American psychologists from California State University at Dominguez Hills have discovered that severe stress, depression and anxiety in pregnant women can affect the behavior of their children in the future. The study was published in the scientific journal magazine APA Psychological Bulletin (APAPB).
The team analyzed 55 research articles covering more than 45 thousand people. These materials assessed women’s psychological state during pregnancy and examined aspects of children’s behavior after birth, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and aggression.
Scientists have found that severe stress, anxiety, and depression increase the likelihood of children developing ADHD symptoms and aggressive tendencies.
The effect persisted regardless of the child’s gender and was evident from early childhood (2-5 years) and continued throughout adolescence (13-18 years). But the strongest symptoms were recorded precisely at an early age.
The findings are consistent with theories that suggest exposure to stress hormones in utero may affect children’s brain development, according to the researchers.
Scientists say they will now focus on finding ways to reduce stress and improve women’s mental health during pregnancy.
Previous scientists defined 17 factors for the development of ADHD in a child.