About WANDA
WANDA stands for Wellbeing Across Neurotypes: Depression and Anxiety (in pregnancy and beyond).
It is a research study exploring the factors that contribute to wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth. We would like to understand the factors contributing to depression and anxiety , and how these impact the lives of women and other pregnant people, their children, and their partners. We also hope to understand how these experiences may differ between different people.
We are currently recruiting participants for an online survey. You can read more information about this on the "Take part in research" page. You can also read about our research and how we work.
is for Wellbeing. Wellbeing is the state of being comfortable, healthy, or happy. It refers to how people feel and function, and may include happiness, life satisfaction, sense of purpose, and sense of control. We want to understand the factors that contribute to perinatal wellbeing for women and other pregnant people, and their partners.
is for Across. We want to understand how perinatal mental health varies between different people, regardless of whether or not they have a specific diagnosis.
is for Neurotypes. "Neuro" is a word referring to the brain. People are different and their brains process information in many different ways. Sometimes the word "neurotypical" is used to describe people whose brains work in ways that might be considered "typical" or "standard" or "average". People who are not neurotypical may be described as "neurodivergent". Neurodivergence may be related to neurodevelopmental conditions such as (but not limited to) autism, ADHD, dyslexia, or dyspraxia. We want to understand how perinatal experiences vary across neurotypes.
is for Depression. Depression is common during pregnancy and in the year after birth, for women and other pregnant people, and for their partners. People who have depression may experience persistent low mood and loss of interest or pleasure in activities. They may also feel guilty, hopeless, or worthless, and may have other difficulties related to sleep, tiredness, appetite, concentration, and negative thoughts. Some people may experience "baby blues", while for others depression may be longer-lasting (e.g., postnatal depression). We want to understand the risk and resilience factors related to depression during pregnancy and in the year after birth (i.e., perinatal period).
is for Anxiety. Anxiety is common during pregnancy and in the year after birth, for women and other pregnant people, and for their partners. People who have anxiety experience persistent fear/worrying, that is often difficult to control. There are many different ways in which anxiety can affect someone, including phobias, panic attacks, generalised anxiety disorder, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Some people may experience anxiety related to pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting. We want to understand the risk and resilience factors related to anxiety during pregnancy and in the first year after birth (i.e., the perinatal period).
... in pregnancy
and beyond
Depression and anxiety sometimes affect people during pregnancy (prenatal or antenatal period). They may also affect people after birth (postnatal period). The period of time that includes pregnancy and 1 year after birth is sometimes refered to as the perinatal period. WANDA is focused on perinatal depression and anxiety,
Our research
We are running an online survey to understand community experiences and priorities for research in this area. This is being developed as part of focus groups with lived experience experts. You can read more about it on the "Take part in research" page.
Funding
Seed funding was awarded to fund the start of this study (i.e., focus groups and survey). King's College London awarded Dr Alexandra Lautarescu a Public Engagement grant, and the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience awarded a Early Career Researcher Award.
Future plans include obtaining a grant to fund a large-scale research project. The hope is that the information collected as a result of the seed funding will ensure that future research conducted as part of WANDA will appropriately address community needs.