Psychiatric disorders among parents of children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia

The aim of the study was to assess the frequency and likely associations of psychiatric disorders in parents of children suffering from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). One parent each of 30 consecutive ALL patients who achieved their first remission were interviewed and rated on the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale. Ratings were also made on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Fifty percent (n = 15) of the parents had psychiatric disorders, namely neurotic depression (n = 11, 36.7%) and adjustment disorder with depressed mood (n = 4, 13.3%). These disorders were of mild to moderate severity and were perceived to be highly treatable. Psychiatric morbidity was associated with women and unemployment. A score of 14 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale provided a reliable cutoff for selection of subjects for referral.