Prenatal exposure to maternal depression, neonatal methylation of human glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and infant cortisol stress responses

In animal models, variations in early maternal care are associated with differences in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal(HPA) stress response in the offspring, mediated via changes in the epigenetic regulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene (Nr3c1) expression.

Maternal depression symptoms in early childhood and children's cognitive performance at school entry : the role of maternal guidance

Mémoire numérisé par la Division de la gestion de documents et des archives de l'Université de Montréal

Socioemotional development in adolescents at risk for depression: the role of maternal depression and attachment style

We examined the impact on adolescent socioemotional functioning of maternal postnatal depression (PND) and attachment style. We also investigated the role of earlier aspects of the child's development-attachment in infancy, and 5-year representations of family relationships. Ninety-one mother-child pairs, recruited in the postnatal period, were followed tip at 13 years. Adolescents were interviewed about their friendships, and their level of emotional sensitivity and maturity were rated. Emotional sensitivity was heightened in girls whose mothers experienced PND; notably, its occurrence was also linked to insecure attachment in infancy and raised awareness of emotional components of family relationships at 5 years. High emotional sensitivity was also associated with adolescent depressed mood. Raised social maturity was predicted by a secure maternal attachment style and, for girls, by exposure to maternal PND. Precursors of adolescent social maturity were evident in the narrative coherence of 5-year family representations. Higher social maturity in the friendship interview was also associated with overall good adjustment.

The effects of maternal depression and parental conflict on children's peer play

Background Little is known about the relative effects of exposure to postnatal depression and parental conflict on the social functioning of school-aged children. This is, in part, because of a lack of specificity in the measurement of child and parental behaviour and a reliance on children's reports of their hypothetical responses to conflict in play. Methods In the course of a prospective longitudinal study of children of postnatally depressed and well women, 5-year-old children were videotaped at home with a friend in a naturalistic dressing-up play setting. As well as examining possible associations between the occurrence of postnatal depression and the quality of the children's interactions, we investigated the influence of parental conflict and co-operation, and the continuity of maternal depression. The quality of the current mother-child relationship was considered as a possible mediating factor. Results Exposure to postnatal depression was associated with increased likelihood, among boys, of displaying physical aggression in play with their friend. However, parental conflict mediated the effects of postnatal depression on active aggression during play, and was also associated with displays of autonomy and intense conflict. While there were no gender effects in terms of the degree or intensity of aggressive behaviours, girls were more likely to express aggression verbally using denigration and gloating whereas boys were more likely to display physical aggression via interpersonal and object struggles. Conclusions The study provided evidence for the specificity of effects, with strong links between parental and child peer conflict. These effects appear to arise from direct exposure to parental conflict, rather than indirectly, through mother-child interactions.

Maternal depression and psychiatric outcomes in adolescent offspring: a13-year longitudinal study

Background: Maternal postnatal depression (PND) has been associated with adverse outcomes in young children, but an association with longer-term psychiatric disorder has not been demonstrated. We present the preliminary findings of a 13-year longitudinal study. Methods: In the course of a prospective longitudinal study, we examined DSM-IV Axis I disorders in 13-year-old adolescents who had (n=53) or had not (n=41) been exposed to maternal PND. We also detailed the occurrence of depression in mothers throughout the 13-year follow-up period. Results: Maternal PND was associated with higher rates of affective disorders in adolescent offspring. However, mothers who developed PND were also substantially more likely than those who did not to experience depression subsequently, a fact that contributed to the development of depressive disorder in offspring. Maternal PND was associated with increased risk for depression in adolescent offspring only if there had also been later episodes of maternal depression. In contrast, anxiety disorders in offspring were elevated in the maternal PND group regardless of the occurrence of subsequent maternal depression. Limitations: Due to the modest sample size and consequently limited power, findings must be regarded as preliminary. Conclusions: The particular association between early maternal depression and anxiety disorders in offspring was consistent with theories that emphasise the primacy of early environmental exposures. This position was not supported with respect to offspring depressive disorder, where overall duration of maternal depression was a significant factor. PND was associated with recurrent episodes of depression in the majority of cases, underlining the need for monitoring of this population beyond the postnatal period. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Trajectories of maternal depression and offspring psychopathology at 6 years: 2004 Pelotas cohort study

BACKGROUND: Few studies have addressed the course and severity of maternal depression and its effects on child psychiatric disorders from a longitudinal perspective. This study aimed to identify longitudinal patterns of maternal depression and to evaluate whether distinct depression trajectories predict particular psychiatric disorders in offspring. METHODS: Cohort of 4231 births followed-up in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. Maternal depressive symptoms were assessed with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at 3, 12, 24 and 48 months and 6 years after delivery. Psychiatric disorders in 6-year-old children were evaluated through the development and well-being assessment (DAWBA) instrument. Trajectories of maternal depression were calculated using a group-based modelling approach. RESULTS: We identified five trajectories of maternal depressive symptoms: a "low" trajectory (34.8%), a "moderate low" (40.9%), a "increasing" (9.0%), a "decreasing" (9.9%), and a "high-chronic" trajectory (5.4%). The probability of children having any psychiatric disorder, as well as both internalizing and externalizing problems, increased as we moved from the "low" to the "high-chronic" trajectory. These differences were not explained by maternal and child characteristics examined in multivariate analyses. LIMITATIONS: Data on maternal depression at 3-months was available on only a sub-sample. In addition, we had to rely on maternal report of child's behavior alone. CONCLUSIONS: The study revealed an additive effect on child outcome of maternal depression over time. We identified a group of mothers with chronic and severe symptoms of depression throughout the first six years of the child life and for this group child psychiatric outcome was particularly compromised.

Maternal Depression, Behavioral Profile and School Performance in School-Age Children

The aim of this study was to compare behavioral profile and school performance of school-age children living with a mother who presents clinical history of recurrent depression, diagnosed according to CID-10 criteria in order to verify the influences of such adversity. Thirty-eight mother-child dyads were evaluated using tests, interviews and questionnaires. Approximately two-thirds of the children presented behavioral and school performance difficulties with predominance of emotional and relationship problems, and impairment in the three areas of school performance which were assessed (writing, arithmetic and reading). Such difficulties may be associated with the negative impact of maternal depression. One-third of the children did not present difficulties, which suggests the use of protective mechanisms. The study highlights the importance of considering differences in children's profiles for the planning of mental health practices.

OS BENEFÍCIOS DO MÉTODO CANGURU PARA OS PAIS DE RECÉM-NASCIDOS PREMATUROS INTERNADOS NUMA UCIN

Introdução O nascimento de um bebé prematuro pode ter efeitos adversos na saúde mental dos pais. As dificuldades emocionais são transversais a todos os pais durante o internamento do bebé numa UCIN (Diaz, Fernandes & Correia (2014). Este internamento é um acontecimento stressante, pois a separação pais/bebé prejudica o processo de adaptação à parentalidade. Atualmente nas UCIN's é colocado em prática o método canguru, com relatos de benefícios (Morelius, Ortenstrand, Theodorsson & Frostell, 2014), mas estas evidências não estão suficientemente evidenciadas. Objetivos O método canguru é uma intervenção que consiste no contacto pele-a-pele entre a mãe ou pai, e o recém-nascido, promovendo o contacto e ligação. Embora utilizado em algumas unidades, carece de maior generalização sendo que a síntese de evidências acerca dos benefícios potenciará esta intervenção. Neste contexto, o objetivo central desta investigação consistiu em sintetizar os principais benefícios do método canguru para os pais de recém-nascidos prematuros internados numa UCIN. Metodologia Foi efetuada uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Para tal, foi realizada pesquisa nas bases de dados online: Medline With Full Text; Cinahl plus with full text; MedicLatina; Academic Search Complete. A expressão de pesquisa selecionada foi a seguinte: parent* stress OR depression or anxiety AND kangaroo care AND premature OR preterm. Através da estratégia PICOD, elaborámos uma questão de pesquisa e definimos os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Após, leitura de títulos, abstract, e leitura integral, constituíram a amostra final nove artigos, com os quais respondemos à questão de investigação. Resultados Há evidências de que o método canguru tem benefícios para a díade e para o casal em todo o processo de adaptação à parentalidade e à ligação com o bebé, particularmente importante também por ser uma situação de risco. De acordo com a análise dos artigos que constituíram a mostra registamos como significativo que: Em três estudos esta experiência foi vivenciada como experiência calmante e positiva, que favorece a ligação mãe-filho. Noutro estudo, as mães manifestaram sentimentos de utilidade nos cuidados ao filho. Noutro estudo especialmente as mães expressaram um aumento de confiança, ajudando ao conhecimento das particularidades do bebé. Outros estudos concluíram da redução da incidência da depressão pós-parto ou uma melhoria da depressão pós-parto, se instalada. Noutro estudo foi verificado um efeito positivo nos problemas conjugais quando aplicado por ambos os elementos do casal e um maior entendimento e suporte entre os mesmos. Conclusões Podemos concluir que é positivo o uso do método canguru nas unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatais com bebés prematuros. Há evidências de que pode atenuar as dificuldades sentidas pelos pais durante o internamento, promovendo maior confiança e adaptação ao seu papel. A redução do stress parental, particularmente da ansiedade materna, torna de facto mais ajustada a presença, envolvimento e parceria neste contexto. Este quadro de bebé de risco potencia a depressão pós-parto mas esta pode melhorar com o uso deste método. Em suma é uma intervenção promotora da vinculação fazendo emergir nos pais um sentimento de maior felicidade.

Os benefícios do método canguru para os pais de recém-nascidos prematuros, internados numa UCIN

Introdução O nascimento de um bebé prematuro pode ter efeitos adversos na saúde mental dos pais. As dificuldades emocionais são transversais a todos os pais durante o internamento do bebé numa UCIN (Diaz, Fernandes & Correia (2014). Este internamento é um acontecimento stressante, pois a separação pais/bebé prejudica o processo de adaptação à parentalidade. Atualmente nas UCIN's é colocado em prática o método canguru, com relatos de benefícios (Morelius, Ortenstrand, Theodorsson & Frostell, 2014), mas estas evidências não estão suficientemente evidenciadas. Objetivos O método canguru é uma intervenção que consiste no contacto pele-a-pele entre a mãe ou pai, e o recém-nascido, promovendo o contacto e ligação. Embora utilizado em algumas unidades, carece de maior generalização sendo que a síntese de evidências acerca dos benefícios potenciará esta intervenção. Neste contexto, o objetivo central desta investigação consistiu em sintetizar os principais benefícios do método canguru para os pais de recém-nascidos prematuros internados numa UCIN. Metodologia Foi efetuada uma revisão integrativa da literatura. Para tal, foi realizada pesquisa nas bases de dados online: Medline With Full Text; Cinahl plus with full text; MedicLatina; Academic Search Complete. A expressão de pesquisa selecionada foi a seguinte: parent* stress OR depression or anxiety AND kangaroo care AND premature OR preterm. Através da estratégia PICOD, elaborámos uma questão de pesquisa e definimos os critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Após, leitura de títulos, abstract, e leitura integral, constituíram a amostra final nove artigos, com os quais respondemos à questão de investigação. Resultados Há evidências de que o método canguru tem benefícios para a díade e para o casal em todo o processo de adaptação à parentalidade e à ligação com o bebé, particularmente importante também por ser uma situação de risco. De acordo com a análise dos artigos que constituíram a mostra registamos como significativo que: Em três estudos esta experiência foi vivenciada como experiência calmante e positiva, que favorece a ligação mãe-filho. Noutro estudo, as mães manifestaram sentimentos de utilidade nos cuidados ao filho. Noutro estudo especialmente as mães expressaram um aumento de confiança, ajudando ao conhecimento das particularidades do bebé. Outros estudos concluíram da redução da incidência da depressão pós-parto ou uma melhoria da depressão pós-parto, se instalada. Noutro estudo foi verificado um efeito positivo nos problemas conjugais quando aplicado por ambos os elementos do casal e um maior entendimento e suporte entre os mesmos. Conclusões Podemos concluir que é positivo o uso do método canguru nas unidades de cuidados intensivos neonatais com bebés prematuros. Há evidências de que pode atenuar as dificuldades sentidas pelos pais durante o internamento, promovendo maior confiança e adaptação ao seu papel. A redução do stress parental, particularmente da ansiedade materna, torna de facto mais ajustada a presença, envolvimento e parceria neste contexto. Este quadro de bebé de risco potencia a depressão pós-parto mas esta pode melhorar com o uso deste método. Em suma é uma intervenção promotora da vinculação fazendo emergir nos pais um sentimento de maior felicidade.

Disturbances in morning cortisol secretion in association with maternal postnatal depression predict subsequent depressive symptomatology in adolescents

Background: We have previously reported higher and more variable salivary morning cortisol in 13-year-old adolescents whose mothers were depressed in the postnatal period, compared with control group adolescents whose mothers did not develop postnatal depression (PND). This observation suggested a biological mechanism by which intrafamilial risk for depressive disorder may be transmitted. In the current article, we examined whether the cortisol disturbances observed at 13 years could predict depressive symptornatology in adolescents at 16 years of age. Methods: We measured self-reported depressive symptoms in 16-year-old adolescents who had (n = 48) or had not (n = 39) been exposed to postnatal maternal depression and examined their prediction by morning and evening cortisol indices obtained via 10 days of salivary collections at 13 years. Results: Elevated morning cortisol secretion at 13 years, and particularly the maximum level recorded over 10 days of collection, predicted elevated depressive symptoms at 16 years over and above 13-year depressive symptom levels and other possible confounding factors. Morning cortisol secretion mediated an association between maternal PND and symptornatology in 16-year-old offspring. Conclusions: Alterations in steroid secretion observed in association with maternal PND may provide a mechanism by which risk for depression is transmitted from mother to offspring.

The effects of maternal postnatal depression and child sex on academic performance at age 16 years: a developmental approach

Background: Postnatal depression (PND) is associated with poor cognitive functioning in infancy and the early school years; long-term effects on academic outcome are not known. Method: Children of postnatally depressed (N = 50) and non-depressed mothers (N = 39), studied from infancy, were followed up at 16 years. We examined the effects on General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exam performance of maternal depression (postnatal and subsequent) and IQ, child sex and earlier cognitive development, and mother–child interactions, using structural equation modelling (SEM). Results: Boys, but not girls, of PND mothers had poorer GCSE results than control children. This was principally accounted for by effects on early child cognitive functioning, which showed strong continuity from infancy. PND had continuing negative effects on maternal interactions through childhood, and these also contributed to poorer GCSE performance. Neither chronic, nor recent, exposure to maternal depression had significant effects. Conclusions: The adverse effects of PND on male infants’ cognitive functioning may persist through development. Continuing difficulties in mother–child interactions are also important, suggesting that both early intervention and continuing monitoring of mothers with PND may be warranted.

Interpretation of infant facial expression in the context of maternal postnatal depression

Postnatal maternal depression is associated with difficulties in maternal responsiveness. As most signals arising from the infant come from facial expressions one possible explanation for these difficulties is that mothers with postnatal depression are differentially affected by particular infant facial expressions. Thus, this study investigates the effects of postnatal depression on mothers’ perceptions of infant facial expressions. Participants (15 controls, 15 depressed and 15 anxious mothers) were asked to rate a number of infant facial expressions, ranging from very positive to very negative. Each face was shown twice, for a short and for a longer period of time in random order. Results revealed that mothers used more extreme ratings when shown the infant faces (i.e. more negative or more positive) for a longer period of time. Mothers suffering from postnatal depression were more likely to rate negative infant faces shown for a longer period more negatively than controls. The differences were specific to depression rather than an effect of general postnatal psychopathology—as no differences were observed between anxious mothers and controls. There were no other significant differences in maternal ratings of infant faces showed for short periods or for positive or neutral valence faces of either length. The findings that mothers with postnatal depression rate negative infant faces more negatively indicate that appraisal bias might underlie some of the difficulties that these mothers have in responding to their own infants signals.

Maternal postnatal depression predicts altered offspring biological stress reactivity in adulthood

The offspring of depressed parents have been found to show elevated basal levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Whether heightened cortisol stress reactivity is also present in this group has yet to be clearly demonstrated. We tested whether postnatal maternal depression predicts subsequent increases in offspring biological sensitivity to social stress, as indexed by elevated cortisol reactivity. Participants (mean age 22.4-years) derived from a 22-year prospective longitudinal study of the offspring of mothers who had postnatal depression (PND group; n=38) and a control group (n=38). Salivary cortisol response to a social-evaluative threat (Trier Social Stress Test) was measured. Hierarchical linear modelling indicated that PND group offspring showed greater cortisol reactivity to the stress test than control group participants. Group differences were not explained by offspring depressive or anxiety symptoms, experiences of negative life events, elevated basal cortisol at age 13-years, subsequent exposure to maternal depression, or other key covariates. The findings indicate that the presence of early maternal depression can predict offspring biological sensitivity to social stress in adulthood, with potential implications for broader functioning.