Premature Birth Linked To Anxiety & Depression

Experts from Murdoch Children’s Research Institute have conducted new research and have found that toddlers are more likely to get anxious, depressed, have an eating disorder or sleeping problem if they were born prematurely. Usually 10 or more weeks premature. It is linked to the harsh, alienating environment of neonatal intensive care units. They suggested lowering the lighting, have softer sounds and more contact between mother and baby. Also, they encourage better support for parents so emotional problems can be stopped before the children start their school years.

This study was published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Various parents who had premature births were interviewed and compared to infants born at more than 36 weeks. Researcher Dr. Alicia Spittle says ”The [premature children's] parents have reported more concerns about their child’s behaviour and socialisation.” These children were more likely to be depressed, have separation anxiety, poor attention spans or less imaginary play.

The problems were seen in 35 percent of the preterm population as compare to 20 percent of full-term toddlers. Although, the behavioural problems seemed to be strongly linked with lower birth weight rather then just the number of weeks a baby was premature. “It seems likely that when these babies were separated from their parents in the neonatal intensive care unit, there was an impact on the bonding between parent and child,” says Dr. Spittle, ”There is also the environment of the N-ICU itself – sensory development occurs in the womb, which is very protective, but outside there is more exposure to lights, sound and touch.” Also including parental stress and physiological effects of premature birth being factors. She suggests to get parents more involved with their babies in intensive care units. Saying that this will “improve the bonding and create a more positive sensory environment more similar to the womb, with softer lights and sounds".

These ideas have already been adopted at many hospitals and many more will soon be following. Mothers can regularly cuddle with their babies by holding them in tiny pouches against their chest instead of the plastic life-support tubs they are usually kept in.

Although previous studies have shown social and emotional developed problems linked to premature birth in school-age children, Dr. Spittle says the problems start way before school begins. ”There is no standard follow-up for premature children – they need to be assessed for these problems earlier on, in hospital or in the community.”

Dave Smith, on August 30th, 2010 at 10:53 am Said:

Yes, it is possible. When people suffer trauma as a child, their mind often blocks it out until they are old enough to handle it emotionally. There is no way to force the memories back; once her mind feels it is equipped to deal with them, she will start to remember.