A large scientific study suggests that mothers who experience high stress or depression during or after pregnancy may increase the risk that their children will exhibit autism spectrum traits.
Researchers from Tohoku University in Japan found that children of women who experienced perinatal depression — mental health concerns during pregnancy or shortly after birth — were more likely to exhibit autistic traits. This effect was particularly seen in girls, who were also more likely to be born with low birth weight and have weaker emotional bonds with their mothers.
However, the researchers noted that boys, in general, exhibited more autism-like traits than girls, regardless of the mother's mental state.
According to the research team, it is essential for doctors to identify and support mothers suffering from perinatal depression early, in order to reduce potential risks to the child's development.
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed medical records of over 23,000 mother-child pairs, assessing symptoms of depression in the early and middle stages of pregnancy, as well as one month after birth. To understand the biological mechanisms, they also created an experimental model in mice, increasing stress levels during pregnancy.
Female mice exposed to stress showed signs of depression and poorer care for their young. In particular, female offspring exhibited autism-like behaviors, such as excessive grooming and reduced social interaction.
The analyses also showed that stressed mothers had lower levels of oxytocin – a hormone associated with emotional bonding – in a key area of the brain. The female offspring also had fewer receptors for this hormone, hindering the formation of mother-child bonds.
Publishing the findings in the journal Molecular Psychiatry, the researchers noted that developmental delays appear to be more common in girls with autism spectrum disorders, underscoring the importance of screening and supporting mothers' mental health.
However, the authors acknowledged some limitations of the study, including the fact that the sample size and cultural context do not allow for full generalizations.
Previous studies have also raised concerns about the use of antidepressants during pregnancy. A study published in the British Medical Journal, which included more than 140,000 pregnant women, suggested that using these drugs in the second and third trimesters could double the risk of autism in children. However, experts stress that these results should be interpreted with caution and that treating depression during pregnancy remains necessary in many cases.
According to the British National Health Service (NHS), mood swings during pregnancy are relatively common. Signs of depression include persistent sadness, irritability, changes in appetite, negative thoughts about the baby, and difficulty concentrating or making decisions.
Meanwhile, new research suggests that girls may be just as likely to be autistic as boys, but are less likely to be diagnosed during childhood. According to researchers, this underdiagnosis has led to the misconception that autism primarily affects males.
Experts describe this body of evidence as important and relevant, highlighting the need for greater attention to maternal mental health and for more accurate and earlier diagnosis of autism, especially in girls. /GazetaExpress/
edition
t7 live
