New fathers are almost as likely to obsessively worry about the health of their newborns as new mothers, Mayo Clinic researchers conclude.
The study results appear to contradict the recent notion that hormonal changes after childbirth may be responsible for new mothers constantly worrying about things like sudden infant death syndrome and accidental drowning during bathing, reports BBC News Online. Some new parents also have recurring thoughts about intentionally harming the new child.
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Fathers polled by researchers
Among new fathers recently polled by the Mayo researchers, 58 percent conceded to having some form of irrational fear or thoughts about their new sons or daughters.
The researchers say most people with such thoughts are able to dismiss them. However, those who find that these thoughts constantly recur beyond their control are advised to seek psychological help, according to the experts who conducted the survey.
The research appears in the Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings. – (HealthDayNews)
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