Anxiety of the 8th month in the preterm child

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Updated: Oct 12, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

C Pisaturo1, S Frasconi, N Parodi

  • 1Institute Giannina Gaslini, Division and Cbair of Infantile Neuropsychiatry, Genoa.

Minerva Pediatrica
|April 22, 1999
PubMed

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Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neonatal Care

Background:

  • Investigating the timing of "anxiety of the 8th month" in infants.
  • Comparing onset in preterm versus full-term infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine if "anxiety of the 8th month" appears earlier in preterm infants.
  • To analyze developmental milestones in relation to gestational age.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 27 infants, categorized by gestational age.
  • Three groups: very preterm (<=33 weeks), preterm (34-37 weeks), and full-term (38-41 weeks).
  • Regular follow-up assessments conducted.

Main Results:

  • "Anxiety of the 8th month" onset was significantly earlier in very preterm infants (Group I).
  • Onset timing was similar between preterm (Group II) and full-term infants (Group III).

Conclusions:

  • Very preterm infants exhibit earlier onset of this anxiety due to unique organic and emotional factors.
  • Preterm infants may possess an innate ability for prompt fear responses in social interactions.
Abstract

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