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 lymphobl astic leukemia (ALL). One parent each of 30 consecutive ALL patients who ac hieved their first remission were interviewed and rated on the Comprehensiv e Psychopathological Rating Scale. Ratings were also made on the Hamilton D epression Rating Scale and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. Fifty percent (n = 15) of the parents had psychiatric disorders, namely neurotic depress ion (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 t o be highly treatable. Psychiatric morbidity was associated with women and unemployment. A score of 14 on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale provide d a reliable cutoff for selection of subjects for referral.