Why should the parents of down syndrome children take extra care of themselves?

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What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Being a caregiver to a person with down syndrome can be a rewarding but challenging experience. It is important for caregivers to take care of their physical and emotional needs and seek out support from others to maintain their well-being and provide the best possible care for their loved ones. In this article, we will discuss whether the parents of down syndrome children need extra care, and how being a caregiver to a down syndrome patient can affect someone.

Do the parents of down syndrome patients need extra care?

Yes. According to research, down syndrome, the most prevalent chromosomal disorder linked to cognitive impairment, hinders the affected child’s progress and endangers the mental health of all other family members, particularly the parents.

Another research shows that the parents of children with down syndrome spent more time on childcare and had fewer opportunities for social activities. Additionally, mothers of children with down syndrome spent less time on paid employment.

Furthermore, another research also suggests that parents of children with down syndrome encounter more challenges related to caregiving, and experience elevated levels of stress associated with their child’s behaviour (including distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability). They also face greater levels of parent-related stress (such as feelings of incompetence, depression, health problems, and role restriction) compared to parents of typically developing children. Mothers’ stress levels were found to be associated with their children’s caregiving difficulties, while fathers’ stress was linked to their children’s group status (down syndrome vs. typically developing). Furthermore, mothers who assumed more childcare responsibilities reported more difficulties with their health, role restriction, and spousal support. Conversely, fathers who reported greater childcare responsibility perceived less attachment and parental competence issues. Finally, partner stress was found to be associated with both mothers’ and fathers’ stress levels.

How does being a caregiver to a down syndrome patient affect someone?

Being a caregiver to a person with Down syndrome can positively and negatively affect an individual. While caring can bring empath, compassion, joy, happiness and personal growth to the caregiver, sometimes, it can also lead to some negative effects. The major negative effects include stress, financial strain, social isolation and emotional burden for the caregiver. According to multiple studies, it has been found that among parents of children with down syndrome, 23.3% exhibited signs of depression as per their scores on the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

In comparison, 48.33% showed higher than average levels of anxiety based on the State-Trait Inventory (STAI). Moreover, these studies revealed a notable positive association between avoidant coping strategies and both anxiety and depression scores, indicating that avoiding stress is not an effective way to manage the challenges that come with parenting a child with Down syndrome.

Hence, even though the parents are ready to do everything in their power for their child, in this process, they forget to take care of themselves. As various studies have shown how their psychological and physical well-being is affected while taking care of a child with special needs, the importance of paying extra attention to themselves and seeking help if required should be emphasized.`

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What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

What are the unique challenges faced by parents of children with down syndrome?
According to the study, "parents of children with down syndrome perceive more caregiving difficulties and child-related stress such as distractibility, demandingness, and unacceptability". Parent-related stressors such as incompetence, depression, anxiety, and role-restriction were also reported. However, "both the parents in such cases had limited social lives, with mothers devoting less time to paid work."

Last Updated on March 27, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Dr. Shikha Shiromani
Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A dental surgeon by education and medical writer by profession, Shikha is passionate to bring her knowledge and experience in busting the myths around medicine and health. At THIP, she is involved in researching, fact-checking and answering all kinds of questions related to health.
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