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Late effects of prematurity: Psychiatric outcomes of 17-year-olds born very preterm

Stephanie Moor1, Jonathan Williman2, Sarah Harris3

  • 1Burwood Hospital, Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, New Zealand.

Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|July 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Children born very preterm (VPT) face higher risks for generalized anxiety disorder and attentional problems by age 17. Early identification and support are crucial for these individuals. This study highlights the long-term psychological impact of VPT birth.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Child Psychiatry
  • Neonatal Medicine

Background:

  • Very preterm (VPT) birth is a known vulnerability factor impacting lifelong physical and mental health.
  • Psychiatric illness in VPT adolescents can disrupt developmental tasks and life trajectories.
  • Understanding the psychological burden in VPT individuals during adolescence is critical.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in VPT and full-term (FT) control cohorts at age 17.
  • To examine the magnitude of psychological burden associated with VPT birth.
  • To assess the risk of psychiatric disorders during a key developmental transition period.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective longitudinal cohort follow-up study.
  • Clinical interviews were conducted with VPT and FT adolescents and their caregivers by an adolescent psychiatrist.
  • Rates of psychiatric disorder were ascertained through standardized clinical assessments.

Main Results:

  • VPT birth was associated with a significantly higher risk of generalized anxiety disorder (RR 2.33) and attentional problems (RR 3.46).
  • Caregivers reported social and communication difficulties in VPT adolescents, but autistic spectrum disorder did not reach clinical group differences.
  • No significant differences in other psychiatric disorders were found between VPT and FT control adolescents.

Conclusions:

  • Longitudinal follow-up demonstrates increased rates of clinically significant psychiatric disorder in VPT individuals at age 17.
  • Awareness of increased psychiatric risks is essential for families and healthcare professionals.
  • Timely monitoring and effective mental health interventions are recommended for VPT adolescents.
Abstract

Keywords:
adolescencelongitudinal studiesmental healthoutcomespreterm birth

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