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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2019

Open Access 01-12-2019 | Research article

Psychiatric symptoms and risk factors in adults born preterm with very low birthweight or born small for gestational age at term

Authors: Astrid M. W. Lærum, Solveig Klæbo Reitan, Kari Anne I. Evensen, Stian Lydersen, Ann-Mari Brubakk, Jon Skranes, Marit S. Indredavik

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2019

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Abstract

Background

We aimed to examine psychiatric symptoms in adults born preterm with very low birthweight or born at term small for gestational age compared with normal birthweight peers, and examine associations with perinatal factors and childhood motor and cognitive function.

Methods

In this longitudinal cohort study, one preterm born group with very low birthweight (VLBW: birthweight ≤1500 g), one term-born Small for Gestational Age (SGA: birthweight <10th percentile) group and one term-born non-SGA control group, were assessed at 26 years of age. Primary outcomes were scores on self-reported questionnaires: Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment - Adult Self-Report, The Autism-Spectrum Quotient and Peters et al. Delusions Inventory. Exposure variables were perinatal data, while childhood motor and cognitive function were examined as possible early markers.

Results

Both the preterm VLBW and the term SGA group reported higher levels of attention, internalizing and externalizing problems compared to the control group. In addition, the VLBW participants reported more critical items and a higher proportion had intermediate level autistic traits, while the SGA participants reported more intrusive behavior. Increasing length of respiratory support and hospital stay in the neonatal period, and motor problems in early adolescence, were associated with adult psychiatric symptoms in the VLBW group.

Conclusions

Psychiatric symptoms were frequent in the preterm VLBW group and also in the term-born SGA group. Those who were sickest as babies were most at risk. Motor problems can possibly serve as an early marker of adult psychiatric symptoms in low birthweight individuals.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Psychiatric symptoms and risk factors in adults born preterm with very low birthweight or born small for gestational age at term
Authors
Astrid M. W. Lærum
Solveig Klæbo Reitan
Kari Anne I. Evensen
Stian Lydersen
Ann-Mari Brubakk
Jon Skranes
Marit S. Indredavik
Publication date
01-12-2019
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-019-2202-8

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