Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 19, 2026
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
Prevalence of parental substance-abuse among child psychiatric inpatients
1Natal University Medical School, South Africa.
Perceptual and Motor Skills
|June 1, 1997
Insights
Parental substance abuse impacts child psychiatric admissions in South Africa. However, this study found no direct link between parental substance abuse and childhood depression diagnoses.
Area of Science:
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Substance Abuse Research
Background:
- Parental substance abuse is a significant risk factor for child mental health issues.
- Understanding the prevalence of parental substance abuse in child psychiatric populations is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between parental substance abuse and psychiatric diagnoses in children admitted to an acute facility in South Africa.
- To determine the prevalence of parental substance abuse among children presenting with psychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 100 consecutive admissions to an acute child psychiatric facility.
- Data collection on parental substance abuse status and child psychiatric diagnoses.
- Statistical analysis to assess the association between parental substance abuse and depression diagnoses.
Main Results:
- 43% of child psychiatric admissions had at least one parent with a substance use disorder.
- 10% of admissions were from families with both parents abusing substances.
- No significant association was found between parental substance abuse and depression diagnoses in children.
Conclusions:
- Parental substance abuse is highly prevalent in families seeking acute child psychiatric care.
- While parental substance abuse is common, it was not significantly associated with depression diagnoses in this cohort.
- Further research is needed to explore other psychiatric comorbidities and the complex interplay between parental substance abuse and child mental health.
Abstract:
Of 100 consecutive admissions to an acute child psychiatric facility in South Africa 43 had at least one substance-abusing parent, while 10 children were from families in which both parents abused substances. 23 children received a diagnosis of depression, but no significant association was found between their diagnoses and parental substance-abuse status.
Related Concept Videos
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not necessarily...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
01:24Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
01:30Stress and Mental Health
Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
01:28Drug Therapy
The advent of drug therapy has profoundly shaped modern mental health care, providing targeted treatments for a range of psychological disorders. Psychotherapeutic drugs, classified into antianxiety, antidepressant, and antipsychotic medications, address symptoms across anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. While these medications have transformed patient outcomes, they require careful management due to their potential side effects and limitations.
Antianxiety Medications
Antianxiety Medications
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.