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Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology

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01-08-2013 | Original Paper

Antenatal and postnatal maternal mental health as determinants of infant neurodevelopment at 18 months of age in a mother–child cohort (Rhea Study) in Crete, Greece

Authors: Katerina Koutra, Leda Chatzi, Manolis Bagkeris, Maria Vassilaki, Panos Bitsios, Manolis Kogevinas

Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology | Issue 8/2013

Abstract

Purpose

A growing body of evidence links poor maternal mental health with negative outcomes on early child development. We examined the effect of antenatal and postnatal maternal mental health on infant neurodevelopment at age 18 months in a population-based mother–child cohort (Rhea Study) in Crete, Greece.

Methods

Self-reported measures of maternal depression (EPDS), trait anxiety (STAI-Trait) and personality traits (EPQ-R) were assessed in a sample of women during pregnancy and at 8 weeks postpartum (n = 223). An additional sample of 247 mothers also completed the EPDS scale at 8 weeks postpartum (n = 470). Neurodevelopment at 18 months was assessed with the use of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (3rd edition).

Results

Multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounders revealed that antenatal depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 13) were associated with decrease in cognitive development independently of postnatal depression. High trait anxiety and extraversion were associated with decrease and increase, respectively, in social–emotional development. Also, high trait anxiety and neuroticism had a positive effect on infants’ expressive communication. Finally, postpartum depressive symptoms (EPDS ≥ 13) were associated with decrease in cognitive and fine motor development independently of antenatal depression.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that antenatal and postnatal maternal psychological well-being has important consequences on early child neurodevelopment.

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Title: Antenatal and postnatal maternal mental health as determinants of infant neurodevelopment at 18 months of age in a mother–child cohort (Rhea Study) in Crete, Greece
Authors: Katerina Koutra
Leda Chatzi
Manolis Bagkeris
Maria Vassilaki
Panos Bitsios
Manolis Kogevinas
Publication date: 01-08-2013
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology / Issue 8/2013
Print ISSN: 0933-7954
Electronic ISSN: 1433-9285
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-012-0636-0

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Antenatal and postnatal maternal mental health as determinants of infant neurodevelopment at 18 months of age in a mother–child cohort (Rhea Study) in Crete, Greece

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

2024 ASCO Annual Meeting

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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