Problems of the single-parent family unit.

Case reports on single-parents families demonstrate some unique problems with which such a family unit must cope. Single mothers frequently present children to the family physician, pediatrician or child psychiatrist with specific symptom complaints. There exists a need to recognize that these symptoms may reflect the special problems of the single-parent family or unresolved issues which led to the formation of the unit.To meet the needs of these parents the physician must explore the specific circumstances of such a family in some depth. Nonjudgmental recognition of their problems may decrease the tendency to view these problems as "psychiatric". Increased awareness of this entity as a new social unit will help the physician choose proper techniques and appropriate resources to provide support.