The discovery of fetal DNA (f-DNA) opens the possibility of early non-invasive procedure for detection of paternally inherited mutation of beta-thalassemia. Since 2002, some studies have examined the sensitivity and specificity of this method for detection of paternally inherited mutation of thalassemia in pregnant women at risk of having affected babies. We conducted a systematic review of published articles that evaluated using this method for early detection of paternally inherited mutation in maternal plasma. A sensitive search of multiple databases was done in which nine studies met our inclusion criteria. The sensitivity and specificity was 99 and 99 %, respectively. The current study found that detection of paternally inherited mutation of thalassemia using analysis of cell-free fetal DNA is highly accurate. This method could replace conventional and invasive methods.

Objective: Cognitive theories and research have focused on the relationship between emotions, particularly anxiety, and the positive symptoms of psychosis. The aim of this study, based on Beck’s cognitive theory, was to compare dysfunctional attitudes and cognitive insight between patients with anxiety disorders and those with delusion. Methods: The study sample consisted of 90 participants in 3 groups (anxiety=30, delusion=30, healthy=30). The study subjects were interviewed using Structured Clinical Interview (SCID-I) for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Then, they completed Beck Anxiety Inventory (BDI), Peters et al.’s Delusions Inventory (PDI), General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28), Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale-26 (DAS-26), and Beck Cognitive Insight Scale (BCIS). Results: The present research results indicated that anxiety and delusion groups presented significantly greater dysfunctional attitudes than the healthy subjects (P<0.001); however, there was no significant difference between the clinical groups. The anxiety group had significantly higher cognitive insight than the delusional (P<0.05) and normal groups (P<0.01); however, there was no significant difference between the last two groups. Conclusion: Dysfunctional attitudes can be considered as a common aspect and cognitive insight as a differentiating aspect of anxiety and psychosis.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate and identify the psychosocial factors that are associated with paternal postpartum depression. Materials and methods: A longitudinal correlation study with 150 fathers was performed with three time frames (late pregnancy, postpartum, and four weeks postpartum). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale assessed those with depression (38.7%; n=58) and those without depressive symptoms (61.3%; n=92). Psychological variables related to paternal depression were also assessed through questionnaires. Results: Psychological variables such as marital adjustment and stress had a significant relationship with paternal depression. In addition, depressed fathers experienced less marital compatibility and more tension than non-depressed fathers. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the importance of considering the psychosocial variables that affect paternal psychological health. Mental health professionals may be able to reduce mental disorders, stress, psychological distress, and marital maladjustment in fathers with appropriate psychological interventions.