Archives of Women's Mental Health最新文献

{"title":"Genetic links between female reproductive milestones and major depressive disorder: evidence from a common genetic factor model","authors":"Xiaoying Ma,&nbsp;Yang Chen,&nbsp;Qiang Wang","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01759-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01759-2","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Major depressive disorder (MDD) is more prevalent in women and has been linked to female reproductive timing. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying these associations remain unclear. Reproductive milestones are temporally structured and biologically interrelated, suggesting a shared genetic architecture that may influence MDD susceptibility.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Using large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS)data, we analyzed five key female reproductive milestones and their genetic relationships with MDD. We applied linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC), Genomic Structural Equation Modeling (GenomicSEM), Mendelian randomization (MR), and colocalization analyses to characterize the shared genetic architecture between reproductive timing and MDD.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A single latent reproductive timing factor showed excellent model fit (CFI = 0.997, SRMR = 0.017, AIC = 41.5). MR analysis further indicated that genetically predicted higher Common Factor scores, reflecting older ages across all five reproductive milestones, were significantly associated with decreased MDD risk (IVW β = −3.05, 95%CI = − 3.825 to − 2.277, <i>p</i> = 1.10 × 10⁻¹⁴). Colocalization identified shared gene expression signals in the hypothalamus and heart-left ventricle, implicating neuroendocrine and cardiovascular pathways. Functional enrichment indicated involvement in synapse organization, cell adhesion, and calcium ion binding. Age at menarche (AAM) emerged as a promising early biomarker for MDD susceptibility.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>A single latent reproductive timing factor effectively captures the shared genetic architecture across female reproductive milestones and their relationship with MDD risk. These findings deepen understanding of reproductive biology in mental health and offer potential targets for early risk identification and intervention in women.</p><h3>Clinical Trial Information</h3><p>Clinical trail number is not applicable.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01759-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149023755","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Examining the direction of association between attendance-related difficulties and maternal depression symptoms in two UK birth cohorts","authors":"Jennifer McGahan,&nbsp;Rebecca M Pearson,&nbsp;Holly Fraser,&nbsp;Amy Campbell,&nbsp;Jasmine Hearn,&nbsp;Elizabeth Braithwaite,&nbsp;Lucy Bowes,&nbsp;Jonathan Hill,&nbsp;Helen Sharp,&nbsp;Nicky Wright","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01751-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01751-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Poor school attendance is a high priority for schools. Parental mental health is associated with school attendance problems, however, the direction of this relationship is unclear. This study examines the longitudinal direction of association between school attendance-related difficulties and parental mental health in two prospective UK birth cohorts.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Data from two prospective birth cohorts were utilised: the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) (<i>n</i> = 6375) and the Wirral Child Health and Development Study (WCHADS) (<i>n</i> = 718).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>In ALSPAC, school avoidant behaviours were associated with increased likelihood of subsequent maternal depression symptoms above clinical threshold (RR = 1.48 [95% CI 1.11, 2.00] <i>p</i> = 0.006) but maternal depression was not associated with later school avoidance (RR = 1.02 [95% CI 0.74, 1.40] <i>p</i> = 0.911). Similarly, separation anxiety behaviours were associated with increased maternal depression (RR = 1.20 [95% CI 1.21, 1.30], <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001) but maternal depression did not predict later separation anxiety (RR = 1.06 [0.97,1.15] <i>p</i> = 0.237). In WCHADS, attendance-related difficulties at age 7 were associated with higher maternal depression symptoms at age 9 (b = 0.22, 95% CI 0.03, 0.42, <i>p</i> = 0.028), whereas maternal depression symptoms at age 7 were not associated with attendance-related difficulties at age 9 (OR = 0.98, 95% CI 0.78, 1.23, <i>p</i> = 0.869).</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>We provide the first evidence that relationships between maternal mental health and school attendance-related difficulties most likely operate from child behaviours to maternal depression, not the other way around. This indicates that attendance interventions should replace parenting blaming narratives and instead integrate support for parents when issues arise.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01751-w.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149023750","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome","authors":"Özlem Akın Yamak,&nbsp;Hilal Gül Boyraz Yanık,&nbsp;Nülüfer Erbil","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01761-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01761-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Self-compassion, an important component of mindfulness, may influence experiences related to menstruation and the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This study aimed to determine the mediating role of self-compassion in the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome in women.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A total of 261 women were recruited via social media platforms and completed an online survey developed using Google Forms in this descriptive and correlational cross-sectional design study.</p><p>Data were collected using a Personal Information Form, Premenstrual Syndrome Scale (PMSS), Self-Compassion Scale Short Form (SCS-SF), and Negative Menstrual Attitudes Assessment Scale (NMAS).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>The mean age of the women participating in the study was 26.87 ± 7.92, 76.3% were university graduates, and 29.1% were married. It was determined that 74.7% of the women had PMS, and 29.5% had a high level of negative menstrual attitude. According to the cut-off scores of the PMSS subscales, 83.9% of women experienced fatigue, 81.6% swelling, 78.9% depressive moods, 78.9% changes in appetite, 79.3% irritability, 68.6% pain, 65.5% changes in sleeping habits, 59.4% depressive thoughts, and 43.3% experienced anxiety above the moderate level. Regression analysis revealed that the predictors of premenstrual syndrome were self-compassion and negative menstrual attitudes (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.05). Furthermore, the findings were statistically consistent with a partial mediation model involving self-compassion in the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome (<i>p</i> &lt; 0.001).</p><h3>Discussion</h3><p>The findings were statistically consistent with a partial mediation model in which self-compassion was associated with the relationship between negative menstrual attitudes and premenstrual syndrome. Negative menstrual attitudes were associated with premenstrual syndrome both directly and indirectly through self-compassion. Healthcare professionals are in a key position to assess attitudes towards menstruation and provide supportive interventions. Incorporating self-compassion-based approaches and menstrual health education into routine care can help reduce PMS-related distress and improve overall well-being.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149015354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early life trauma and endometriosis: A case-control study on type and timing of adverse experiences","authors":"Lauren Chiu,&nbsp;Eveline Mu,&nbsp;Qi Li,&nbsp;Lucy Ingleby,&nbsp;Jayashri Kulkarni","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01768-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01768-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Endometriosis is a common chronic inflammatory gynaecological condition characterised by the abnormal presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus. Different risk factors for endometriosis have been proposed, with some research finding a significant relationship between endometriosis and early life trauma. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, age, and type of early life trauma in a clinical sample of women with existing diagnosis of endometriosis compared with the prevalence in the general Australian female population.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Participants were recruited from the Multidisciplinary Alfred Psychiatry research centre Women’s Mental Health Clinic (WMHC). Women who self-reported a diagnosis of endometriosis were identified from the WMHC patient database, established in 2017. In patients who reported a presence of early life trauma, information regarding the type and age of the early traumatic experience(s) was recorded. The prevalence of each type of trauma in our participants was compared to the general female population in Australia.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Of 68 included participants, the mean (SD) age was 41.6 (9.7) years. 86.8% of participants (<i>n</i> = 59) reported experience of any early life trauma, most commonly occurring between ages 6–10 (89.8%). The most reported type of trauma was emotional abuse (76.5%). Compared to the general female population, the prevalence of emotional abuse (76.5% vs. 37.3%), neglect (35.3% vs. 10.8%), and sexual abuse (39.7% vs. 37.3%) were higher in our sample.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>The findings of this study found high prevalence rates of early life trauma, in particular emotional abuse and neglect, in our clinical sample of women with endometriosis.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01768-1.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148986939","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Major mental disorders in offspring of mothers with polycystic ovary syndrome","authors":"Fan-Hsuan Kung,&nbsp;Huang-Lung Tsou,&nbsp;Po-Chun Lin,&nbsp;Shih-Jen Tsai,&nbsp;Tzeng-Ji Chen,&nbsp;Tien-Wei Hsu,&nbsp;Mu-Hong Chen,&nbsp;Chih-Sung Liang","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01758-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01758-3","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder linked to metabolic and psychiatric comorbidities. Emerging evidence suggests maternal PCOS may also impact offspring neurodevelopment. This population-based cohort study investigates the association between maternal PCOS and the risk of major psychiatric disorders in offspring, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Using data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database, 8,930 offspring of mothers with PCOS and 89,300 matched controls were followed from birth to 2011. Psychiatric diagnoses were made by board-certified psychiatrists. Cox regression analyses adjusted for demographics and parental psychiatric history were conducted.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Offspring of mothers with PCOS had significantly higher risks of ASD (HR = 1.46), ADHD (HR = 1.39), and depression (HR = 1.36). No significant associations were observed for schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. Findings remained consistent in sensitivity analyses excluding parental psychiatric history.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Maternal PCOS is associated with increased risks of specific psychiatric disorders in offspring, particularly ASD and ADHD. These findings highlight the need for early identification and integrated care approaches that address both maternal metabolic and mental health to mitigate intergenerational psychiatric risks.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148986921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Embodied pathways of recovery: interoceptive change and the reduction of depressive symptoms following Tai Chi in women aged 40–55 years","authors":"Muhammad Suliman,&nbsp;Xinyi Liu,&nbsp;Feiping Yu,&nbsp;Di Zhao,&nbsp;Xiangyu Zhao,&nbsp;Fares Barakat,&nbsp;Gaorong Lv,&nbsp;Meiling Qi,&nbsp;Ping Li","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01760-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01760-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Psychological distress in women is increasingly conceptualized as an embodied phenomenon, in which affective dysregulation is closely intertwined with altered interoception. Mind–body interventions, such as Tai Chi, may influence affective functioning through embodied regulatory processes, particularly interoception, which links bodily signaling with emotional experience. This study examined whether Tai Chi was associated with decreases in depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms among women aged 40–55 years with clinically diagnosed depression and explored interoceptive sensitivity (IS) as a potential embodied mechanism.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>A two-arm quasi-experimental study was conducted among 40 women aged 40–55 years with clinically diagnosed depression who participated in an 8-week Tai Chi intervention or a maintained lifestyle control condition. Depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), and IS (ISQ-20) were assessed at baseline and across five follow-up timepoints. Longitudinal group differences were analyzed using generalized estimating equations, and lagged mediation analyses examined whether earlier changes in IS were associated with subsequent changes in affective symptoms.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Compared with controls, the Tai Chi group demonstrated progressive reductions in depressive symptoms from week 4 and earlier improvements in IS from week 2. Improvements in IS during the mid-to-late intervention stages were associated with subsequent reductions in depressive symptoms, accounting for 23.6% and 35.8% of the total intervention effect. Anxiety symptoms also reduced at later timepoints but were not associated with IS.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>Tai Chi was associated with reductions in depressive and anxiety symptoms alongside progressive changes in interoception. These findings support an embodied perspective of psychological distress and suggest that changes in interoceptive functioning may represent one pathway associated with depressive symptom reduction.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148987015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Correction to: Benzodiazepine exposure during early pregnancy and risk of miscarriage: dose–response, half-life classification, and individual agents","authors":"Tomofumi Ishikawa,&nbsp;Takamasa Sakai,&nbsp;Noriyuki Iwama,&nbsp;Ryo Obara,&nbsp;Kei Morishita,&nbsp;Motohiko Adomi,&nbsp;Tadaharu Kunitoki,&nbsp;Aoi Noda,&nbsp;Mami Ishikuro,&nbsp;Saya Kikuchi,&nbsp;Natsuko Kobayashi,&nbsp;Hiroaki Tomita,&nbsp;Masatoshi Saito,&nbsp;Hidekazu Nishigori,&nbsp;Shinichi Kuriyama,&nbsp;Nariyasu Mano,&nbsp;Taku Obara","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01767-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01767-2","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01767-2.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148987054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mental health burden among survivors of sexual-exploitation trafficking: a global systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression","authors":"Aysu Yıldız Karaahmet,&nbsp;Fatma İlknur Uzun,&nbsp;Shahla Shafaati Laleh","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01764-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01764-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Survivors of trafficking for sexual exploitation endure sustained violence, coercion and isolation, yet the resulting psychiatric burden has not been reliably quantified across global settings. We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of mental-health disorders among survivors, to test whether geographical region, exploitation modality or gender explains variation between studies, and to establish how comprehensively the existing literature reports survivors' help-seeking and the structural determinants of their care.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and Scopus for quantitative studies published between January 2000 and December 2025 reporting mental-health outcomes among survivors of trafficking involving sexual exploitation. Prevalence was pooled using random-effects models; heterogeneity was quantified using I² and τ² and summarised with prediction intervals. Region, exploitation modality and gender were tested as exploratory moderators (PROSPERO CRD420251250797).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Eighteen studies were included. Pooled prevalence was 44.0% for PTSD (95% CI 30.3–58.7; 15 studies), 50.5% for depression (16 studies), 52.3% for anxiety (14 studies) and 19.1% for suicide attempts (4 studies). Heterogeneity was extreme (I² 96.9–98.9%), with correspondingly wide prediction intervals (7.0–89.1% for PTSD). Only region was associated with variation, and only for depression. Two studies reported extractable service-use data; none operationalised structural determinants.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>Around half of survivors meet symptom criteria for PTSD, depression or anxiety, and one in five has attempted suicide, a burden warranting routine screening and sustained trauma-informed care wherever survivors are identified. Wide between-study variation means these figures should guide service planning rather than be read as precise population estimates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148987059","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparing Patient to Provider Perceptions of Birth Trauma: What are We Missing?","authors":"Michelle L Miller,&nbsp;Kylie L Willams,&nbsp;Tiffany R Williams,&nbsp;Cara Berg Raunick,&nbsp;Sarah A Greenwell,&nbsp;Maggie Sullivan,&nbsp;Russell J Ledet,&nbsp;Camila Arnaudo,&nbsp;Kundai Crites,&nbsp;Julian J Spangler,&nbsp;Alissa Conklin","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01763-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01763-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Background</h3><p>Traumatic birth experiences are common and negatively affect the health and wellbeing of the birthing person. Interactions between patients and providers are an important risk factor for experiencing birth as traumatic. The current study investigated both patient and provider perceptions of birth.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Participants (<i>N</i> = 146) were recruited from a mother-baby postpartum recovery unit and asked about birth satisfaction, if they found their birth traumatic (using DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD), and if their providers debriefed with them post-birth. Providers (<i>N</i> = 95, including obstetricians and midwives) were also asked if the birth was traumatic.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>There were 60 participants (41.1%) that experienced birth trauma, yet only two thirds received a debrief from their providers (<i>n</i> = 40, 66.7%). Only 65.9% of providers accurately endorsed their patient’s birth as traumatic. Participants who endorsed birth trauma reported significantly lower satisfaction with their birth experience than those who did not (mean difference = 2.881, <i>t</i> = 7.217 (144), <i>p</i>&lt;.001, CI [2.092, 3.670]). Most participants endorsed that they wanted to be asked whether their birth experience was traumatic, especially those that had experienced birth trauma (81.8%).</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>There is a mismatch between how patients and providers are viewing the same birth experience. Obstetric providers are working with patients when they may be recovering from a traumatic event, creating an ideal opportunity for trauma-informed care. A universal workflow should include briefly discussing birth experiences, especially if the experience was traumatic, with future research focusing on patient and provider outcomes associated with improved conversations.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00737-026-01763-6.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148987061","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prenatal exposure to sedative-hypnotics and the risk of ADHD and ASD in offspring: a nationwide population-based cohort study","authors":"Jing-Yang Huang,&nbsp;Yueh-Pin Lin,&nbsp;Ming‑Hong Hsieh,&nbsp;Ming-Chih Chou,&nbsp;Hua-Pin Chang","doi":"10.1007/s00737-026-01762-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00737-026-01762-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Purpose</h3><p>Sedative-hypnotics are commonly prescribed for anxiety and insomnia during pregnancy; however, concerns persist regarding their potential long-term neurodevelopmental effects on offspring. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the associations between prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines or Z-hypnotics and subsequent diagnoses of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using a restricted cohort design.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>We analyzed nationwide data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance and Birth Registry from 2009 to 2016, restricting the study population to live-born offspring whose mothers had diagnosed insomnia, depression, or anxiety in order to minimize confounding by indication. A total of 25,159 exposed offspring were matched in a 1:2 ratio with 50,318 unexposed controls based on child sex and birth date ± 6 months. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models, with adjustment for maternal comorbidities and sociodemographic factors.</p><h3>Results</h3><p>Among 75,477 mother–child pairs, the crude incidence rates of ADHD were 6.98 and 6.09 per 10,000 person-months in the exposed and unexposed groups, respectively. For ASD, the rates were 1.34 and 1.15, respectively. Following multivariable adjustment, prenatal exposure to sedative-hypnotics was not significantly associated with an increased risk of ADHD (adjusted HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.99–1.18) or ASD (adjusted HR 1.08; 95% CI 0.88–1.32). Associations observed in crude analyses were attenuated after adjusting for maternal psychiatric severity and familial factors.</p><h3>Conclusion</h3><p>These findings suggest that previously reported associations are likely attributable to confounding by indication rather than direct medication effects. However, because the residual confounding inherent to observational designs cannot be entirely ruled out, these findings should be interpreted cautiously. Further studies using designs that explicitly account for covariate timing, medication initiation, and familial confounding are warranted.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":8369,"journal":{"name":"Archives of Women's Mental Health","volume":"29 5","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148975292","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}