[Psychological symptoms in children of alcoholic fathers].

OBJECTIVES

In spite of a growing interest in recent years in epidemiological research on behavior problems of children of alcoholics (COAs), few prospective longitudinal child psychiatric studies have been conducted up to now.

METHODS

In the Mannheim Study of Risk Children, an ongoing prospective study of high risks, the data of 219 children (26 COAs and 193 non-COAs) were analyzed from birth to the age of 11 years. Sociodemographic data, organic and psychosocial risk factors, the number and severity of behavior problems, and the rate of expansive and introversive disorders have been investigated.

RESULTS

The family status of the COAs was characterized by the father's lower level of education as well as by socioeconomic difficulties and more numerous adverse life events. Other psychosocial problems such as marital conflict and a lack of coping mechanisms were also more frequent in COA families. A significantly higher rate of expansive symptoms and disorders was found in children of alcoholic fathers from the age of two years on.

CONCLUSIONS

Children of alcoholic fathers represent a group at risk for the early onset of psychiatric problems and are deserving of more attention in prevention and early intervention programs.