Author:
Vance John C.,Boyle Frances M.,Najman Jackob M.,Thearle M. John
Abstract
BackgroundStress responses of bereaved parents (mothers 194, fathers 143) who experienced infant loss were compared with parents (mothers 203, fathers 157) with a live born child.MethodPsychological distress using scales of anxiety, depression and alcohol use was compared at 2, 8, 15 and 30 months post-loss.ResultsBereaved mothers showed significantly more anxiety/depression than controls at all four interviews. For bereaved fathers, anxiety/depression differed significantly from controls only at two months. Heavy alcohol use was significantly more prevalent at 2 and 30 months. Relative risks showed significant gender differences between bereaved parents at all four interviews for anxiety/depression. When this outcome was extended to include heavy drinking in addition to anxiety/depression, these differences diminished and were significant only at 2 and 8 months.ConclusionFemale responses are longer lasting and reflected by elevated levels of anxiety/depression. Male responses equally involve anxiety, depression and heavy alcohol consumption.
Publisher
Royal College of Psychiatrists
Subject
Psychiatry and Mental health
Cited by
80 articles.
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