Parents’ mental health has been linked to children’s fussy eating in new research. 3-4 year olds were shown to be at greater risk of fussy eating if their parents had suffered anxiety or depression.
Fussy eating causes great concern for the parents. It results in a restricted diet and is linked to weight issues as well as behavioural problems.
The study, published in the Archives of Disease in Childhood, was led by researchers at the Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam. Parents completed surveys on anxiety and depression during pregnancy and when their child was 3. This information was then compared to analysis of their children’s attitudes to food aged 3-4.
The researchers stated:
“We observed that maternal and paternal internalising problems were prospectively associated with fussy eating in pre-schoolers.
“Clinicians should be aware that not only severe anxiety and depression, but also milder forms of internalising problems can affect child eating behaviour.”
The study has interesting implications for family units, as it demonstrates the impact of depression on those around. Many people with depression or anxiety try to internalise their issues and carry on, yet this is not an effective strategy for dealing with mental health issues.
This survey therefore underlines the importance of diagnosing and treating depression for the benefit not only of the patient, but also of their children and those around them.
PROFESSIONAL HELP
Reaching out for professional help is the first step to tackling issues such as clinical depression. Treatment doesn’t have to mean anti-depressants, there are alternative treatments available.
rTMS (Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) has now been approved by NICE as an effective and safe method of treating depression in the UK.
It involves no medication and is non-invasive and may therefore be used during and after pregnancy.
SMART TMS CLINICS
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) treatment of depression is now available in London, at The Smart Clinics Brompton Cross (South Kensington).
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