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Miller ML, Laifer LM, Thomas EBK, Grekin R, O'Hara MW, Brock RL. From pregnancy to the postpartum: Unraveling the complexities of symptom profiles among trauma-exposed women. J Affect Disord 2024; 357:11-22. [PMID: 38663559 PMCID: PMC11149003 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.04.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many women experience new onset or worsening of existing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms during pregnancy and the early postpartum period. However, perinatal PTSD symptom profiles and their predictors are not well understood. METHODS Participants (N = 614 community adults) completed self-report measures across three methodologically similar longitudinal studies. Mixture modeling was used to identify latent subgroups of trauma-exposed women with distinct patterns of symptoms at pregnancy, 1-month, and 3-month postpartum. RESULTS Mixture modeling demonstrated two classes of women with relatively homogenous profiles (i.e., low vs. high symptoms) during pregnancy (n = 237). At 1-month postpartum (n = 391), results suggested a five-class solution: low symptoms, PTSD only, depression with primary appetite loss, depression, and comorbid PTSD and depression. At 3-months postpartum (n = 488), three classes were identified: low symptoms, elevated symptoms, and primary PTSD. Greater degree of exposure to interpersonal trauma and reproductive trauma, younger age, and minoritized racial/ethnic identity were associated with increased risk for elevated symptoms across the perinatal period. LIMITATIONS Only a subset of potential predictors of PTSD symptoms were examined. Replication with a larger and more racially and ethnically diverse sample of pregnant women is needed. CONCLUSIONS Results highlight limitations of current perinatal mental health screening practices, which could overlook women with elevations in symptoms (e.g., intrusions) that are not routinely assessed relative to others (e.g., depressed mood), and identify important risk factors for perinatal PTSD symptoms to inform screening and referral.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Miller
- Indiana University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Goodman Hall/IU Health Neuroscience Center, Suite 2800, 355 W. 16th St., Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States of America; University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America.
| | - Lauren M Laifer
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Psychology, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
| | - Emily B K Thomas
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Grekin
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Michael W O'Hara
- University of Iowa, Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, G60 Psychological and Brain Sciences Building, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States of America
| | - Rebecca L Brock
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Department of Psychology, 238 Burnett Hall, Lincoln, NE 68588, United States of America
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Rodríguez-Rabassa M, Appleton AA, Rosario-Villafañe V, Repollet-Carrer I, Borges-Rodríguez M, Dedós-Peña L, González M, Velázquez-González P, Muniz-Rodriguez K, Mántaras-Ortiz C, Rivera-Amill V, Olivieri-Ramos O, Alvarado-Domenech LI. Associations between the social environment and early childhood developmental outcomes of Puerto Rican children with prenatal Zika virus exposure: a cross-sectional study. BMC Pediatr 2024; 24:342. [PMID: 38755525 PMCID: PMC11100158 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-024-04806-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal exposure to the Zika virus can lead to microcephaly and adverse developmental outcomes, even in children without evident birth defects. The social environment plays a crucial role in infant health and developmental trajectories, especially during periods of heightened brain plasticity. The study aimed to assess socioenvironmental factors as predictors of developmental outcomes of 36-month-old children exposed to Zika virus prenatally. STUDY DESIGN This cross-sectional study included 53 mothers and 55 children enrolled in the Pediatric Outcomes of Prenatal Zika Exposure cohort study in Puerto Rico. The study performs follow-up developmental assessments of children born to mothers with confirmed and probable Zika virus infection during pregnancy. Mothers completed socioenvironmental questionnaires (e.g., Perceived Neighborhood Scale and US Household Food Insecurity Survey). Children's developmental outcomes were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development: Third Edition, the Ages and Stages Questionnaires: Third Edition, the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-Socioemotional: Second Edition, and the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale. RESULTS Linear regression models, adjusting for a child's sex and age and maternal education, revealed that early life exposure to food insecurity and maternal pregnancy stressors were significantly associated with poorer developmental outcomes in Zika virus-exposed children at 36 months of age. Maternal resilience representation of adaptive ability was associated with the preservation of adequate developmental outcomes in children. CONCLUSIONS Pregnancy and early childhood are critical life periods for ensuring optimal brain development in children. While the mechanisms in the interaction of children with their environment are complex, the risk and protective factors identified in the study are modifiable through public policy and preventive initiatives. Implementation of comprehensive strategies that improve access to social support programs, educational and nutritional interventions, and mental health services during pregnancy and early childhood can enhance the developmental potential of vulnerable children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Rodríguez-Rabassa
- Department of Pediatrics, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, Puerto Rico.
- RCMI Center for Research Resources, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, Puerto Rico.
- Clinical Psychology Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, 00732-7004, Puerto Rico.
| | - Allison A Appleton
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University at Albany School of Public Health, State University of New York, Rensselaer, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Lydiet Dedós-Peña
- Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, Puerto Rico
| | - Marielly González
- Clinical Psychology Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, 00732-7004, Puerto Rico
| | - Paola Velázquez-González
- Clinical Psychology Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, 00732-7004, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Claudia Mántaras-Ortiz
- Clinical Psychology Program, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, 00732-7004, Puerto Rico
| | - Vanessa Rivera-Amill
- RCMI Center for Research Resources, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, PR, Puerto Rico
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Graf S, Schechter DS. The Impact of Maternal Interpersonal Violent Trauma and Related Psychopathology on Child Outcomes and Intergenerational Transmission. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2024; 26:166-175. [PMID: 38427205 PMCID: PMC10978628 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-024-01491-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to outline some consequences that maternal history of trauma with and without related psychopathology, such as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), can have on their children's development and functioning. It then addresses mechanisms through which intergenerational transmission of interpersonal violence (IPV) and related psychopathology may occur. RECENT FINDINGS Findings include the effects of maternal IPV experience and related psychopathology on child social-emotional and biologically-based outcomes. This includes increased developmental disturbances and child psychopathology, as well as physiological factors. Secondly, the review focuses on psychobiological mechanisms by which maternal experience of IPV and related psychopathology likely trigger intergenerational effects. Maternal IPV and related psychopathology can have a negative impact on several areas of their child's life including development, interactive behavior, psychopathology, and physiology. This transmission may partially be due to fetal and perinatal processes, genetic and epigenetic effects, and interactions with their parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannen Graf
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), SUPEA-Unité de recherche, Avenue d'Echallens 9, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Daniel S Schechter
- Division of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), SUPEA-Unité de recherche, Avenue d'Echallens 9, 1004, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Maxwell JR, DiDomenico J, Roberts MH, Marquez LE, Rai R, Weinberg J, Jacobson SW, Stephen J, Bakhireva LN. Impact of low-level prenatal alcohol exposure and maternal stress on autonomic regulation. Pediatr Res 2024; 95:350-358. [PMID: 37674025 PMCID: PMC11089775 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-023-02799-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) impacts the neurodevelopment of the fetus, including the infant's ability to self-regulate. Heart rate variability (HRV), that is, the beat-to-beat variability in heart rate, is a non-invasive measurement that can indicate autonomic nervous system (ANS) function/dysfunction. METHODS The study consisted of a subset of our ENRICH-2 cohort: 80 participants (32 PAE and 48 Controls) who had completed three visits during pregnancy. The participants completed a comprehensive assessment of PAE and other substances throughout pregnancy and assessments for stress, anxiety, and depression in the third trimester. At 24 h of age, infant HRV was assessed in the hospital during the clinically indicated heel lance; 3- to 5-min HRV epochs were obtained during baseline, heel lancing, and recovery episodes. RESULTS Parameters of HRV differed in infants with PAE compared to Controls during the recovery phase of the heel lance (respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) and high-frequency (HF), p < 0.05). Increased maternal stress was also strongly associated with abnormalities in RSA, HF, and low-frequency / high-frequency (LF/HF, p's < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Alterations in ANS regulation associated with PAE and maternal stress may reflect abnormal development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and have long term implications for infant responsiveness and self-regulation. IMPACT Previous studies have focused on effects of moderate to heavy prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) on autonomic dysregulation, but little is known about the effects of lower levels of PAE on infant self-regulation and heart rate variability (HRV). Prenatal stress is another risk factor for autonomic dysregulation. Mild PAE impacts infant self-regulation, which can be assessed using HRV. However, the effect of prenatal stress is stronger than that of mild PAE or other mental health variables on autonomic dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie R Maxwell
- Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico.
- Department of Neurosciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico.
| | - Jared DiDomenico
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico
| | - Melissa H Roberts
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico
| | - Lidia Enriquez Marquez
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico
| | - Rajani Rai
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico
| | - Joanne Weinberg
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sandra W Jacobson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Julia Stephen
- The Mind Research Network, a Division of Lovelace Biomedical Research Institute, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico
| | - Ludmila N Bakhireva
- Substance Use Research and Education (SURE) Center, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, Mexico
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Quigley KM, Petty CR, Sidamon-Eristoff AE, Modico M, Nelson CA, Enlow MB. Risk for internalizing symptom development in young children: Roles of child parasympathetic reactivity and maternal depression and anxiety exposure in early life. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14326. [PMID: 37162341 PMCID: PMC10524514 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Intergenerational transmission of internalizing disorders (anxiety and depression) is well documented, but the responsible pathways are underspecified. One possible mechanism is via programming of the child's parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). For example, maternal depression and anxiety, via multiple pathways, may heighten child PNS reactivity, which has been linked to increased risk for internalizing disorders. Heightened PNS reactivity also may sensitize a child to their environment, increasing the vulnerability to developing psychopathology when exposed to stressors, such as maternal psychopathology. In a prospective longitudinal study of mother-child dyads (N = 446), we examined relations among maternal depression and anxiety symptoms when children were infants and aged 3 and 5 years, child respiratory sinus arrythmia (RSA) reactivity (measure of PNS reactivity) at 3 years, and child internalizing symptoms at age 5 years. Consistent with an adaptive calibration perspective, analyses tested the roles of child RSA reactivity as both a mediator and a moderator of associations between maternal and child symptoms. Greater child RSA reactivity in response to a fearful video predicted higher internalizing symptoms among children exposed to higher levels of maternal depression or anxiety symptoms at age 5 years (moderation effects). Child RSA reactivity did not mediate relations between maternal depression or anxiety symptoms in infancy and child internalizing symptoms at age 5 years. The results suggest that heightened PNS reactivity may represent a biological vulnerability to stressful environments early in life: When coupled with maternal depression or anxiety exposure, child PNS reactivity may promote the development of internalizing psychopathology in early childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M. Quigley
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | | | | | - Charles A. Nelson
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michelle Bosquet Enlow
- Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Miller JG, Hyat M, Perlman SB, Wong RJ, Shaw GM, Stevenson DK, Gotlib IH. Prefrontal activation in preschool children is associated with maternal adversity and child temperament: A preliminary fNIRS study of inhibitory control. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22351. [PMID: 36567657 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to adversity is a well-documented risk factor for cognitive, behavioral, and mental health problems. In fact, the consequences of adversity may be intergenerational. A growing body of research suggests that maternal exposures to adversity, including those prior to childbirth, are associated with offspring biobehavioral development. In a sample of 36 mothers and their preschool-age children (mean child age = 4.21 ± 0.92 years), we used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to replicate and extend this work to include brain activation during inhibitory control in young children. We found that measures of maternal exposure to adversity, including cumulative, childhood, and preconception exposures, were significantly and positively associated with activation in the right frontopolar prefrontal cortex (PFC) and in the left temporal and parietal clusters during inhibitory control. In addition, and consistent with previous findings, children's increased negative affect and decreased effortful control were associated with increased right PFC activation during inhibitory control. These findings provide preliminary evidence that maternal and dispositional risk factors are linked to alterations in PFC functioning during the preschool years. Children of mothers with a history of exposure to adversity, as well as children who are less temperamentally regulated, may require increased neural resources to meet the cognitive demands of inhibitory control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas G Miller
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Mahnoor Hyat
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Susan B Perlman
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ronald J Wong
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Gary M Shaw
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - David K Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Ian H Gotlib
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
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