PSYCHOTIC WOMEN AND THEIR CHILDREN

The study collected information on the situation of children of psycho tic mothers. Methods: Case reports of a total of 279 female patients w ith schizophrenia or puerperal psychosis were analysed retrospectively . Results: 128 of these patients gave birth to 218 children. Approxima tely 80% of the children grew up with their families, and only 8% had to be transferred to foster families or foster homes. Two case vignett es illustrate child care problems in a community psychiatric setting. Conclusions: Child care is exercised even in families where mothers su ffer from psychotic illness. However, many of these mothers do not rec eive the help they require.