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Lykins AD, Bonich M, Sundaraja C, Cosh S. Climate change anxiety positively predicts antenatal distress in expectant female parents. J Anxiety Disord 2024; 101:102801. [PMID: 38086278 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2023.102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Clinical and subclinical levels of anxiety and depression are common experiences during pregnancy for expectant women; however, despite rising awareness of significant climate change anxiety around the world, the extent to which this particular type of anxiety may be contributing to overall antenatal psychological distress is currently unknown. Furthermore, the content of concerns that expectant women may have for their existing or future children remains unexplored. To address this gap in knowledge, 103 expectant Australian women completed standardised assessments of antenatal worry and depression, climate change anxiety, and perceived distance to climate change, and responded to several open-ended questions on concerns they had for their children. Results indicated that climate change anxiety accounted for significant percentages of variance in both antenatal worry and depression scores and, unexpectedly, neither child number nor perceived distance to climate change moderated these relationships. Content analysis of qualitative data highlighted the significant health-related anxieties for participants' children related to climate change (e.g., disease, exposure to extreme weather events, food/water insecurity). Given the escalating nature of climate change, further investigation of this relatively new stressor contributing to the experience of anxiety and distress, particularly in uniquely vulnerable groups such as expectant women, is urgently needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy D Lykins
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Mary Bonich
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Cassandra Sundaraja
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Suzanne Cosh
- School of Psychology, University of New England, Armidale, New South Wales, Australia
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2
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Lowrie N, Le Bas G, Youssef G, Macdonald JA, Teague S, Rogers A, Sunderland M, Mattick R, Elliott EJ, Allsop S, Burns L, Najman J, Jacobs S, Olsson CA, Hutchinson D. Association of adolescent and young adult depression and anxiety with perinatal mental health in fathers: Findings from an Australian longitudinal study. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 156:206-213. [PMID: 36265257 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined associations between preconception diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety disorders in adolescence and young adulthood and perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms in early fatherhood. In an Australian community cohort study of health and development, earlier history of MDD and anxiety disorders (extending back to adolescence) were assessed retrospectively in the third trimester of pregnancy via the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Paternal perinatal depression and anxiety were then assessed prospectively over three timepoints (third trimester of pregnancy, 8 weeks and 12 months postpartum), using established cut-points on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (anxiety subscale). Mixed-effects regression models examined risk associations between preconception diagnoses of MDD and anxiety disorders, and perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms at each timepoint, adjusting for socio-demographic factors and concurrent maternal mental health difficulties. The odds of clinically concerning levels of paternal perinatal depression and anxiety were 6-fold and 4-fold higher, respectively, in men with a preconception history of MDD. The odds of perinatal depression were 3-fold higher in men with a preconception history of an anxiety disorder. Less evidence was found for an association between preconception diagnoses of an anxiety disorder and perinatal anxiety in fathers. Interventions aimed at improving mental health in men during adolescence and young adulthood may promote continued psychological health in men during early fatherhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nele Lowrie
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Genevieve Le Bas
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - George Youssef
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's, Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jacqui A Macdonald
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's, Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Samantha Teague
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; James Cook University, Department of Psychology, College of Healthcare Sciences, Townsville, Australia.
| | - Alana Rogers
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia.
| | - Matthew Sunderland
- The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Richard Mattick
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Elizabeth J Elliott
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Steve Allsop
- National Drug Research Institute, Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
| | - Lucinda Burns
- National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Jake Najman
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Australia.
| | - Sue Jacobs
- Department of Obstetrics, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's, Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Delyse Hutchinson
- Deakin University, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Australia; Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Centre for Adolescent Health, Royal Children's, Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; University of Melbourne, Department of Paediatrics, Royal Children's Hospital, Melbourne, Australia; National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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3
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Work and Family Transitions Throughout Adulthood and the Impact on Health: A Systematic Review. JOURNAL OF POPULATION AGEING 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12062-022-09382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
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Anstey KJ, Butterworth P, Christensen H, Easteal S, Cherbuin N, Leach L, Burns R, Kiely KM, Mortby ME, Eramudugolla R, Gad I. Cohort Profile Update: The PATH Through Life Project. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:35-36. [PMID: 33232442 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kaarin J Anstey
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Butterworth
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Melbourne Institute of Applied Economic and Social Research, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog Institute, University of South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon Easteal
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Nicolas Cherbuin
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Liana Leach
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Richard Burns
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Kim M Kiely
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Moyra E Mortby
- School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Ranmalee Eramudugolla
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,School of Psychology, University of New South Wales, Randwick, NSW, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
| | - Imogen Gad
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Neuroscience Research Australia, Randwick, NSW, Australia
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Knappe S, Petzoldt J, Garthus-Niegel S, Wittich J, Puls HC, Huttarsch I, Martini J. Associations of Partnership Quality and Father-to-Child Attachment During the Peripartum Period. A Prospective-Longitudinal Study in Expectant Fathers. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:572755. [PMID: 33959043 PMCID: PMC8093807 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.572755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: During the transition to parenthood, a complex network of relationships unfolds between father, mother and the child. Expectant parents begin bonding with their unborn child, with this antenatal process supposedly being predictive for later postnatal attachment and child mental health. At the same time, couples may experience a change in partnership quality. While the majority of previous studies focused on associations between psychopathology, partnership quality and attachment from the perspective of mothers, the changes in partnership quality and attachment from the perspective of fathers has gained far less attention. Methods: Data were derived from the Maternal Anxiety and it's Relation to Infants' Development (MARI) study. N = 109 expectant fathers were recruited during mid-pregnancy (22 to 26 week of gestation). Lifetime anxiety and depressive disorders (DSM-IV) were assessed with a standardized diagnostic interview (CIDI). Paternal partnership characteristics and father-to-child attachments were assessed using standardized questionnaires at the second trimester, 10 days after delivery and 4 months after delivery in N = 76 fathers. Analyses were based on bivariate, robust and multivariate regression analyses. Results: Fathers did not report an overall decrease in partnership quality during the peripartum period. However, fathers with comorbid anxiety and depressive disorders reported lower partnership satisfaction at postpartum, as compared to unaffected fathers. Fathers with pure depressive disorders reported lower intensity of antenatal attachment. Paternal antenatal partnership quality was positively associated with antenatal father-to-child attachment. Furthermore, antenatal father-to-child attachment, as well as ante- and postnatal partnership quality in fathers, were positively related to postnatal father-to-child attachment. Conclusions: Antenatal father-to-child-attachment and paternal partnership quality appear to be promising targets for the prevention of postnatal attachment problems in fathers. The associations between partnership quality and attachment to the child further support an interpersonal approach in perinatal research, treatment and intervention, and may also feed into awareness programs that encourage expectant fathers to actively engage in relationships as early as during pregnancy-both with the mother and the unborn child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Knappe
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johanna Petzoldt
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Department of Child Health and Development, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.,Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Wittich
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Hans-Christian Puls
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Isabell Huttarsch
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Julia Martini
- Institute of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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6
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Philpott LF, Savage E, FitzGerald S, Leahy-Warren P. Anxiety in fathers in the perinatal period: A systematic review. Midwifery 2019; 76:54-101. [PMID: 31176080 DOI: 10.1016/j.midw.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND fatherhood in the perinatal period can be a time of great excitement, happiness and joy. However, a growing body of literature indicates that fathers are at risk for elevated levels of anxiety symptoms during the perinatal period. PURPOSE the purpose of this systematic review is to determine the prevalence and levels of anxiety in fathers during the perinatal period, identify the risk factors and impact of anxiety, and establish if there are effective interventions that reduce father's anxiety. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS A systematic review protocol was developed and registered with PROSPERO (reference number: CRD42017073760). The review was guided by the PRISMA reporting process. Electronic databases Medline, CINAHL, Embase, the Cochrane Library, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, and Psychology were searched to identify eligible studies. Studies that researched fathers during the perinatal period were included if anxiety was the primary focus of the research or was an outcome or dependent variable. Data were extracted and presented in narrative form including tables and figures. FINDINGS Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings from these studies indicate that fathers experience anxiety in the perinatal period, particularly at the time of birth. Anxiety increased from the antenatal period to the time of birth, with a decrease in anxiety from the time of birth to the later postnatal period. The prevalence of anxiety ranged between 3.4% and 25.0% during the antenatal period and 2.4% and 51.0% during the postnatal period. Factors contributing to anxiety included lower education levels, lower income levels, lower co-parenting support, lower social support, work-family conflict, a partner' anxiety and depression, and being present during a previous birth. Anxiety had a negative impact on fathers' mental health, physical health, social relationships and parenting skills. Anxiety contributed to stress, depression, fatigue and lower paternal self-efficacy. Five studies reported on interventions to reduce anxiety and all the studies found that anxiety significantly decreased following the intervention. KEY CONCLUSION Fathers experience increased anxiety from the antenatal period to the time of birth, with a decrease in anxiety from the time of birth to the later postnatal period. Anxiety during the perinatal period that can impact negatively on fathers physical and mental health, and social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lloyd Frank Philpott
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork T12AK54, Ireland.
| | - Eileen Savage
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork T12AK54, Ireland.
| | - Serena FitzGerald
- School of Nursing and, Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork T12AK54, Ireland.
| | - Patricia Leahy-Warren
- School of Nursing and Midwifery, Brookfield Health Sciences Complex, University College Cork, Cork T12AK54, Ireland.
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Spry E, Giallo R, Moreno-Betancur M, Macdonald J, Becker D, Borschmann R, Brown S, Patton GC, Olsson CA. Preconception prediction of expectant fathers' mental health: 20-year cohort study from adolescence. BJPsych Open 2018; 4:58-60. [PMID: 29971146 PMCID: PMC6020279 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2017.10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED We examined prospective associations between men's common mental disorders in the decades prior to offspring conception and subsequent paternal antenatal mental health problems. Data came from a prospective intergenerational cohort study which assessed common mental disorder nine times from age 14 to 29 years, and in the third trimester of subsequent pregnancies to age 35 years (N = 295 pregnancies to 214 men). Men with histories of adolescent and young adult common mental disorders were over four times more likely to experience antenatal mental health problems. Future research identifying modifiable perinatal factors that counteract preconception risk would provide further targets for intervention. DECLARATION OF INTEREST None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Spry
- Research Officer, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and PhD candidate, Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Geelong
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Senior Research Fellow, Healthy Mothers Healthy Families group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne
| | - Margarita Moreno-Betancur
- Postdoctoral research fellow, Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics Unit, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne
| | - Jacqui Macdonald
- Lecturer in Psychology, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, and Honorary Research Fellow, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children's Research Institute
| | - Denise Becker
- Biostatistician, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne
| | - Rohan Borschmann
- Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Adolescent Health, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and Honorary Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London
| | - Stephanie Brown
- Senior Principal Research Fellow and Head of the Healthy Mothers Healthy Families group, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, and Honorary Professorial Fellow, University of Melbourne
| | - George C Patton
- Professorial Fellow in Adolescent Health Research, University of Melbourne, and Senior Principal Research Fellow, National Health and Medical Research Council
| | - Craig A Olsson
- Professor and Head of the Centre for Social and Early Emotional Development, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health, Deakin University, and Honorary Principal Research Fellow, University of Melbourne and Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Australia
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Morrissey K, Kinderman P, Pontin E, Tai S, Schwannauer M. Web based health surveys: Using a Two Step Heckman model to examine their potential for population health analysis. Soc Sci Med 2016; 163:45-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.06.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Leach LS, Poyser C, Cooklin AR, Giallo R. Prevalence and course of anxiety disorders (and symptom levels) in men across the perinatal period: A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2016; 190:675-686. [PMID: 26590515 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.09.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Revised: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Men's experiences of anxiety within the perinatal period can adversely impact themselves, their partner and infant. However, we know little about the prevalence and course of men's anxiety across the perinatal period. The current review is one of the first to systematically review the published literature. METHODS Five databases (PubMed, PsycINFO, Cochrane, SCOPUS, and Web of Science) were searched to identify relevant papers published prior to April 2015. The literature search identified articles with data for expectant fathers (prenatal period) and/or fathers of an infant aged between 0 and 1 (postnatal period). The following data were extracted: (a) anxiety disorder prevalence (diagnostic clinical interviews), (b) 'high' anxiety symptom prevalence (above thresholds/cut-points on anxiety symptom scales) and (c) mean anxiety levels (anxiety symptom scales). Initially, 537 unique papers were identified. Subsequently, 43 papers met criteria for inclusion in the review. RESULTS Prevalence rates for 'any' anxiety disorder (as defined by either diagnostic clinical interviews or above cut-points on symptom scales) ranged between 4.1% and 16.0% during the prenatal period and 2.4-18.0% during the postnatal period. The data reviewed suggest the course of anxiety across the perinatal period is fairly stable with potential decreases postpartum. LIMITATIONS Wide variation in study measurement and methodology makes synthesis of individual findings difficult. Anxiety is highly comorbid with depression, and thus measures of mixed anxiety/depression might better capture the overall burden of mental illness. CONCLUSIONS Anxiety disorders are common for men during the perinatal period. Both partners should be included in discussions and interventions focused on obstetric care and parent mental health during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liana S Leach
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Carmel Poyser
- Centre for Research on Ageing, Health and Wellbeing, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | | | - Rebecca Giallo
- Healthy Mothers Healthy Families Research Group, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Melbourne, Australia
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