Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 26, 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

3.0K

Mediators of the association between parental severe mental illness and offspring neurodevelopmental problems

Brittany M McCoy1, Martin E Rickert1, Quetzal A Class1

  • 1Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University Bloomington, Bloomington.

Annals of Epidemiology
|July 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Parental severe mental illness (SMI) increases offspring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk. However, adverse pregnancy outcomes do not mediate this link, acting as independent risk factors.

Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Parental severe mental illness (SMI) is a known risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are complex conditions with multifactorial etiologies.
  • The role of intermediate factors, such as adverse pregnancy outcomes, in this association requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate whether adverse pregnancy outcomes mediate the association between parental severe mental illness (SMI) and the risk of offspring autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Main Methods:

  • Utilized Swedish population-based registry data from 1992-2001 (n=870,017 offspring).
  • Employed logistic and Cox regression models to assess associations between parental SMI, pregnancy outcomes (preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age), and offspring ASD/ADHD.
  • Performed mediation analyses to determine the role of pregnancy outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Parental SMI was significantly associated with increased risks of preterm birth, low birth weight, and offspring ASD and ADHD.
  • Adverse pregnancy outcomes were independently associated with increased risks of ASD and ADHD.
  • Mediation analysis revealed no substantial change in risk estimates, indicating pregnancy outcomes do not mediate the parental SMI-offspring neurodevelopmental disorder link.

Conclusions:

  • Parental severe mental illness (SMI) and adverse pregnancy outcomes are independent risk factors for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in offspring.
  • These findings highlight distinct pathways contributing to the development of ASD and ADHD.
Abstract

Keywords:
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorderAutism spectrum disorderBirth weightGestational ageInfantSmall for gestational age

More Related Videos

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure07:56

Assessing the Coherence of Parents' Short Narratives Regarding their Child Using the Five-Minute Speech Sample Procedure

Published on: September 19, 2019

11.6K
Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

1.2K

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...
966
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders01:27

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within...
2.5K
Biological Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Biological Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
1.2K
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...
1.7K
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....
1.4K
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
2.0K