents with mental illness, partners and family members of people with mental illness about risk for and resilience against mental illness in (future) children, as well as their needs for counseling, care and research.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having (a partner or relative with) a diagnosis of a mental illness in the mood-psychosis spectrum, i.e., psychotic disorder, bipolar disorder, or severe depression
• At least 18 years old

Exclusion Criteria:

• Insufficient proficiency of the Dutch language
• No demonstration of adequate understanding of the purpose, procedures, risks, benefits, emergency contacts, and payment issues (in accordance with criteria to assess capacities to consent from Appelbaum & Grisso, 1988).
• Unable to give consent to all aspects of the study.