[Parental alienation and the controversy surrounding psychiatric diagnostics]

Area of Science:

• Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Forensic Psychology
• Family Sociology

Background:

• Parental alienation involves a child's alliance with one parent, leading to refusal of contact with the other.
• This phenomenon has gained significant attention, sparking debate on its classification as a psychiatric syndrome.
• Supporters and opponents hold differing views on recognizing parental alienation syndrome.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the diagnostic classification of parental alienation within psychiatric frameworks.
• To determine if parental alienation fits established psychiatric diagnostic criteria.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was conducted across multiple databases.
• The study focused on identifying and analyzing research related to parental alienation.

Main Results:

• Parental alienation exists at the intersection of psychiatry, sociology, and legal systems.
• Psychiatry's role includes safeguarding diagnostic integrity in this interdisciplinary area.
• The debate over diagnosis risks overshadowing the impact and management of parental alienation.

Conclusions:

• The diagnostic status of parental alienation remains contentious.
• There is a need to balance diagnostic discussions with practical interventions for parental alienation.
• Further research may clarify its place in psychiatric diagnostics and clinical practice.