POSTPARTUM ANXIETY IN MOTHERS AND FATHERS

In a sample of 200 postpartum couples the symptom profile of mothers w ith RDC generalised anxiety disorder was independent of the symptom pr ofile of RDC minor or major depression. Amongst fathers however there was a strong positive correlation between the symptom profiles of anxi ety and depression. This would suggest that postpartum anxiety is a se parate disorder amongst mothers but not fathers. The prevalence rate o f the disorder amongst mothers exceeds 6%, it is hence a common proble m in need of further investigation.