Psychosoziale Unterstützung von Menschen mit Heimerfahrung in der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik

People who experienced severe neglect, abuse and maltreatment in children’s homes and reformatories in the German Democratic Republic (GDR) still suffer from long-term psychosocial consequences to this day and can have a high need for psychosocial support; however, they often report barriers to accessing the help system and communication problems with professional specialists.

What experiences did people who grew up in children’s homes and reformatories in the GDR have with psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment and other mental health care services? What about the treatment was perceived as helpful and what as problematic? What barriers to accessing the help system are described?

In a questionnaire study using a mixed methods approach, 273 people with experiences of children’s homes in the GDR were asked about their experiences with psychiatric/psychotherapeutic treatment and other psychosocial services.

Based on the reports of 153 people with experiences of homes in the GDR who have made use of professional psychosocial support, barriers to treatment as well as helpful and problematic treatment experiences of the affected group are described and discussed.