Search Results (341)

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition with early-life origins. Maternal obesity has been associated with increased ASD risk, yet the mechanisms and timing of susceptibility remain unclear. Using a mouse model combining in vitro fertilization (IVF) and embryo transfer, we separated the effects of pre-conception and gestational obesity. We found that maternal high fat diet (HFD) exposure prior to conception alone was sufficient to induce ASD-like behaviors in male offspring—including altered vocalizations, reduced sociability, and increased repetitive grooming—without anxiety-related changes. These phenotypes were absent in female offspring and those exposed only during gestation. Cortical transcriptome analysis revealed dysregulation and isoform shifts in genes implicated in ASD, including Homer1 and Zswim6. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing of hippocampal tissue showed hypomethylation of an alternative Homer1 promoter, correlating with increased expression of the short isoform Homer1a, which is known to disrupt synaptic scaffolding. This pattern was specific to mice with ASD-like behaviors. Our findings show that pre-conceptional maternal obesity can lead to lasting, isoform-specific transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in the offspring’s brain. These results underscore the importance of maternal health before pregnancy as a critical and modifiable factor in ASD risk. Full article

Maternal mental illness significantly impacts caregiving, influencing both mothers and their children. This narrative review examines the challenges faced by mothers with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which often disrupt caregiving routines, emotional stability, and social integration. These difficulties can hinder secure attachments and contribute to adverse developmental outcomes in children, including heightened risks of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and cognitive impairments. Children of mothers with mental illnesses are 1.8 times more likely to develop emotional or behavioral problems and face a 2.7 times higher risk of suicidal ideation during adolescence. Intergenerational transmission of mental illness is also prevalent, with affected children showing a 2.5 times greater likelihood of developing mental illnesses in adulthood. Effective interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based approaches, and community programs integrating parenting education and mental health resources. These strategies have demonstrated improvements in maternal well-being and child resilience. The review highlights the need for comprehensive policies addressing maternal mental health, early intervention for children, and culturally sensitive support systems to break cycles of intergenerational mental illness. Future research should prioritize evaluating long-term intervention effectiveness and exploring innovative tools like digital mental illnesses solutions to support affected families. Full article

Background: Antenatal depression and anxiety contribute significantly to maternal morbidity and adverse pregnancy outcomes. However, structured screening and targeted interventions are largely absent from standard prenatal care in many Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria. This study examines the prevalence and psychosocial predictors of antenatal psychosocial risk using the validated Antenatal Risk Questionnaire–Revised (ANRQ-R) in a nationally underrepresented population. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 216 third-trimester pregnant women in Bulgaria. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, health behaviours, and reproductive history were collected. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of elevated psychosocial risk. Results: A total of 65.7% of participants met the criteria for elevated psychosocial risk. Significant risk factors included passive smoking exposure during pregnancy (OR = 5.03, p < 0.001), physical activity prior to pregnancy (OR = 1.81, p = 0.004), and a family history of hereditary disease (OR = 42.67, p < 0.001). Protective factors were better self-rated current health (OR = 0.37, p = 0.004), the presence of chronic illness (OR = 0.42, p = 0.049), previous childbirth experience (OR = 0.11, p = 0.032), and residence in Northwestern Bulgaria (OR = 0.31, p = 0.028). Despite the high prevalence of psychosocial vulnerability, only 9.5% of affected women sought professional help. Conclusions: While our findings point to important unmet needs in antenatal mental health, further research is required before national screening policies can be implemented. Pilot programs, cultural validation of tools, and system-level readiness assessments should precede broad adoption. Full article

Pregnant individuals who receive a fetal anomaly diagnosis experience significantly elevated rates of depression, anxiety, and traumatic stress—up to four to six times higher than those for individuals with low-risk pregnancies. In low-risk pregnancies, perinatal mental health conditions are the leading cause of maternal mortality and are associated with adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight. These risks are likely compounded in pregnancies involving fetal anomalies due to the intersecting psychological and social burdens that complicate maternal well-being and access to care. However, there is a critical gap in understanding how these mental health symptoms translate into diagnoses, treatments, and outcomes due to the absence of a validated screening tool tailored to this population’s unique psychosocial needs. This perspective article reviews evidence, highlights the urgent need for specialized screening, and introduces ongoing research aimed at developing and validating an instrument that integrates both mental health symptoms and broader psychosocial distress. By bridging this gap, structured psychosocial screening has the potential to improve care coordination, facilitate earlier intervention, and mitigate long-term distress for individuals navigating pregnancies affected by fetal anomalies. Full article

Background/Objectives: The Mediterranean diet (MD) is well-studied for its health-promoting effects, while the factors influencing adherence in children remain an important research focus. This study examines the sociodemographic, maternal, perinatal, and lifestyle determinants associated with MD adherence among children aged 6–9 years in an effort to identify key predictors and their impact on long-term nutritional habits. Methods: This study recruited 4851 children from diverse Greek rural and urban regions. The mothers of the enrolled children completed relevant questionnaires on their children’s sociodemographics, perinatal outcomes, anthropometric parameters, breastfeeding practices, and physical activity status. The enrolled children completed the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children—State (STAIC-S) form to assess the presence of depression and anxiety symptoms, respectively. The KIDMED score was used to assess the MD compliance of the enrolled children. Results: The outcomes demonstrated that higher maternal education and family economic status gravitated toward increased MD adherence (p = 0.0071, p ˂ 0.0001), while exclusive breastfeeding (p ˂ 0.0001) and higher physical activity levels (p = 0.0101) were strong predictive factors for MD adherence, highlighting the role of early-life interventions in shaping dietary habits. In contrast, cesarean delivery (p = 0.0173) and higher birth weight (p ˂ 0.0001) were linked to lower MD adherence, indicating potential metabolic and behavioral predispositions. Notably, higher MD adherence correlated with lower prevalence of depressive and anxiety symptoms (p ˂ 0.0001, p = 0.0001), underscoring its potential protective role in mental health. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a complex interplay between early-life and dietary behaviors, while further longitudinal studies are needed to establish causality and optimize evidence-based nutritional strategies and education for childhood health and well-being. Full article

Depression is a widespread mental health condition that affects millions of women globally. In the United States (U.S.), more than half of maternal mental health-related deaths occur during the postpartum period, making it the leading cause of mortality during this time. This urban U.S. single-site quasi-experimental study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of social support integrated into group prenatal care as an intervention for postpartum depression. The study employed a dual methodological approach, combining prospective participant recruitment with a retrospective analysis of medical records. It compared the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) scores from group prenatal care to those from traditional individualized prenatal care, specifically focusing on Black and Hispanic women. In all, 200 postpartum women participated in the study, comprising (n = 100) group prenatal care and (n = 100) traditional individualized care. Most participants were Black (97%), with an average age of 26.8 years (SD = 5.9). At six weeks postpartum, 97% of the participants underwent depression screening, which indicated a mean EPDS score of 3.79 (SD = 4.7). Among the participants, 25% exhibited mild to moderate postpartum depression, while 3% experienced severe depression. No significant differences were observed between the models of care in terms of total scores (T = 2.0, p = 0.46) or score ranges (χ² = 5.8, p = 0.12). It is noteworthy that no severe cases of depression were identified within the group prenatal care model. Suggesting group prenatal care may still benefit Black and Hispanic women in urban areas with a history of anxiety or depression. Full article

Background: Fear of childbirth (FOC) or tokophobia has a detrimental impact on women during and after pregnancy. Childbirth fear is multidimensional and may differ across nations and cultures. We aimed to determine the psychosocial determinants of tokophobia among Asians. Methods: We conducted a systematic literature search using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases in September 2023. Included were original English-language articles that focused on Asian cohorts. We identified independent variables associated with maternal childbirth fear based on multivariable logistic and linear regression analysis. Results: Twenty-three studies are discussed in this review. We categorized the factors into (1) psychiatry, (2) psychology, (3) perception and experience, (4) relationships and support, (5) spirituality, and (6) COVID-19. The studies involved 10,538 women with overall FOC prevalence ranging between 56.6% to 82.1%. Maternal history of psychiatric disorder, depression, and anxiety were positive predictors of childbirth fear. Childbirth self-efficacy protects Asian mothers against tokophobia. A reduced level of fear was associated with higher maternal psychological and spiritual well-being, as well as stronger maternal resilience. Spousal and social support alongside good family function were shown to exert a protective effect against childbirth fear. Intimate partner abuse was associated with an increased risk of tokophobia in women. Studies during the pandemic indicated that maternal fear, obsession, and anxiety about COVID-19 were positively correlated to fear of childbirth. Conclusions: Childbirth fear among Asian women is greatly influenced by various psycho-social factors. More culturally driven research is needed to help develop relevant interventions that will enhance maternal psychological and spiritual well-being and reduce the fear of childbirth. Full article

Background and Objectives: Evidence regarding how dispositional traits, antenatal anxiety, substance use, and obstetric events converge to shape post-partum depression (PPD) in South-East Europe is limited. We analysed 102 third-trimester women and followed them to six weeks post-partum, and 102 age-matched community controls were used to (i) compare baseline psychological profiles, (ii) chart antenatal-to-post-partum symptom trajectories, and (iii) build an integrated model of clinically relevant PPD (Edinburgh Post-natal Depression Scale, EPDS ≥ 12). Materials and Methods: All 96 raw variables were forward–backward translated from Romanian, reconciled, and harmonized. The principal instruments used were EPDS, State–Trait Anxiety Inventory form Y (STAI-Y), Revised Obsessive–Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R), NEO Five-Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI-60), and the four-item Maternal Worry and Satisfaction Scale (MWSS). Results: Groups were age-matched (31.1 ± 5.4 vs. 30.3 ± 5.1 years, p = 0.268) but differed in urban residence (39% vs. 17%, p = 0.001) and current substance use (smoking 21% vs. 34%, p = 0.041; alcohol 6% vs. 22%, p = 0.002). Of five personality domains, only openness scored lower in peripartum women (26.1 ± 4.6 vs. 29.3 ± 5.2, p < 0.001). State anxiety rose significantly from pregnancy to puerperium (+5.1 ± 8.4 points, p < 0.001). Post-partum EPDS correlated most strongly with state anxiety (r = 0.62) and neuroticism (r = 0.50). A final model (pseudo-R² = 0.30) identified post-partum state anxiety (OR 1.10 per point, 95% CI 1.05–1.15, p < 0.001) as the independent predictor; neuroticism showed a trend (OR 1.08, p = 0.081). Obstetric factors (prematurity, birth weight, caesarean section) were not significant. Conclusions: In this Romanian cohort, heightened state anxiety—in synergy with high neuroticism and lower openness—dominated the risk landscape of early onset PPD, whereas delivery mode and neonatal status were neutral. Routine perinatal mental health screening should therefore incorporate anxiety metrics alongside depression scales and brief trait inventories to refine preventive targeting. Full article

The intrauterine environment is increasingly recognised as a critical period for the emergence of mental health vulnerabilities. This review explores how adverse maternal exposures, such as psychological stress, infection, malnutrition, and environmental toxins, can disrupt foetal neurodevelopment via epigenetic mechanisms, contributing to the risk of psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. Focusing primarily on human studies, we synthesise evidence on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs as key pathways through which the intrauterine environment influences gene regulation in the developing brain. We examine how timing of exposure, foetal sex, and gene–environment interactions modulate these effects, with particular attention to disorders such as schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, depression, and anxiety. The placenta emerges as a central mediator, both reflecting and shaping epigenetic changes in response to maternal signals. We also discuss the reversibility of epigenetic marks and highlight emerging interventions, including nutritional supplementation and maternal mental health support, that may buffer or reverse prenatal epigenetic programming. Methodological challenges are addressed, including tissue specificity and causal inference, and future directions are proposed toward integrating epigenetic biomarkers into early risk assessment and precision mental health and psychiatry. This review emphasises the importance of the prenatal period as a window of vulnerability and opportunity for shaping lifelong mental health. Full article

The increasing incidence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) increases the urgency of establishing the mechanism of its development for effective prevention and treatment. ASD’s etiology includes genetic predisposition and environmental triggers, both of which can play a role in the changed microbiota. Recent research has proved the impact of maternal microbiota on the neurodevelopment of the child. To investigate the co-play of genetic and microbiota factors in ASD development, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from children with ASD to female Shank3b^+/− mice and studied the autism-like symptoms in the male Shank3b^−/− and wild-type (WT) offspring. WT animals with prenatal exposure to ASD microbiota had delayed neurodevelopment and impaired food intake behavior, but also elevated plasma leptin concentration and body weight. Shank3b^−/− mice after FMT ASD exhibited impaired learning and exacerbated anxiety-like behavior in adulthood. Interestingly, FMT ASD improved learning in adolescent Shank3b^−/− mice. Prenatal exposure to ASD microbiota decreased the activity of hypocretin neurons of the lateral hypothalamic area in both genotypes. The combination of genetic predisposition and FMT ASD led to an increased colon permeability, evaluated by zonula occludens (ZO1, ZO3) and claudin factors. These results suggest the effect of parental FMT exposure on shaping offspring behavior in Shank3b^−/− mice and the potential of microbiota in the modulation of ASD. Full article

Background/Objectives: The global prevalence of childhood obesity and overweight is steadily increasing, representing a pressing public health concern due to its persistence during adolescence and adulthood and its association with elevated morbidity and mortality risks. This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the potential association between overweight/obesity and the presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms in children aged 6 to 9 years. Methods: A total of 4098 children from various urban and rural regions in Greece were enrolled. Data was collected through maternal questionnaires capturing sociodemographic characteristics, perinatal outcomes, anthropometric measurements, breastfeeding practices, and physical activity levels. Children fulfilled the Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children—State form (STAIC-S) to evaluate symptoms of depression and anxiety, respectively. Results: Childhood overweight/obesity was independently and significantly associated with a more than two-fold increased likelihood of presenting depressive and anxiety symptoms. Childhood overweight/obesity was also significantly associated with maternal obesity, gestational weight gain, childbirth weight, mode of delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, and children’s physical activity. Conclusions: Overweight and obesity in children aged 6–9 years are significantly associated with an elevated risk of psychological distress, including depression and anxiety. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health policies and nutritional interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyle practices from early childhood. Educational efforts should also support new mothers in adopting and sustaining health-promoting behaviors to mitigate the long-term consequences of childhood obesity. Full article

Background: Mothers of children with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) frequently face high levels of psychological stress. While the impact of this stress on caregiving is well documented, the potential role of spirituality as a protective factor has received limited attention. Objective: This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the relationships among psychological symptoms, spirituality, and coping in mothers caring for children with T1DM, with a particular focus on the potential protective role of spirituality in caregiver resilience. Methods: A total of 134 mothers completed validated Greek versions of the Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) and the Spiritual and Religious Attitudes in Dealing with Illness (SpREUK) questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regression analyses were used to explore associations and predictive relationships. Results: Participants reported elevated psychological symptoms, particularly somatization, anxiety, and depression. Regression analysis revealed that trust in higher guidance was a significant negative predictor of somatization (b = −0.775, p < 0.001), indicating a potential buffering effect. In contrast, the search for support was positively associated with somatization (b = 0.704, p < 0.001), suggesting a more reactive coping pattern. Other spiritual variables, including the total spirituality score and reflection, were not statistically significant in the multivariate model. Conclusions: These findings highlight the relevance of spirituality—particularly spiritual trust—in understanding psychological distress among caregiving mothers. Incorporating existential and spiritual elements into psychosocial interventions may enhance maternal well-being. Longitudinal studies are needed to clarify spirituality’s role as a protective or mediating factor in chronic caregiving contexts. Full article

Background: Mental health problems that can appear in women during pregnancy include fear, anxiety, feelings of vulnerability, stress, and depression. Mindfulness (MF) is a specific meditation technique that can help during treatment for prenatal mood disorders, emotional distress, and psychological strains. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of a specific meditation approach in women during pregnancy on these mental health problems. Methods: This systematic review analysed data from PubMed, Scopus, and CINAHL. The search equation used was “mindfulness [title] AND pregnancy [title] AND (trial OR clinical trial OR RCT OR quasi-experimental OR experimental OR randomised clinical trial OR randomised controlled trial OR quasi-experimental study)”. This analyses experimental studies published in the last 10 years that include interventions based on MF, applying cognitive behavioural therapies to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety and in which the participants completed a questionnaire related to these variables. Standardised means effect size meta-analysis was performed with RevMan Web. Results: All the included studies (n = 13) reported that the intervention led to a decrease in negative symptoms related to prenatal pressure, apprehension, and melancholy. The duration of the MF programmes was 6 to 8 weeks. The meta-analysis showed that MF during pregnancy is an effective approach, with a standardised mean difference of −0.73 for anxiety, −0.67 for depression, and −0.74 for stress. Conclusions: Mindfulness programmes during pregnancy are a useful and effective means of reducing maternal stress, anxiety, and depression. Including MF programmes during pregnancy should be considered depending on resources availability. In person vs. online effectiveness should be investigated. Full article

Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE) is the main component of epoxy resin and is used for the inner coating of canned foods and plastic food containers. BADGE can easily migrate from containers and result in food contamination; the compound is known as an endocrine-disrupting chemical. We previously reported that maternal exposure to bisphenol A bis (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether (BADGE·2H₂O), which is the most detected BADGE derivative not only in canned foods but also in human specimens, during gestation and lactation, could accelerate neuronal differentiation in the cortex of fetuses and induce anxiety-like behavior in juvenile mice. In this study, we investigated the effects of low-dose BADGE·2H₂O (1–100 pM) treatment on neurites and the mechanism of neurite outgrowth in cortical neurons. BADGE·2H₂O exposure significantly increased the number of dendrites and neurite length in cortical neurons; these accelerating effects were inhibited by estrogen receptor (ER) antagonist ICI 182,780 and G-protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) antagonist G15. BADGE·2H₂O down-regulated Hes1 expression, which is a transcriptional repressor, and increased levels of neuritogenic factor neurogenin-3 (Ngn3) in the cortical neurons; the changes were significantly blocked by G15. These data suggest that direct BADGE·2H₂O exposure can accelerate neuritogenesis and outgrowth in cortical neurons through down-regulation of Hes1 and by increasing Ngn3 levels through ERs, particularly GPER. Full article

Background: Exposure to early life stress significantly increases the risk of psychopathology later in life. However, the impact of early life stress on the gut microbiome and its potential role in mental health outcomes remains insufficiently understood. This narrative review examines the current knowledge on how early life stress and its associated consequences may affect the gut microbiome, with a particular focus on conditions such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Method: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed and Web of Science databases between January and February 2025, covering studies published between 2015 and 2025. Results: Early life stress can profoundly impact cognitive function and neurodevelopment, with maternal early-life nutrition playing a significant role in modulating the effects of prenatal and postnatal stress. Early life stress influences the gut microbiome, disrupting its composition and function by altering the synthesis of microbial metabolites, neurotransmitters, and the activation of key metabolic pathways. However, the precise role of the gut microbiome in modulating stress responses during childhood and adolescence has not yet been fully elucidated. Conclusions: Several studies have demonstrated an association between early life stress and the gut microbiome. However, causality has not yet been established due to the numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing the microbiome-gut–brain axis. In the coming years, research on key microbial regulators, such as short-chain fatty acids, amino acids, and psychobiotics, may represent a promising approach for addressing central nervous system alterations linked to early life stress. Thus, further studies will be necessary to evaluate their potential as therapeutic agents. Full article