 |
|
Increased Parental Mortality After Death Of A Child (p 363)
January 29, 2003Danish authors of a study in this week's issue of THE LANCET provide strong evidence for the first time that experiencing the death of a child increases the mortality rate of parents-with mothers being far more likely to die early than fathers.
There has been no clear evidence to suggest that the death of a child is associated with an increased mortality rate among surviving parents. J'¸rn Olsen and colleagues from the University of Aarhus, Denmark, used data from Danish death registries from 1980-96 to assess whether child death was linked to an increased risk of parental death compared with parents who had not experienced death of a child.
Around 20,000 parents who had experienced death of a child were compared with a control population of 293,000 parents whose children were alive. Parents were followed-up for a maximum of 18 years.
Mothers were around 40% more likely to die within 18 years after death of a child compared with mothers whose children remained alive. Death of a child from unnatural causes increased mothers' death rate by 40% compared with mothers whose children had died from natural causes. This association was most striking in the first three years after the child's death-here the mother's death rate increased almost fourfold. Mothers who had experienced death of a child only had an increased risk of death from natural causes such as cancer or cardiovascular disease 10 or more years after the death of their child. Fathers were much less affected, with a relative increased mortality risk of around 60% soon after the death of their child.
The investigators focus on increased stress among parents after child death as the main underlying cause of the increased death rates. J'¸rn Olsen comments: "Psychological stress after the death of a child could affect health outcomes in several ways. The most intense reactions are often seen shortly after the bereavement, with a short-term peak of mortality from unnatural causes. In the long term, various pathophysiological changes related to stress could increase susceptibility to infectious diseases, affect the risk and prognosis of cancer, and lead to diseases of the cardiovascular systems. Stress also affects lifestyle-eg, by increasing smoking and alcohol intake, altering dietary patterns, and reducing physical activity-which could increase the risk of mortality from both natural and unnatural causesOur results showed that, overall, the death of a child aged younger than 18 years increased maternal mortality from all causes, but especially unnatural ones. Bereaved fathers, however, were at increased risk of death from unnatural causes alone, and only for a short period after the death of their child."
Lancet
Stress Current Events and Stress News RSSSleeping in school
Up to 10% of children starting school suffer from sleep disturbances and these may lead to poor performance or behavioral difficulties.
Why the 'perfect' body isn't always perfect
Having an imperfect body may come with some substantial benefits for some women, according to a new article in the December issue of Current Anthropology.
Plants display 'molecular amnesia'
Plant researchers from McGill University and the University of California, Berkeley, have announced a major breakthrough in a developmental process called epigenetics. They have demonstrated for the first time the reversal of what is called epigenetic silencing in plants.
EEGs show brain differences between poor and rich kids
University of California, Berkeley, researchers have shown for the first time that the brains of low-income children function differently from the brains of high-income kids.
Stress-related disorders affect brain's processing of memory
Researchers using functional MRI (fMRI) have determined that the circuitry in the area of the brain responsible for suppressing memory is dysfunctional in patients suffering from stress-related psychiatric disorders. Results of the study will be presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
Newborns exposed to maternal smoking more irritable, difficult to soothe
Previous studies have shown that babies exposed to tobacco in utero are more likely to have a low birth weight and are at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome.
Self-powered devices possible, says Texas A&M researcher
Imagine a self-powering cell phone that never needs to be charged because it converts sound waves produced by the user into the energy it needs to keep running. It's not as far-fetched as it may seem thanks to the recent work of Tahir Cagin, a professor in the Artie McFerrin Department of Chemical Engineering at Texas A&M University.
Selenium may slow march of AIDS
Increasing the production of naturally occurring proteins that contain selenium in human blood cells slows down multiplication of the AIDS virus, according to biochemists.
Lower childhood IQ associated with higher risk of adult mental disorders
Researchers have hypothesized that people with lower IQs may have a higher risk of adult mental disorders, but few studies have looked at the relationship between low childhood IQ and psychiatric disorders later in life.
MRI shows new types of injuries in young gymnasts
Adolescent gymnasts are developing a wide variety of arm, wrist and hand injuries that are beyond the scope of previously described gymnastic-related trauma, according to a study presented today at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America (RSNA).
More Stress Current Events and Stress News Articles
 | The Relaxation & Stress Reduction Workbook (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Robbins Eshelman, Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook broke new ground when it was first published in 1980, detailing easy, step-by-step techniques for calming the body and mind in an increasingly overstimulated world. Now in its sixth edition, this workbook, highly regarded by therapists and their clients, remains the "go-to" source for stress reduction strategies that can be incorporated into even the... |
 | I.O.U.S.A.: One Nation. Under Stress. In Debt. by Addison Wiggin, Kate Incontrera The United States has been spending its way deeper and deeper into the red, and saddling future generations with the mess—but who's paying attention? To answer that question, the companion book to the critically acclaimed documentary I.O.U.S.A. talks with some of the most revered voices in the nation, including Warren Buffett; former Treasury Secretaries Paul O’Neill and Robert Rubin; Pete... |
 | Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome by James L. Wilson This is an incredibly informative and reader-friendly book about a common debilitating medical condition that goes largely undiagnosed and untreated. ADRENAL FATIGUE: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome is a very empowering work cram-packed with vital information about a condition that very likely affects millions of... |
 | Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen In today's world, yesterday's methods just don't work. In Getting Things Done, veteran coach and management consultant David Allen shares the breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that he has introduced to tens of thousands of people across the country. Allen's premise is simple: our productivity is directly proportional to our ability to relax. Only when our minds are clear and our... |
 | Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life by Debbie Mandel In this highly original program for stress reduction, stress management expert and radio personality Debbie Mandel explains that women who are constantly stressed out have forgotten the dreams of the free-spirited girl living inside them before they became somebody’s wife, mother, or workplace colleague. Debbie Mandel offers seven proven steps to help women overcome daily stressors and reclaim... |
 | Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook by Glenn R. Schiraldi For the millions who suffer from the effects of a traumatic experience, this book offers help and hope and provides the diverse elements needed for lasting recovery. Trauma can take many forms, from the most disturbing of circumstances such as witnessing a murder or violent crime to the subtle trauma of living with the effects of abuse or alcoholism. Deep emotional wounds often seem like they... |
 | Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain by Warren Young, Richard Budynas Solutions-based approach to quick calculations in structural element design and analysis Now updated with 30% new material, Roark Formulas for Stress and Strain, Seventh Edition, is the ultimate resource for designers, engineers, and analysts who need to calculate loads and stress. This landmark reference from Warren Young and Richard Budynas provides you with equations and diagrams of... |
 | Stress Management for Dummies by Allen Elkin Does the hectic pace of modern life put you in a bind? Are your ulcers having ulcers? It's time to give yourself a break. Stress Management For Dummies can help you discover how to lower your stress level immediately. Find out what causes the most stress for people and how to avoid some of the ramifications of not dealing with that stress, such as poor health, broken marriages, and premature... |
 | 10 Simple Solutions to Stress: How to Tame Tension And Start Enjoying Your Life (10 Simple Solutions) by Claire Michaels Wheeler It’s practically the watchword of modern American life. We all know we should learn to manage it. We know that it can shorten our lives, age us prematurely, make us fat. We know it can cause a host of physical and psychological problems, from heart disease to impotence—but we all seem to keep suffering from it. One more thing we all know is that, ultimately, we are responsible for reducing... |
 | The Stress Answer: Train Your Brain to Conquer Depression and Anxiety in 45 Days by Dr. Frank Lawlis The bestselling author of The ADD Answer and The IQ Answer offers a powerful remedy for a universal maladyDr. Frank Lawlis has helped hundreds of thousands of families cope with learning disorders, attention deficit disorder, and emotional disconnection. Now he takes on the single biggest difficulty that most of us, children and adults, face every day: stress. In the workplace, at school, and in... |
| © 2008 BrightSurf.com |