Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 15: A major longitudinal study published in JAMA Network Open has found that exposure to parental depression at different stages of childhood can significantly influence mental health outcomes later in life, with pregnancy identified as a particularly sensitive period.

The research, based on data from over 5,000 participants tracked for nearly three decades, revealed that cumulative exposure to both maternal and paternal depression increases the likelihood of anxiety and depression in adulthood.

One of the most striking findings was that maternal depression during late pregnancy—around 32 weeks—was associated with a 20% higher risk of psychotic symptoms in adult children. This association remained significant even after accounting for genetic risk factors, suggesting potential biological mechanisms at play during fetal brain development.

The study utilised data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, following individuals from conception to age 27. Depression levels were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale across multiple time points for both parents.

Findings also showed that maternal depression from late pregnancy through adolescence was linked to a more than twofold increase in the risk of depression in offspring, while symptoms from postpartum stages were associated with higher anxiety levels in later life.

In contrast, paternal depression did not show significant impact during pregnancy or early infancy. Its effects became more pronounced during mid-childhood, with children exposed to paternal depression from around age five showing increased risks of depression as they entered adulthood.

Interestingly, the study did not find a strong association between parental depression and alcohol use disorder, suggesting that substance-related issues may follow different developmental pathways.

Researchers noted that maternal influences may be tied to biological processes such as Synaptogenesis during fetal development, while paternal effects may be more environmental, including behavioural and social factors during upbringing.

The findings underscore the importance of extending mental health support for parents beyond early childhood, highlighting that both prenatal and later developmental stages play crucial roles in shaping long-term psychological outcomes.