Parents of children with mental health issues often experience sleep loss and chronic stress. But new findings, published in the journal Digital Health, suggest that treating the child through digital mental health platforms may ease those burdens for carers as well.
A major study of over 3,000 parent-child pairs found that when children improved after using a digital mental health intervention, their carers also reported better sleep and lower stress levels. The findings come from a retrospective analysis of a digital treatment programme delivered by Bend Health in the United States, designed for children aged 6 to 17 with conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, and sleep disorders.
Researchers found that nearly 88% of carers with initial sleep problems reported improvements within six months of their child starting treatment. Similarly, 83% of those with high stress levels saw a reduction in stress. The more a child’s symptoms improved, the more relief the parent experienced.
The study highlights the hidden cost of children’s mental health issues on families. Children struggling with anxiety or depression often have difficulty sleeping, which can disrupt caregivers’ rest as well. On the behavioural side, parents managing externalising symptoms like hyperactivity or opposition face emotional and time-related strain. Both patterns were reflected in the research findings.
The link between child and caregiver mental health was particularly strong at the beginning of treatment. Parents of children with internalising symptoms such as anxiety or sleep issues were more likely to suffer from sleep problems themselves, while externalising symptoms like hyperactivity and defiance were more closely tied to parental stress. The effect was especially pronounced in caregivers of younger or male children.
Treatment for the children consisted of regular coaching or therapy sessions delivered via video calls, using techniques based on cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness. Families could access tools and resources through a secure online platform, and caregivers were expected to participate actively in sessions, especially for children under 13.
Children who had more frequent sessions (around two or more per month) tended to show greater mental health improvements. The researchers noted that consistent session engagement appeared to boost outcomes not just for the child but for the caregiver as well.
While digital mental health tools have gained popularity for their convenience and scalability, most research has focused on outcomes for the individual receiving care. This study adds a new layer by examining how a child’s progress may directly benefit the parent or caregiver. The findings support a growing push for family-centred care models in mental health services.
The study was not a randomised trial, so it cannot prove cause and effect. However, the large sample size and consistent trends across several measures make a strong case for considering caregiver well-being as part of child mental health interventions.
As health systems worldwide seek scalable solutions to rising rates of anxiety and depression in young people, the added benefits for parents could make digital mental health interventions a more compelling choice.