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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2016

Open Access 01-12-2016 | Review

Early origins of mental disorder - risk factors in the perinatal and infant period

Authors: Louise Newman, Fiona Judd, Craig A. Olsson, David Castle, Chad Bousman, Penelope Sheehan, Christos Pantelis, Jeffrey M. Craig, Angela Komiti, Ian Everall

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2016

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Abstract

Background

There is increasing understanding of the significance of early neurodevelopment in establishing risk for the range of mental disorders. Models of the early aetiology of mental disorders are complex with a range of potential factors from genetic and epigenetic to environmental influencing neurological and psychological development. Whilst the mechanisms are not fully understood, this paper provides an overview of potential biological and neurobiological factors that might be involved.

Method

An aetiological model is presented and discussed. The discussion includes a range of risk factors for mental disorder. Maternal anxiety disorder is presented and reviewed as an example of the interaction of placental, epigenetic and early parenting factors elevating risk of poor neonatal outcome.

Results

Available evidence points to the importance of in-utero influences as well as the role of early attachment and emotional care. Transgenerational mechanisms such as the impact of maternal mental disorder on foetal development are important models for examination of early risk. Maternal anxiety, as an example, is a significant risk factor for compromised mental health.

Conclusions

Development of models for understanding the early origins of mental disorder is an important step in elaborating risk reduction strategies. Comprehensive early identification of risk raises the possibility of preventive interventions.
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Metadata
Title
Early origins of mental disorder - risk factors in the perinatal and infant period
Authors
Louise Newman
Fiona Judd
Craig A. Olsson
David Castle
Chad Bousman
Penelope Sheehan
Christos Pantelis
Jeffrey M. Craig
Angela Komiti
Ian Everall
Publication date
01-12-2016
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2016
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-016-0982-7

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