Birth weight may assist identify kids who are more likely to experience psychiatric problems

According to recent research from RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, infants with higher birth weights had less behavioural and mental health problems throughout infancy and adolescence. These results may be used to identify and support kids who are more likely to experience psychiatric issues in the future. The research, which was published in the journal European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, looked at hundreds of Irish children’s birth weights and future mental health. It utilised data from the Growing Up in Ireland research, an ongoing government-funded study of children born between 1997 and 1998, which differed from many studies looking at birth weight in that it consistently tracked the same children through childhood and adolescence.

The investigation revealed that there were more reported mental health issues in infancy and adolescence for every kilogramme below the normal birth weight (3.5kg, or 7lbs 11oz). The study also discovered that these birth-weight-related issues typically continue into adolescence, from the ages of 9 to 17. Inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity, behaviours typically attributed to Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, were the issues that were most closely linked to birth weight (ADHD). The likelihood of behaviours resembling ADHD was shown to rise by 2% for every kilogramme below the typical birth weight, even when these behaviours were within the normal range. In other words, even among newborns weighing just 1.5 kg, the average number of ADHD symptoms would probably not be sufficient to warrant an ADHD diagnosis.

Lower birth weight has also been connected to mental and social issues, especially in late adolescence. It was discovered that these issues were worse and more closely related to clinical thresholds, such as those for the diagnosis of depression or anxiety. “We have known for many years that low birth weight and preterm delivery is connected with increased risk of mental illness in the kid,” said Professor Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health at RSCI and the study’s principal investigator. This study demonstrates that even little departures from the average birth weight may be significant. Lead author of the study and doctoral student Niamh Dooley remarked.

Lower birth weight has also been connected to mental and social issues, especially in late adolescence. It was discovered that these issues were worse and more closely related to clinical thresholds, such as those for the diagnosis of depression or anxiety. “We have known for many years that low birth weight and preterm delivery is connected with increased risk of mental illness in the kid,” said Professor Mary Cannon, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology and Youth Mental Health at RSCI and the study’s principal investigator. This study demonstrates that even little departures from the average birth weight may be significant. Lead author of the study and doctoral student Niamh Dooley remarked.