Family Matters: Interfaces between Child and Adult Mental Health

Focuses on research and clinical experiences which bridge the traditional gap between child and adult mental health. Rather than considering child and adult problems separately, this book addresses the often complex interactions between the two, covering such topics as: the implications of childhood trauma in later life; the impact of parental mental health problems on children; and how interaction within a family can affect the mental health of all individuals within the family. The authors review existing research and cover their own recent studies and practical experience, and put forward new theoretical models to underpin their recommendations for changes in practice, such as liason initiatives between child and adult services and specialized services to treat adolescents, parenting breakdown and perinatal psychiatric illness. The findings and recommendations in this work should have important implications for the organization and funding of mental health and related services, and staff training, and should be read by all those in professions concerned with child and adult mental health, including psychiatrists, family therapists, psychotherapists, nurses, health visitors and social workers, and health service managers.