Similarities and Differences of Children/Caregivers at Traning-Clinic of Psychology and Psychiatry

Abstract In order to provide the best care to children and adolescents referred for university-based psychology and psychiatry centers, this research describes and compares the profile of families who looked for treatment in these services. Forty mothers and children were assessed (20 participants in each group - Waiting list for psychological counseling or psychiatric care). The mothers completed the Child Behavior Checklist, Beck Depression Inventory, Marital Adjustment Scale and semi-structured interview. The children referred to psychiatry services had higher scores in the clinical range for somatic complaints, thought problems and externalizing problems. The comparison of the caregivers’ profiles indicated that the choice of the type of service for the child was related to maternal variables, since mothers with greater adversity levels and depression choose drug treatment. This highlights the importance of simultaneously care for mother and child and proposals to ensure demand and adherence to psychological treatment.