Study: Severe Mental Illness In Mothers Can Affect Long-Term Health And Development Of Children

It's not surprising that a mother's mental health affects her children. The research shows that the important issue is the interaction the mother has with her children.

Although this could be seen as un-positive news. I actually think the real message here is that it is so important to keep yourself healthy and stable.

Here's the article:
Severe Mental Illness In Mothers Can Affect Long-Term Health And Development Of Children
Babies' early experiences with a mother suffering from severe mental illness, such as schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, bipolar disorder or severe major depression disorder may affect their future health and development.

Dr. Susan Pawlby, of the Institute of Psychiatry in London, emphasises that complex issues surround the study of the impact of a mother's severe mental illness on her child. Among them are genetic risks, poor health practices, psychiatric medication, breast-feeding, and the physical and emotional care of the baby.

Infants are entirely dependent for their health and well-being on those who care for them, and those whose mothers suffer from mental illness are at risk if the care provided does not meet their developmental needs. In such instances, she warns, the long-term implications for the child are potentially devastating.


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