Objectives:
The aim of the study was to measure anxiety and stress in parents of children with classical galactosemia compared to parents of healthy children and to determine the association of anxiety and stress with the burden of raising an affected child among Polish parents.

Methods:
The study involved 94 parents of children with classical galactosemia and 87 parents of healthy children. Anxiety and stress were measured using the Polish adaptations of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ). The burden of raising a sick child was assessed using the Galactosemia Quality of Life Survey.

Results:
Parents of children with classic galactosemia showed increased levels of anxiety and stress. Compared to fathers, mothers of such children manifested significantly higher levels of anxiety, emotional tension and general, external and intrapsychic stress. In mothers, the level of general stress correlated positively with the age of the child with classic galactosemia. Differences in parenting style, social sphere and anxiety about the future state of health of the children were found between Polish and Dutch parents.

Conclusions:
The emotional state of parents of children with classical galactosemia warrants the need for development of dedicated intervention and prevention programs to improve the quality of life and mental health of families caring for patients with inborn metabolic diseases.