Intrusive thoughts and psychotic-like experiences among new parents are far more common than previously thought, according to new research.

In a survey where over 300 parents who had a baby in the past 12 months were able to answer anonymously, the overwhelming majority (96%) of participants reported experiencing at least one intrusive thought –for example, unwanted or distressing ideas or images.

The University of East Anglia research also found 89% reported at least one psychotic-like experience, such as fleeting paranoia or unusual perceptions.

Based on their reported symptoms, nearly 31% were considered “at-risk” for developing psychosis.

The research team hope their work will lead to greater awareness, early screening, and accessible mental health support for all parents, not just those with diagnosed conditions.

What is an intrusive thought?

Intrusive thoughts are “distressing, senseless, unwanted thoughts, images or urges that suddenly pop into your mind”, according to the Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

They can be extremely varied, but in new parents might look a bit like this:

• “What if my baby stopped breathing?”
• “What if I shook the baby?”
• Image of house burning down
• Urge to crash into the car in front of you
• Urge to slap baby when they won’t stop crying
• Having to put everything in the right place before leaving the house.

The trust notes that while these thoughts do typically decrease over time, “they tend to be more common when new parents are under stress and have little support”.

Why do we get them?

Lead researcher Dr Jo Hodgekins, from UEA’s Norwich Medical School, said: “The perinatal period is a time of huge........

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