@article{BergeltErnstBeierleinetal.2012, author = {Bergelt, Corinna and Ernst, Johanna Christine and Beierlein, Volker and Inhestern, Laura and Holes, Sarah and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Romer, Georg and Koch, Uwe}, title = {Reaktive Ver{\"a}nderungen in Befinden und Verhalten von Kindern bei elterlicher Krebserkrankung--Ergebnisse einer epidemiologischen Patientenbefragung}, series = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, volume = {61}, journal = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, issn = {0032-7034}, doi = {10.13109/prkk.2012.61.6.378}, pages = {378 -- 395}, year = {2012}, abstract = {Children of cancer patients are at risk for developing psychological symptoms. The parental appraisal of the child's psychological condition is a key variable for the utilization of child-centred psychosocial services. This study aimed at the systematic analysis of parental appraisals of changes in the emotional condition or behaviour of their children. We conducted an epidemiologic survey with a sample size of 1,809 patients with different cancer diagnoses, giving information about 2,581 children aged 21 years or younger at time of diagnosis. Quantitative information on children's distress during the disease and on changes in psychological condition or behaviour and qualitative information on the kind of changes were analysed. About half of the children were considered to be psychologically strongly affected during the disease. For about 25 \% negative changes in psychological condition or behaviour are reported, positive changes are reported for 20 \% of the children. Negative changes are most frequently described in young children (up to five years), positive changes are most frequently described in young adults (18 to 21 years). The results indicate that from the cancer parent's view many children are substantially distressed. Thus, the implementation of additional preventive psychosocial services seems reasonable and necessary.}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {de} } @article{BultmannBeierleinRomeretal.2014, author = {Bultmann, Johanna Christine and Beierlein, Volker and Romer, Georg and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Koch, Uwe and Bergelt, Corinna}, title = {Parental cancer: Health-related quality of life and current psychosocial support needs of cancer survivors and their children}, series = {International journal of cancer}, volume = {135}, journal = {International journal of cancer}, doi = {10.1002/ijc.28905}, pages = {2668 -- 2677}, year = {2014}, abstract = {The presence of cancer and additional parental responsibilities can increase strain for individual patients as well as for their children. The construct of health-related quality of life (HRQL) is appropriate to measure a combination of physical, mental and social consequences as a result of disease. However, previous research has merely focused on symptom checklists. This study addresses the following questions: (i) does HRQL in children and their parents with cancer differ compared to the general population? (ii) Are there any variables that are associated with HRQL in children? (iii) What are current psychosocial support needs? A population-based survey of 976 survivors (<6 years post diagnosis) with minor children between 6 and 18 years (n = 1,449) was conducted with two German cancer registries. HRQL was assessed using SF-8 (survivors) and Kidscreen (children). The results were compared to normative populations, and predictors associated with HRQL in children were evaluated within a multilevel model. We found that the HRQL in children was better compared to the norm. Only children with support needs had worse HRQL. Older age, having a mother with cancer, having a parent not living together with a partner, and worse parental physical and mental health influenced HRQL in children. Illness characteristics were irrelevant. Even with a mean of 3.5 years after diagnosis, survivors had lower physical and mental health compared to the norm. Our findings reinforce the need for health professionals to pay attention to younger patients and their children. Even years after diagnosis, life might not have returned to normal.}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {en} } @article{ErnstBeierleinRomeretal.2011, author = {Ernst, Johanna Christine and Beierlein, Volker and Romer, Georg and M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Koch, Uwe and Bergelt, Corinna}, title = {Psychosoziale Versorgung von Kindern mit einem an Krebs erkrankten Elternteil - Eine Bestandsaufnahme spezifischer Versorgungsangebote in Deutschland}, series = {Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, medizinische Psychologie}, volume = {61}, journal = {Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, medizinische Psychologie}, doi = {10.1055/s-0031-1286303}, pages = {426 -- 434}, year = {2011}, abstract = {Children of a parent having cancer are at greater risk to develop mental health problems. Aim is to investigate specific psychosocial care for children having a parent with cancer, as well as to characterize and assess utilization and needs of affected minor children. Employees of institutions in Germany supplying psychosocial care to families with a parent having cancer were surveyed, using a semi-structured interview (n = 29). Specific psychosocial care for affected children is limited and heterogeneous in Germany. Regarding different distress stages of those families, the situation could be interpreted as eligible. However, this primarily reflects the low quality assurance of care. Results suggest that in addition to preventive care needs of children having a parent with cancer, increased needs exist in specific risk constellations, like in single parent families.}, subject = {Adult}, language = {de} } @article{BeckerGjergjiLamaRomeretal.2014, author = {Becker, Inga and Gjergji-Lama, Voltisa and Romer, Georg and M{\"o}ller, Birgit}, title = {Merkmale von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Geschlechtsdysphorie in der Hamburger Spezialsprechstunde}, series = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, volume = {63}, journal = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, issn = {0032-7034}, pages = {486 -- 509}, year = {2014}, abstract = {Given the increasing demand for counselling in gender dysphoria in childhood in Germany, there is a definite need for empirical data on characteristics and developmental trajectories of this clinical group. This study aimed to provide a first overview by assessing demographic characteristics and developmental trajectories of a group of gender variant boys and girls referred to the specialised Gender Identity Clinic in Hamburg. Data were extracted from medical charts, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis methods. Categories were set up by inductive-deductive reasoning based on the patients' parents' and clinicians' information in the files. Between 2006 and 2010, 45 gender variant children and adolescents were seen by clinicians; 88.9\% (n = 40) of these were diagnosed with gender identity disorder (ICD-10). Within this group, the referral rates for girls were higher than for boys (1:1.5). Gender dysphoric girls were on average older than the boys and a higher percentage of girls was referred to the clinic at the beginning of adolescence (> 12 years of age). At the same time, more girls reported an early onset age. More girls made statements about their (same-sex) sexual orientation during adolescence and wishes for gender confirming medical interventions. More girls than boys revealed self-mutilation in the past or present as well as suicidal thoughts and/or attempts. Results indicate that the presentation of clinically referred gender dysphoric girls differs from the characteristics boys present in Germany; especially with respect to the most salient age differences. Therefore, these two groups require different awareness and individual treatment approaches.}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {de} } @article{KuehneKrattenmacherBergeltetal.2013, author = {K{\"u}hne, Franziska and Krattenmacher, Thomas and Bergelt, Corinna and Beierlein, Volker and Herzog, Wolfgang and V Klitzing, Kai and Weschenfelder-Stachwitz, Heike and Romer, Georg and M{\"o}ller, Birgit}, title = {There is still so much ahead of us - Family functioning in families of palliative cancer patients}, series = {Families, systems \& health : the journal of collaborative family healthcare}, volume = {31}, journal = {Families, systems \& health : the journal of collaborative family healthcare}, doi = {10.1037/a0032274}, pages = {181 -- 193}, year = {2013}, abstract = {Adopting a systems approach, parental cancer has its impact on patients, spouses, and dependent children. The purpose of the current study was to examine family functioning dependent on parental disease stage and on family member perspective in families of cancer patients with adolescent children. The cross-sectional study was conducted within a German multisite research project of families before their first child-centered counseling encounter. The sample comprised individuals nested within N = 169 families. Analyses performed included analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and intraclass correlation. Open answers were analyzed following quantitative content analysis procedures. Between 15\% and 36\% of family members reported dysfunctional general functioning scores. Parents indicated more dysfunctional scores on the Family Assessment Device scale Roles, and adolescents more dysfunctional Communication scores. Regarding assessment of family functioning, there was higher agreement in families with parents in a palliative situation. For adolescents with parents in palliation, incidents because of the disease tend to become more dominant, and spending time with the family tends to become even more important. As our study pointed out, parental cancer, and especially parental palliative disease, is associated with both perceived critical and positive aspects in family functioning. Supporting families in these concerns as well as encouraging perceptions of positive aspects are important components of psycho-oncological interventions for families with dependent children.}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {en} } @article{KuehneKrattenmacherBergeltetal.2013, author = {K{\"u}hne, Franziska and Krattenmacher, Thomas and Bergelt, Corinna and Bierbaum, Anna-Lena and Christine Ernst, Johanna and Flechtner, Hans-Henning and Keller, Monika and Klitzing, Kai V. and Romer, Georg and M{\"o}ller, Birgit}, title = {Elternschaft und Krebserkrankung: Dyadische Analyse von psychosozialer Belastung und gesundheitsbezogener Lebensqualit{\"a}t von krebskranken Eltern minderj{\"a}hriger Kinder}, series = {Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, medizinische Psychologie}, volume = {63}, journal = {Psychotherapie, Psychosomatik, medizinische Psychologie}, doi = {10.1055/s-0033-1341454}, pages = {473 -- 481}, year = {2013}, abstract = {The purpose of this study was the analysis of psychological distress and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of parents with minor children during curative resp. palliative treatment.Cross-sectional design with a sample of N=89 parent dyads. Dyadic analysis of demographic, illness and family variables via mixed linear models.Patients and healthy partners indicated psychological distress on different subscales. Intradyadic correlations were small-moderate. Most important predictors of psychological distress and HRQoL were treatment stadium, gender, family functioning, and employment status.Dependent on demographic variables, psychooncological support was evident mainly for parents in palliative care and for families with dysfunctional functioning.}, subject = {Adult}, language = {de} } @article{MoellerStegemannRomer2008, author = {M{\"o}ller, B. and Stegemann, T. and Romer, Georg}, title = {Psychosoziale Belastungen bei Kindern k{\"o}rperlich kranker Eltern: Perspektiven der seelischen Gesundheitsvorsorge}, series = {Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz}, volume = {51}, journal = {Bundesgesundheitsblatt, Gesundheitsforschung, Gesundheitsschutz}, issn = {1436-9990}, doi = {10.1007/s00103-008-0542-5}, pages = {657 -- 663}, year = {2008}, abstract = {Irrespective of their well-known increased risk for mental health problems, children of somatically ill parents are a clinically underserved as well as under-researched group. In this article, the authors introduce the epidemiologic and clinical relevance of this topic and present a theoretical framework for understanding the sequelae of a serious parental illness on minor-age children, based on family dynamics and developmental concepts. This is followed by a comprehensive review of current empirical studies in this field, with a special emphasis on results from a transnational European collaborative study (COSIP = Children of Somatically Ill Parents), which was coordinated by the last author. The most important recommendations from intervention concepts published to date are summarized. Some outlooks for clinical practice as well as future research are presented.}, subject = {Adaptation}, language = {de} } @article{MoellerBarkmannKrattenmacheretal.2014, author = {M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Barkmann, Claus and Krattenmacher, Thomas and K{\"u}hne, Franziska and Bergelt, Corinna and Beierlein, Volker and Ernst, Johanna and Br{\"a}hler, Elmar and Flechtner, Hans-Henning and Herzog, Wolfgang and Klitzing, Kai and F{\"u}hrer, Daniel and Resch, Franz and Romer, Georg}, title = {Children of cancer patients: prevalence and predictors of emotional and behavioral problems}, series = {Cancer}, volume = {120}, journal = {Cancer}, doi = {10.1002/cncr.28644}, pages = {2361 -- 2370}, year = {2014}, abstract = {BACKGROUND Children of patients with cancer are at increased risk for developing emotional and behavioral problems. This study explored the prevalence and predictors of emotional and behavioral problems in Children of cancer patients in a multisite research project. METHODS A cross-sectional sample of N = 235 families was recruited simultaneously in 5 university medical centers. The participants, including parents (N = 402) and children (N = 324; ages 11-21 years) completed standardized questionnaires. Emotional and behavioral problems in children were measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). On the basis of previous research and using a mixed-model approach, child-, parent-, family- and cancer-related variables were examined in addition to socioeconomic status as potential predictors. Descriptive statistics and a multiple random coefficient model were used in the analyses. RESULTS Compared to norms, Children of cancer patients show increased mean levels of emotional and behavioral symptoms. The best predictor of emotional and behavioral problems from the perspectives of the child, the healthy parent, and the ill parent was general family dysfunction. Although family dysfunction was identified as the main predictor, the analysis revealed that the main part of variance was related to the individual child's level. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that screening for child mental health problems and family dysfunction in oncological and psychosocial treatment units can identify the families most in need of psychosocial support. Psychological services need to be both family-oriented and child-centered and focus on family dysfunction to prevent mental health problems in children.}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {en} } @article{MoellerNiederPreussetal.2014, author = {M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Nieder, Timo Ole and Preuss, Wilhelm F. and Becker, Inga and Fahrenkrug, Saskia and W{\"u}sthof, Achim and Briken, Peer and Romer, Georg and Richter-Appelt, Hertha}, title = {Versorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit Geschlechtsdysphorie im Rahmen einer interdisziplin{\"a}ren Spezialsprechstunde}, series = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, volume = {63}, journal = {Praxis der Kinderpsychologie und Kinderpsychiatrie}, issn = {0032-7034}, pages = {465 -- 485}, year = {2014}, abstract = {In Germany, the situation of health care services for children and adolescents with gender dysphoria is insufficient. In 2006 a specialized multiprofessional outpatient clinic was founded at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf. Goals were improvement of health services for gender dysphoric children, development of treatment concepts, and gain of knowledge through research. After finishing a thorough interdisciplinary assessment an individualized, case-by-case treatment starts. Besides psychotherapy an interdisciplinary treatment (e. g. puberty suppression and cross-sex hormones) is provided if indicated. During childhood a watchful waiting and carefully observing attitude is necessary. If a marked increase of gender dysphoria occurs during the first phases of puberty development, puberty suppression and later cross sex-hormones might be indicated.}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {de} } @article{MoellerSchreierLietal.2009, author = {M{\"o}ller, Birgit and Schreier, Herbert and Li, Alice and Romer, Georg}, title = {Gender identity disorder in children and adolescents}, series = {Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care}, volume = {39}, journal = {Current problems in pediatric and adolescent health care}, doi = {10.1016/j.cppeds.2009.02.001}, pages = {117 -- 143}, year = {2009}, subject = {Adolescent}, language = {en} }