Perspectives of clinical medical directors in child and adolescent psychiatry: diagnostic and treatment needs of migrant families

Abstract

Germany is one of many nations characterized by an increasing number of children originating from families with a migration background. Medical treatment modalities will be required to adjust for diversity of social and cultural background. Initiated by the Federal Society of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (BKJPP), representing mainly those psychiatrists working in private practice, and by the Federal Working Commission of Medical Directors employed in Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics (BAG), a questionnaire was constructed to identify mental health professionals' (psychiatrists') evaluation of the needs and quality of diagnosis and treatment for migrant families. The current study focused on medical directors and deputy chief physicians in clinics for child and adolescent psychiatry. Preliminary results of this survey - implementing descriptive statistics as well as univariate and multivariate statistical analyses - permitted an assessment of the current state of identification and treatment of migrant offspring attending child and adolescent psychiatric practices in Germany. Recommendations and concrete steps are offered, which aim to promote "cultural opening", and assist in health and social policy makers' decisions for improved mental health care.

Interkulturelle Öffnung der psychiatrischen Kliniken in Deutschland

“…Auch sind Studien zu kultursensibler Diagnostik und Therapie ebenso notwendig wie eine praxisnahe Umsetzung ihrer Ergebnisse. Die Akzeptanz solcher Veränderungen könnte erhöht werden, wenn künftige Befragungen zusätzlich die persönlichen Voraussetzungen der ärztlichen Entscheidungsträger im kulturellen Öffnungsprozess von Kliniken berücksichtigen, wie etwa den eigenen und familiären Migrationshintergrund (26…”