India, April 17 -- A new Yale study shows how the timing of depression in mothers and fathers affects mental health in their adult children. This includes influences on depression, anxiety, and psychotic disorders.

A research team led by Kieran O'Donnell, PhD, at Yale School of Medicine (YSM) found that pregnancy is a sensitive period, and exposure to high levels of maternal depression during pregnancy alone is associated with increased risk of psychosis in adult offspring. The findings highlight the importance of adequate mental health support during pregnancy.  

The effects of maternal depression on adult symptoms of depression were detected across childhood, as well as during preg...