“Just keep pushing”: parents’ experiences of accessing child and adolescent mental health services for child anxiety problems

Crouch, L., Reardon, T., Farrington, A., Glover, F. and Creswell, C. (2019) “Just keep pushing”: parents’ experiences of accessing child and adolescent mental health services for child anxiety problems. Child: Care, Health and Development, 45 (4). pp. 491-499. ISSN 1365-2214 doi: 10.1111/cch.12672

Abstract/Summary

Background:Anxiety disorders are among the most common psychopathologies in childhood, however a high proportion of children with anxiety disorders do not access effective treatments.The aim of the present qualitative study was to understand families’ experiences of seeking help and accessing specialist treatment for difficulties with childhood anxiety.Methods:Parents of 16 children (aged 7-12 years) referred to a child mental health service for difficulties with anxiety, were interviewed about their experiences of seeking and accessing treatment within CAMHS. All interviews were transcribed verbatim and thematically analysed for similarities and differences in families’ experiences. Results:Factors that helped and/or hindered families accessing treatment related to: i) parental recognition, ii) contact with professionals, iii) reaching CAMHS, iv) parental effort, and v) parental knowledge and concerns. High demands on services and parents’ uncertainty surrounding the help-seeking process presented key hurdles for families. The critical role of parental persistence and support from GPs and school staff was evident across interviews.Conclusions:Findings highlighted the need for information and guidance on identifying child anxiety difficulties and professional, peer and self-help support; and ensuring sufficient provision is available to allow families prompt access to support.

Item Type	Article
URI	https://reading-clone.eprints-hosting.org/id/eprint/83295
Item Type	Article
Refereed	Yes
Divisions	Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Anxiety and Depression in Young People (AnDY) Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Department of Psychology Life Sciences > School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences > Psychopathology and Affective Neuroscience
Publisher	Wiley
Download/View statistics	View download statistics for this item