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Intrusive thoughts Psychotic experiences among new parents are much more common than previously thought, according to a new study.
In the survey, in which more than 300 parents who had given birth in the past 12 months were able to respond anonymously, the vast majority (96%) of participants reported experiencing at least one intrusive thought – such as unwanted or disturbing ideas or images.
The University of East Anglia study also found that 89% of those surveyed reported at least one psychotic experience, such as momentary paranoia or unusual perceptions.
Based on their self-reported symptoms, nearly 31% were considered “at risk” for psychosis.
The research team hopes their work will lead to increased awareness, early screening and accessible mental health support for all parents, not just those diagnosed with the condition.
What is an obsessive thought?
According to Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, intrusive thoughts are “disturbing, meaningless, unwanted thoughts, images or urges that suddenly come into your head.”
They can be very diverse, but for young parents they may look something like this:
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“What if my baby stops breathing?”
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“What if I shake the baby?”
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Image of a burning house
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The desire to crash into the car in front
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Wanting to slap a child when he won't stop crying
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Before leaving the house, you have to put everything in its place.
The foundation notes that while these thoughts usually decrease over time, “they tend to be more common when new parents are stressed and don't have much support.”
Why do we receive them?
Lead researcher Dr Joe Hodgkins, from UEA Norwich Medical School, said: “The perinatal period is a time of huge change for parents, and previous research has shown that more than one in five mothers experience mental health problems during this time.
“Issues such as sleep deprivation, stress and hormonal changes can take a toll on the mental health of new parents.”
Dads are vulnerable too
While much of the research on parenting mental health has focused on new mothers, the study also highlighted that new Dads are extremely vulnerable in the first year of parenthood.
Dads reported more intrusive thoughts, more parenting stress, and higher levels of depression and anxiety than moms.
“Male parents may experience these symptoms due to sleep deprivation, increased stress and psychological adjustment to new responsibilities and fatherhood,” Dr. Hodgkins said.
“But this result may be biased by the fact that the vast majority of participants, about 90%, were women. It would certainly be interesting to focus on recruiting more male participants in future studies.”
What to do if you have obsessive thoughts?
Research has shown that people with intrusive thoughts are less likely to act on them. If you have them, it may be helpful to identify it as an intrusive thought and accept it as such. It's also important to be kind to yourself: you're a good parent. Many of us have had these thoughts.
Dr Hodgkins said the research highlights “the need to normalize some of these experiences for new parents” to help reduce stigma and raise awareness.
“Intrusive thoughts and psychotic experiences do not always indicate a clinical disorder, but they are common and can have a significant impact on parenting, so they deserve attention,” she said, adding that parents need individualized and targeted support if they find the experience distressing.
She added that it could improve not only mental health, but also parenting outcomes.
And it's important to note that if your intrusive thoughts are affecting your daily life and interfering with the things you enjoy, it's worth talking to your GP, midwife or mental health professional for further support.
Help and support:
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Intelligenceopen Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. 0300 123 3393.
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Samaritans offers a listening service that is open 24 hours a day, at 116 123 (UK and ROI – this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
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CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open from 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year, 0800 58 58 58And web chat service.
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Rethink mental illness offers practical help through its advice line on 0808 801 0525 (Monday to Friday 10am to 4pm). More information can be found at rethink.org.
