BACKGROUND: Described are mother-child treatments performed within the framework of regional maximum care at general psychiatric units not having such a treatments focus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The new clinical concept with its social and psychodynamic aspects is described. It provides realistic perspectives for all involved. Last but not least it puts the child in a position as a helpful companion for the mother. Over a space of 5 years, 20 mother-child treatments were performed at four different wards. 12 mothers suffered from schizophrenia (F20), 7 had depressive complaints (F32, F43), and one patient had a borderline personality disorder (F60). Treatments lasted an average of 10 weeks, all mothers retained their children. 16 patients were sent home; 2 were referred to a mother-child facility; 1 patient was placed in a half-way home and another in a house for women, in both cases with offspring. CONCLUSION: Mother-child treatment under specific spatial conditions is not only possible, but is an enrichment for all at general psychiatric units attending heterogeneous patients. The main requirement is a certain level of treatment care, such as an established primary care track, a clinic team that is flexible and open to novel approaches and, as a result, willing to accept a certain level of stress as normal.
BACKGROUND: Described are mother-child treatments performed within the framework of regional maximum care at general psychiatric units not having such a treatments focus. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The new clinical concept with its social and psychodynamic aspects is described. It provides realistic perspectives for all involved. Last but not least it puts the child in a position as a helpful companion for the mother. Over a space of 5 years, 20 mother-child treatments were performed at four different wards. 12 mothers suffered from schizophrenia (F20), 7 had depressive complaints (F32, F43), and one patient had a borderline personality disorder (F60). Treatments lasted an average of 10 weeks, all mothers retained their children. 16 patients were sent home; 2 were referred to a mother-child facility; 1 patient was placed in a half-way home and another in a house for women, in both cases with offspring. CONCLUSION: Mother-child treatment under specific spatial conditions is not only possible, but is an enrichment for all at general psychiatric units attending heterogeneous patients. The main requirement is a certain level of treatment care, such as an established primary care track, a clinic team that is flexible and open to novel approaches and, as a result, willing to accept a certain level of stress as normal.