"Parental Alienation Syndrome" in light of cases evaluated at Çukurova University Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department

Scope: During the last years, the increase in divorcement numbers and inter family disputes has created another public problem with it, which is"Parental Alienation Syndrome" (PAS) . PAS is a type of child abuse that prevents child's healthy development. The scope of this study is to capture attention on PAS, to imply the debate over its validity, to identify its traits and to create awareness to healtcare workers that work in this field (Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists, Forensic Medicine Specialists, Social Services Specialists, Psychologists e.t.c. ) Methodology: Among applications about "abuse" or "other reasons" that were directed from forensic institutions like courts or prosecution offices, 9 files of children that were diagnosed and followed-up with PAS, were retrospectively examined by Ç.U.M.S. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Department and Children&Adolescent Forensic Mental Health Services Committee. Findings: The average age of children were 7,1 ± 2,4. Among 9 cases, 5 were female (% 55,5), 4 were male (% 44,4). Among 6 alienated parents, 5 were female (% 83,3), 1 was male (%16,6). In all of the 9 cases, severe interparental conflicts, divorce with conflict or custody issues existed. Moreover, PAS levels of cases, 2 of them were mild (%22,2), 4 were moderate (%44,4), 3 were severe (%33,3). The alienation levels of cases were, 1 mild (%11,1), 5 moderate (%55,5), 3 severe (%33,3). Conclusion: PAS, not very well known in our country, is a form of child negligence and abuse, and it is a crime just like all other forms of abuse and negligence. However, there are two victims in this abuse: the child and the alienated parent. It could bear tragic consequences for the child and the alienated parent if the healthcare workers did not have any awareness on PAS in case they encounter with such a case. Therefore, awareness has to be raised in both healthcare workers and the general public; multi-disciplinary approach with great care must be conducted in such cases.