Appendix 3 Impact of parental mental ill health on children’s development Age/stage of Expected development Impact on development development Pre-birth Foetus developing normally with expectant mother attending and Mother may avoid contact with ante-natal services. engaging with ante-natal appointments, looking after her health, Impact of medication on the development of the foetus avoiding alcohol and drugs and following an adequate diet. and impact on mother’s mental health of stopping medication Mother’s physical health and emotional wellbeing may impact on the development of the foetus 0-12 months Child requires a high level of physical care to meet their Parents may be less attentive to the child’s needs leading needs; development is monitored by health to neglect of their physical care and lack of interaction professionals to ensure milestones met and for leading to delay in their emotional and cognitive immunisations. development. Cognitive and language development can be observed Lack of warmth in responses to child or emotional through interest in surroundings, play and unavailability of parent may affect emotional development “babbling”. Rapid development of brain is stimulated by interaction leading to poor attachment. with parents and helps the child to form a good Effect of medication may blunt parent’s emotions and attachment; this will influence the child’s emotional restrict responses to child. development. Child is particularly vulnerable where parents have severe mental health problems that involve delusional or suicidal thoughts. Lack of contact with health professionals means the child’s development may not be monitored and immunisations not taken up. 1-2 The child’s physical development means they are Increased mobility means the child is more vulnerable to becoming more mobile and exploring their environment accidents and parents may not be vigilant to this. The through play. effects of medication may affect ability to keep the child The child will be developing their speech and language safe and children may be at risk if medication is not safely skills. stored. The relationship with the carer means the child feels safe and secure and is learning to control emotions.
Appendix 3 Impact of parental mental ill health on children’s development Age/stage of development Expected development Impact on development Pre-birth Foetus developing normally with expectant mother attending and engaging with ante-natal appointments, looking after her health, avoiding alcohol and drugs and following an adequate diet. Mother may avoid contact with ante-natal services. Impact of medication on the development of the foetus and impact on mother’s mental health of stopping medication Mother’s physical health and emotional wellbeing may impact on the development of the foetus 0-12 months Child requires a high level of physical care to meet their needs; development is monitored by health professionals to ensure milestones met and for immunisations. Cognitive and language development can be observed through interest in surroundings, play and “babbling”. Rapid development of brain is stimulated by interaction with parents and helps the child to form a good attachment; this will influence the child’s emotional development. Parents may be less attentive to the child’s needs leading to neglect of their physical care and lack of interaction leading to delay in their emotional and cognitive development. Lack of warmth in responses to child or emotional unavailability of parent may affect emotional development leading to poor attachment. Effect of medication may blunt parent’s emotions and restrict responses to child. Child is particularly vulnerable where parents have severe mental health problems that involve delusional or suicidal thoughts. Lack of contact with health professionals means the child’s development may not be monitored and immunisations not taken up. 1-2 The child’s physical development means they are becoming more mobile and exploring their environment through play. The child will be developing their speech and language skills. The relationship with the carer means the child feels safe and secure and is learning to control emotions. Increased mobility means the child is more vulnerable to accidents and parents may not be vigilant to this. The effects of medication may affect ability to keep the child safe and children may be at risk if medication is not safely stored.
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