Aim. The aim of the study is to show an influence of the family system and lifestyle on the course of psychiatric disorders in children. Method. The family system approach analysis. Medical documentation and the literature analysis. Conslusions. The family system is a basic reference group. The patologising of lifestyle and attitudes towards the child chronic disease, mostly dependent on parents’ psychological resources, have an impact on the course of disorders in children. The level of parents’ functioning and the flexibility of the family system determine the acceptance of the diagnosis and further ways of treatment and procedures.

Key words: psychiatric disorder, family system, youth, attitudes towards the disease.