Depression during Pregnancy May Result in Psychiatric Woes among Teen Children

Mothers who experienced depression during pregnancy may give birth to children who in their teenager years develop psychiatric problems, according a new study.

The study which was published in JAMA Psychiatry conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom found that post-partum depression was oftentimes associated to a child's mental state after birth. However, the reasons why this may be the case also varies. Findings of the study contradicted previous hypotheses where researchers claimed that depression is only significant if it continues beyond birth. "It should be treated during pregnancy, irrespective of if it continues during birth. It's as important during pregnancy," lead study author Rebecca Pearson said.

"It is important that mothers have therapy services available to them while they are carrying children. There has also been a lot of controversy over the years regarding whether pregnant women should take antidepressants," she added. The researchers involved in the study examined a study that looked into English pregnant women who were due between the years 1991 and 1992. Over the past 16 and 17 years, the researchers gave their families survey sheets regarding emotional behavior.

When the children turned 18, the researchers found through the study notes that about eight percent of the 4,500 kids surveyed reported they experienced several instances of depression. Results also showed that teenagers were 47 percent more likely to experience depression if their mothers also experienced depression during pregnancy.

"Postpartum depression seems to have a negative impact on children's development because it affects how responsive mothers are to their babies," Laura Scaramella, who has studied maternal depression, but was not involved in this study, said. "It inhibits their ability to really attend to and respond to their baby."