Objectives Based on the investigation of 144 families (144 patients
affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS), 109 partners, and 192 children)
examined in three different European child and adolescent psychiatric
University centres by means of questionnaires, we evaluated the
prevalence of psychological symptoms in the offspring and associated
risk factors such as duration and severity of the disease as well as
depression of the ill and the healthy parent. Results Indicate that the
severe disease of MS is associated with depression of the ill and
healthy parent. Ill parents, especially ill mothers, as well as
depressed ill, or depressed healthy parents evaluate their children’s
mental health problems with a higher prevalence within the internalizing
spectrum. Healthy parents report normal psychological adjustment of
their children. If two parents present a depressive state, the
prevalence of relevant psychological internalizing symptoms is twice or
three times as high as the age norms. Conclusion Children in families
with a parent affected by MS and associated depression of the parental
couple are at high risk of mental health problems, especially
internalizing disorders. In focusing on the mental health of children
one must also be aware of the potential opportunities to address the
parents’ own psychological needs
