Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants
06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Childbirth and mental disorders

Kristin L Leight1, Elizabeth M Fitelson, Christi A Weston

  • 1Women's Program in Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA. kl2185@columbia.edu

International Review of Psychiatry (Abingdon, England)
|November 5, 2010
PubMed

Insights

This review examines childbirth and mental illness, exploring their relationship, prevalence, and impact on infant development. It also discusses detection and treatment strategies for perinatal mental health disorders.

Area of Science:

  • Perinatal mental health
  • Reproductive psychiatry
  • Maternal-infant health

Background:

  • Mental illness presents significant challenges during the perinatal period.
  • A comprehensive model of perinatal health considers multiple determinants across the lifespan.
  • Understanding the interplay between childbirth and mental health is crucial for maternal and infant well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the relationship between childbirth and mental disorders.
  • To determine the prevalence and perinatal course of mental disorders.
  • To assess the impact of maternal mental illness on fetal and infant development.
  • To outline approaches for the detection and treatment of perinatal mental health conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review utilizing a lifespan model of perinatal health.
  • Analysis of existing research addressing key questions on childbirth and mental illness.
  • Synthesis of data on prevalence, outcomes, and treatment strategies.

Main Results:

  • Childbirth is intricately linked with the onset and course of various mental disorders.
  • Mental disorders are common during childbearing, with specific perinatal trajectories.
  • Maternal mental illness adversely affects fetal and infant developmental outcomes.
  • Effective detection and treatment protocols are essential for managing perinatal mental health.

Conclusions:

  • A lifespan, multifactorial approach is vital for understanding perinatal mental health.
  • Early identification and intervention are critical for improving outcomes for mothers and infants.
  • Continued research and integrated care models are needed to address the burden of mental illness in the perinatal period.

More Related Videos

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

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

Published on: August 25, 2014

Hypoxia Alters miRNAs Levels Involved in Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mice09:13

Hypoxia Alters miRNAs Levels Involved in Non-Mendelian Inheritance of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mice

Published on: July 11, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Bipolar Disorder01:30

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition marked by significant mood fluctuations, including episodes of mania and depression. Elevated energy levels, heightened mood or irritability, impulsive behavior, reduced sleep needs, rapid speech, racing thoughts, inflated self-esteem, and distractibility characterize mania. Individuals with bipolar disorder often alternate between depressive and manic states, with periods of emotional stability lasting an average of six months to a year.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Gut-Brain Axis01:22

Gut-Brain Axis

The gut–brain axis is a bidirectional communication system that connects the gastrointestinal tract and the brain. This interaction is mediated through multiple pathways, including the vagus nerve, hormonal signals, immune responses, and chemical messengers produced by gut microbes.Microbial Contributions to Brain FunctionGut microbiota contributes significantly to brain function by producing neuroactive compounds. These include neuroactive compounds that influence neurotransmitters such as...
Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder01:29

Theoretical Approaches to Psychological Disorder

The development of psychological disorders, which are characterized by deviant, maladaptive, and personally distressing behaviors, has been explored through several theoretical approaches.
Biological approach
The biological approach posits that internal, organic factors are the primary causes of such disorders. This perspective emphasizes brain structure and function, genetic predispositions, and neurotransmitter imbalances. For example, schizophrenia has been associated with both genetic...
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...