Family Relationships in Childhood and Common Psychiatric Disorders in Later Life: Systematic Review of Prospective Studies

This study evaluated prospective evidence of associations between poor parent-child relationships & common psychiatric disorders in later life. A systematic review of studies published between 1970-2008 was done. Analysis of the 23 studies meeting inclusion criterion was by narrative synthesis. 23 papers reported data from 16 cohorts. Maternal emotional unavailability in early life predicted suicide attempts in adolescence. These studies highlight the need to minimise harm associated with dysfunctional parent-child relationships. (41 refs.) JA