A systematic review of parents’/carers’ needs, and interventions to support parents/carers of young people with mental health problems receiving mental health services: evidence synthesis with stakeholder engagement to provide practical recommendations.

Funding:

This project is funded by the NIHR Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB), NIHR203023.

What is the research question?

What are the needs of the parents and the carers of young people who are receiving mental health services, and what intervention approaches have been used to address those needs? What evidence is there which tells us how effective these interventions are; do they improve parent’s wellbeing and the wellbeing of their families?

What is the problem?

Over 1.25 million children and young people have a mental health problem. Many of these need support from parents. “Parents” means any adult in a parental role. Having a young person with mental health problems can be very difficult for parents and carers; they might develop mental health problems themselves. Furthermore, their relationship with their young person might get worse. Parents often do not know how best to support their young person, and this can also affect the young person’s health. It can also increase the need for NHS mental healthcare services. Most NHS services do not provide in-depth support to parents. NHS services want to know what parents’ need and what helps them whilst they are supporting a young person.

What is the aim of the research?

The aim of the research is to complete a systematic review of parents and carers needs who support young people with mental health needs. The review then aims to deliver practical recommendations for the interventions which support parents and care givers.

How will this be achieved?

The research team will summarise studies about parents’ needs; this will include what parents say and measures of depression, anxiety, stress and other problems.

The team will review and describe the interventions which aim to support parents. This includes how they are given the information (e.g., leaflets, groups). The team will look at how long the interventions last, and what needs they target. The team will also review how well interventions improve how parents feel.

Who is leading the research?

Dr Faith Martin, Clinical & Health Psychologist.

Further information:

For more information or to get involved with this project, please contact bnssg.research@nhs.net