Antenatal diagnosis: What sometimes remains to be done after the birth of a normal child

Abstract

Although antenatal diagnosis has become a common procedure, it still raises much anxiety within the family. The level of anxiety may remain high even after the birth of a normal child, leading to relationship disorders with the infant. In this case study, antenatal diagnosis of a balanced translocation 3–14 resulted in anxiety disorders, attachment disorders and sleep disorders in the child. Parents with a persistent anxiety could be referred to a child psychiatrist or psychologist, as brief parent-infant therapy is rapidly effective in such cases, and represents an acceptable way for parents to seek psychological help.

Key Words:

• Antenatal Diagnosis
• Balanced Translocation
• Anxiety
• Parent-Infant Brief Psychotherapeutic Work
• Psychoanalysis