Maternal depression during and after pregnancy may be linked to an increased risk of autistic-related traits in toddlers, particularly in girls, according to a new study published on in Molecular Psychiatry. The research, conducted by a team at Tohoku University in Japan led by Dr. Zhiqian Yu and Professor Hiroaki Tomita, analyzed data from over 23,000 mother-child pairs and was supported by laboratory experiments involving mice.
The study focused on perinatal depression – psychological distress experienced during pregnancy or in the months following childbirth. Researchers assessed depressive symptoms using standardized questionnaires, the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), during early and mid-gestation and one month postpartum. They then correlated these scores with the presence of autistic-related traits in the toddlers, as measured by the Tokyo Autistic Behavior Scale (TABS). The findings revealed a significant association between higher maternal scores on these depression scales and increased autistic-related traits in their children.
Interestingly, the link between maternal perinatal depression and autistic traits appeared to be more pronounced in girls than in boys. This observation is notable given that autism spectrum disorder is generally diagnosed more frequently in males. Researchers also found that girls in the study exhibited lower birth weights and a stronger connection between autistic traits and difficulties in mother-infant bonding, as assessed by the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS).
To investigate the potential biological mechanisms underlying these findings, the research team conducted experiments using a mouse model. “Stressed mothers” – mice exposed to conditions designed to induce depressive-like behaviors – displayed reduced maternal care. Their female offspring exhibited behaviors commonly associated with autism, including increased self-grooming and difficulty recognizing social cues. Molecular analysis revealed reduced expression of oxytocin, a hormone often referred to as the “love hormone,” in the prefrontal cortical microglia of the stressed mothers. The female offspring of these mothers showed decreased oxytocin receptor expression in their prefrontal cortex.
These findings suggest a potential sex-specific neurobiological pathway. Oxytocin plays a crucial role in maternal bonding and social behavior, and disruptions in this system may explain why daughters appear particularly vulnerable to the effects of maternal stress during the perinatal period. The study authors hypothesize that alterations in oxytocin signaling could contribute to the development of autistic-related traits in female offspring.
It’s important to note that this study did not involve clinical diagnoses of either maternal depression or autism spectrum disorder in the children. Instead, it examined the relationship between questionnaire-based measures of maternal depressive symptoms and indicators of autism-related behavioral traits. The research does not demonstrate that maternal perinatal depression directly causes autism spectrum disorder. However, it does strongly suggest a connection and underscores the importance of supporting maternal mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
The findings highlight the societal importance of prioritizing maternal mental health. Providing appropriate psychological care and monitoring during pregnancy and after childbirth may help mitigate adverse developmental outcomes in children, particularly in girls. The research provides a scientific basis for developing sex-sensitive early intervention strategies aimed at supporting both maternal well-being and child development.
Recent research has also explored other potential factors influencing the development of neurodevelopmental disorders. For example, a study published in BMC Environmental Health found an association between prenatal acetaminophen exposure and an increased risk of autism and ADHD. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration responded to this evidence on , initiating a process for label changes on acetaminophen products to inform pregnant women about potential risks. While acetaminophen remains an important option for managing pain and fever during pregnancy – conditions that can also pose risks to the developing fetus – the FDA recommends judicious use, emphasizing the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration, under medical guidance.
research has indicated a link between maternal stress during pregnancy and mental health and behavior issues in children. According to the American Psychological Association, children whose mothers experience high levels of stress, anxiety, or depression during pregnancy may be at a higher risk for these issues later in life.
The Tohoku University study adds to a growing body of evidence emphasizing the critical role of maternal well-being in shaping a child’s long-term developmental health. Further research is needed to fully understand the complex interplay between maternal mental health, biological mechanisms, and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children, and to develop targeted interventions to support both mothers and their children.
