New research shows new parents suffering higher than expected anxiety
There are many things to fret about when you are a new parent: lack of sleep, the baby’s development, lost income and unsolicited parenting advice.
But new research has found that for a higher than expected number of first-time mums and dads, the anxiety experienced while adjusting to parenthood can be overwhelming and interfere with daily life.
New research published in the Journal of Affective Disorders has found a third of Australian women and 17 percent of men experience anxiety symptoms, making the condition more common than depression in new parents.
Dr Karen Wynter, from the Jean Hailes Research Unit at Monash University, said the levels of anxiety and adjustment issues were higher than expected.
“We actually found 9 percent of women and 4 percent of men had clinically diagnosable anxiety disorders in the first six months of the birth of the baby,” she said.
“The research shows that we also need to pay more attention to new fathers, because some of them will have problems adjusting to a new baby in the house.
“I think it is really important they are included in at least one postpartum visit to the child health nurse or the GP who can actually ask them if they are OK.”
Dr Wynter said her research found warm, caring, relationships between couples was protective against depression and anxiety symptoms.
Amy and Gerardo Iacullo have avoided anxiety problems while mastering their new roles parenting baby Romeo, thanks to their loving supportive partnership and help from Amy’s mother.
Mrs Iacullo said her husband would happily come to baby health appointments but couldn’t because of work….
Read the full original article by Lisa Power, News Corp Australia, 2nd November 2013 … The Telegraph – New parents suffering higher than expected anxiety disorder, new research shows
Related Resources
Research shows new parents suffering higher than expected anxiety
Nigel Magowan is a UKCP Registered Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist who runs his own private therapy practice in Chorlton, South Manchester, near to Didsbury, Altrincham and Stockport. He frequently helps people deal with the various anxiety disorders.