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The Effects of Maternal Perinatal Depression on Child IQ: A Systematic Review

Hannah Baird1, Rebeca Alvarado Harris1, Hudson P Santos2

  • 1School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.

Maternal and Child Health Journal
|June 6, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Maternal perinatal depression negatively impacts child IQ, particularly in boys, due to reduced maternal responsiveness. Early identification and intervention are crucial for mitigating these developmental effects.

Area of Science:

  • Child Development
  • Maternal Mental Health
  • Cognitive Science

Background:

  • Maternal perinatal depression poses long-term risks to child development, with known negative impacts on cognitive abilities like intelligence quotient (IQ).
  • Existing research highlights a link between perinatal depression and diminished child IQ, yet a comprehensive analysis of current evidence is lacking.

Conclusions:

  • Findings underscore the critical need for policies to identify and support mothers experiencing perinatal depression.
  • Interventions targeting maternal mental health are essential to mitigate adverse developmental outcomes for children.
  • Addressing perinatal depression benefits both maternal well-being and child cognitive development.
Abstract

Keywords:
ChildCognitionDevelopmentInfantIntelligence quotientMaternal sensitivityPostpartum depression

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