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Authors: Ola Siljeholm (STAD, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden), Johanna Gripenberg (STAD, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden), Tobias H. Elgán (STAD, Centre for Psychiatry Research, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, & Stockholm Health Care Services, Region Stockholm, Sweden)
Background: Children of parents with psychiatric or substance use problems are at increased risk of developing mental health difficulties. Digital preventive interventions can provide accessible support to these children and their families, regardless of geographical or social barriers. However, little is known about the effectiveness and components of such interventions.
Methods: A narrative review was conducted to identify and analyze digital interventions targeting children and young adults (3–25 years) affected by parental psychiatric or substance use problems. Controlled studies with mental health outcomes for children and young adults were included. Interventions were directed either towards the children/young adults themselves or their parents.
Results: The review identified 20 articles describing twelve unique interventions, evenly targeting children/young adults and parents, including six completed RCT:s, two pilot RCT:s, one qualitative evaluation and eleven study protocols.
Common intervention components included: cognitive-behavioral strategies for coping, psychoeducation about parental problems, interactive exercises and group discussions, blended self-help and therapist support, and features promoting anonymity.
Evidence of effectiveness was mixed. Parent-directed interventions for psychiatric problems showed promising results on parental mental health and potential prevention of child anxiety. In contrast, interventions targeting parental substance use showed improvements in parenting behaviors but limited effects on child mental health. For young adults, interventions with therapist moderation and peer support showed some effects on stress reduction and help-seeking, while self-guided interventions showed lower adherence and limited effects.
Discussion: Digital interventions for children of parents with psychiatric or substance use problems show potential but vary in effectiveness depending on design and delivery. Future interventions should be tailored to age, designed with user involvement, and promote interactivity to enhance engagement, adherence, and long-term mental health outcomes.
| Conflict of interest | None to declare |
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