l need this for school
thanks

PS: are emotions a factor that could lead to this disease?

In Study, Screen Detected Signs of Autism, Other Developmental Problems 75% of the Time

April 28, 2011 — a simple checklist completed by parents can help doctors screen for signs of autism as early as the child’s first birthday, according to new research.

”I am hoping it will become the standard of care,” researcher Karen Pierce, PhD, an assistant professor of neuroscience at the University of San Diego School of Medicine, tells WebMD.

She recently tested the screen, asking 137 pediatricians throughout San Diego County to take part. At the 12-month well baby visit, the doctors asked the parents to answer the 24-item checklist. the questions ask about their child’s emotions, eye gaze, communication, gestures, and other behaviors.

The screen found suspected autism, autism spectrum disorder, language delays, or other developmental problems about 75% of the time, Pierce says.

“One of every four times, it will be wrong,” she says. “The price to pay for that is actually very tiny” compared to the benefit of early intervention.

Currently, 5.7 years is the median age (half older, half younger) at which children receive an autism diagnosis, according to a 2009 study.

About one in 110 children in the U.S. has autism or autism spectrum disorder, a group of developmental disabilities that cause social, behavioral, and communication challenges.

The new study is published online in the Journal of Pediatrics.

Screen for Autism: a Closer Look

The screen used is already published and is available online for free download. it is called the CSBS DP IT checklist (Communication and Symbolic Behavior Scales Developmental Profile Infant-Toddler).

The questionnaire takes about five minutes to complete, Pierce says.

Among the questions:

• Do you know when your child is happy and when your child is upset?
• Does your child do things just to get you to laugh?
• Does your child string sounds together, such as uh oh, mamma, gaga, bye-bye?
• When you call your child’s name, does he/she respond by looking or turning toward you?
• Does your child wave to greet people?
• Does your child smile or laugh while looking at you?

“This is not an autism-specific screen,” Pierce tells WebMD. “It’s a screen to catch autism and other developmental delays.”

The doctors screened 10,479 infants. of them, 1,318 children failed. Pierce evaluated 184 of the children who failed the screen and were evaluated for autism, autism spectrum disorder, language delays, or other developmental delays. the researchers also tracked 41 of the 9,161 children who passed the checklist, who served as a comparison group.

To date, 32 of the children got a final or provisional diagnosis of autism or autism spectrum disorder, which encompasses a wider spectrum of developmental problems. another 46 received a false-positive diagnosis of autism, uncovered with evaluation.

Five babies who tested positive for ASD later no longer met the criteria. Fifty-six were diagnosed with learning disabilities, nine with developmental problems, and 36 with “other” developmental problems.

It is critical, Pierce says, that a doctor who uses the screen has access to a center where he can refer patients for more evaluation.

In 2007, the American Academy of Pediatrics issued a report introducing universal screening for autism at ages 18 months and 24 months.

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These women. these women I love. Fiercely. I have never laid hands on any of these women. Well, about 95% of them. they are my sisters. I only need utter type a few words and they understand EXACTLY what I’m trying to convey. they are passionate, fierce, hilarious. they fight, rally, grieve. they are my fellow Momcologists. We have all have a sick and twisted sense of humor. it is a must have in this world. Never, would we have crossed paths, had it not been for Childhood Cancer. while NOTHING is worth what Gregory and our family have been/are going through, these women make it a safe place to fall. a safe place to show vulnerability. a safe place to share fears and realities. there are moments when my heart is overflowing with the emotions I feel for these women. Every. Last. One. Of. Them. I dream of a time in my life where I can travel, in a luxurious RV and visit these women. See them in the flesh, *fiercely squeeze* them, sit silently in their presence while holding their hand. Knowing we don’t need to speak a word. Knowing that THEY know my heart. I love you, ladies. So much, it often brings me to tears. Thank you for being. Things have been crazy around here. Day in and day out. Anxiously waiting for cold/flu season to be DONE! Anxiously waiting to let my guard down. then…….. We have a goal to get Gregory off his Prednisone by our annual follow-up in June. He is currently at 5mg every other day. in two weeks we go to 4mg. Decreasing by 1mg every two weeks. the thought is that IF he should show any treatable GVH symptoms, it will coincide with his annual follow-up and SCCA will be there to advise us on how to proceed. He has done so well since we upped his Prednisone and switched from Tacrolimus to Sirolimus. I must admit to being nervous about tapering his Sirolimus. I’ve believe, for quite some time now, that the Sirolimus is what has done the trick for Gregory. only time will tell and we will cross that bridge, when we get there. He spent three weeks in March spiking intermittent fevers. Daily. at least twice a day. He had little to no other symptoms. three ER visits and a two night admit. All testing came back negative. my gut tells me it was GVH. His doc also mentioned that it could have been related to his adrenal insufficiency. what ever the cause, it does not alleviate the stress and worry that comes with the symptoms. my mind went crazy trying to figure out what was going on. two of my bigger fears kept racing through my mind. Epstein Bar Virus (Mono) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). He is, and will be, extremely susceptible to these nasty illnesses. the best plan of action for Gregory, is to catch them early and treat them aggressively, when they can be treated. I’ve heard about Chicken Pox running around town. Another deadly virus for Gregory. Which has resulted in keeping him and I extremely isolated. Yes, you could argue that it is better for him to be as “normal” as can be. Yet, here’s my argument: He is still pretty young. I think it is closer to “normal” to be isolated at home, than exposed to whoknowswhat and wind up being admitted for days on end. I also DO NOT want to overly stress his body. We have been decreasing his Prednisone and I want his body to accept these changes in the best possible circumstances. We have the luxury of being able to make these decisions. in the big picture, Gregory has done amazingly well. He’s managed to escape some pretty nasty illnesses that are common in post BMT patients. No big respiratory illnesses and not even a whiff of pneumonia. THAT is my take home. THAT is my “proof” to keep doing what we are doing. We are getting ready to enter the crazy time of the school year. Once Spring break is over the balance of the school year flies by in a flurry of activity. Before you know it, we will be slathering on the sunscreen and sipping beverages, water side. CANNOT WAIT! Gregory returns for his SECOND annual post-BMT follow-up on June 20. We meet with the endocrinologist in July to seriously discuss the addition of Growth Hormone. Dreading THAT appointment. We return to SCCA this year, knowing that Gregory will not have a bone marrow aspirate. while I’m thrilled that he won’t need to add another scar to his backside, the security of KNOWING the condition of his marrow will not be there. He will only have an aspirate if his blood work indicates something wonky is going on. *sigh* Big leap of faith. Gregory’s two lower front teeth are incredibly loose. the new adult teeth are slowly protruding behind them. it takes GREAT restraint to not reach in there and yank those teeth out. He is nervous to lose them and I cannot wait to see a toothless grin. it is evidence that something NORMAL is going on in his body. We have no clue what those adult teeth will look like. Yet, they are making their debut ON TIME! Gregory will be six at the end of June. Oh yeah. GREGORY IS DAY TIME POTTY TRAINED! 100% He was reluctant to begin with. after all, who wants to be bothered with having to STOP what you are doing and use a toilet, when we have a very serviceable alternative called a diaper? He got over that in a couple days and has been rock solid. even at his first day of school with skivies. I’m just crossing my fingers that a decrease in Prednisone and the eventual Sirolimus taper, that he won’t experience copious amounts of loose stool. please, please, please. Still having heartbreaking moments. Grieving with families through death, relapse, “no other treatment options”, severe illnesses post BMT. If you knew how many childhood cancers result in “no other treatment options”………? You’d be shaving with me, too. If you really realized the depth of what we face after treatment…….? You’d be shaving with me, too. will you take my word for it? please! Donate on my noggin. Tomorrow’s future needs us. *Won’t you help me fund a cure? Do it now. Make a donation to fund Childhood Cancer Research. Childhood Cancers are the #1 disease killer of children under the age of 15 — more than asthma, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, and pediatric AIDS combined. 46mommas.com/mindifinch Awareness=>Funding=>Research=>Cures Holding you all close, with a heart bursting with love for my sisters, Mindi ~Momcologist 

Causes of Depression in Men, Women, Elderly and Children

?

From time to time, medical researches have come up with intuitive theories on causes of depression. since the exact cause that prompts depressive illness in an individual is yet to be discovered; medical experts continue to see it as an outcome of multiple causes. Previously, medical researchers stood with the notion that depression is a state of mind that occurs to a human being when he or she faces troubling thoughts or emotions. however, recently, experts began to apprehend that multiple factors work mutually to lead a person to depressed state of mind. These multiple factors have been demarcated under the heading of genetic, biological, and environmental.

Explaining genetic, biological, and environmental factors responsible for causing Depression

Researches have proved that the complaints of depression in females are much more than that in men. Hence, women are more vulnerable to the tendency of getting depressed than men. the most suitable reason for this variation emanates from the source of hormonal factors. These hormonal changes include menstrual cycle variations, pregnancy, abortion or miscarriage, postpartum period, pre-menopause, and menopause. in addition, women have also complained of going through or dealing with unique stressors like single parenthood, abnormally excessive caring attitude for aging parents or their children, responsibilities management both at work and home and more.

A great number of women have shown signs of depression post delivery. During this time, various hormonal and physical changes take place within the body and then the new responsibility of the child lead to postpartum depression. Small periods of low energy and down morale are normal but severe depressive episodes can be problematic and would need intervention. Such cases should be immediately discussed with doctors and sympathetic health care provider. normally, therapy and support from family and friends successfully help the mother to come out of the depression. otherwise, proper treatment should be referred.

Although we have already stated that men are less likely to get depressed, it would be surprising to know that alone in the United States around three to four million men suffer from varying degrees depression. normally, if we keep aside the hormonal changes, men and women suffer from depression due to same set of causes, however, women are less likely to get affected by the emotional causes as compared to men. the main causes of depression in men are consistent deterioration in health, excessive dependence on drugs and alcohol, social seclusion, problems in relationships, separation or divorce, unemployment and considerable changes in living conditions and arrangements.

Why the problem of depression gets more accentuated and lethal in case of men is because men face great problems in admitting it. As they do not accept it, they do not go for diagnose and always escape from treatment and therapy, which eventually deteriorates their condition. Because of this reason only, women gain suicidal tendencies but men actually commit suicides. especially, if they have crossed the age of 65years, the chances of men committing suicide go higher. Some other side effects of depression in men include lethal health problems. also instead of feeling helpless and low like females, men feel irritated, angry and anguished.

Children may suffer from depression for a great number of reasons. Difficult parenthood, school problems, consistent poor performance in studies, consistent humiliation, lack of care, support and love, change in location or environment, loss of friends or parents, and many more reasons can collectively be sum up as causes of depression in children. On getting depressed, children would sulk, feel grouchy, maintain distance from everyone, and create problems in going to school or socializing. Such children should be immediately taken to pediatrician for checking symptoms and then to a recommended doctor to treat diagnose the root cause and treating it.

Elderly people usually do not get victimized to depression. it is believed that since elder citizens have already seen various ups and downs in their life, their chances of getting depressed because of some environmental change does not seem very viable. moreover, almost all older people tend to feel contented with their lives and thus, bear no reason to get depressed.

However at times, depression in elderly men is caused by aging. Because of their poor health, they began to get dependent on their family members for most of their jobs, which infuriates them initially and eventually lead them on the road of depression. when taken to the doctor, these old-aged men and women would initially try to burden it on their weak health and get away from showing their emotions. Such escapism may make diagnosis of depression difficult.

Hence, in such cases, family and friends have to be supportive and caring. also, if the symptoms get severe, sufferer should be taken to the doctor for more focused therapy and treatment. in order to provide treatment for depression in people, it is important to find out the exact cause o the problem. from one major incident to multiple problems, it could be many problems that together can take a person to the depressed state of mind.

Tags: Causes of Depression • Children • Elderly • Men • Women

What Panic Attacks Causes The Body to Do

What Panic Attacks Causes The Body to Do

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what Panic Attacks Causes The Body to Do

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Posted: Jun 29, 2010 |

If you are familiar with panic attacks, then you will know the person usually suffers from physical health problems such as diseases. People who suffers from panic attack lacks mental and emotional strength and are easily tired. our body, mind and soul are inter-related and when our emotions and mental heal are not well, it affects us causing us to fall sick as well. Panic attack causes the body to gets tired easily because our body releases a lot of negative chemicals that are not beneficial to us. other than that, panic attack causes the body to easily catch diseases because our immune system becomes weak.

Some of the physical symptoms that panic attack causes the body to experience includes, rashes, stomach upset, lost of appetite, aches, and pains at the joints. when our body is weak, it produce very little stimulant that helps maintain the immune system.

Panic attacks usually triggers the body alarm system that is known as the fight-or-flight, which is a natural reaction to danger. when it is triggered by the false alarms of panic attacks our body tends to show physical symptoms such as sweating, increase of heart beats, chest pain, nausea and extreme shaking that is hard to control.

Panic attacks affects the nervous system which is why some of the symptoms are not easily controlled. for example shaking and twitching cannot be stopped immediately as it is controlled by the nerves. so the only way to stop it is through going a sequence by calming the nerves so that it stops the shaking.

Internally, panic attacks causes the body to produce more active stimulants that makes the more body more acidic. when this happens, it causes imbalance of pH in the body and the brain. The brain is the central control of our whole being and it very sensitive. if the brain is affected then it will send out wrong messages to the body such as informing of false fears.

When the body receive of the false alarms, it quickly reacts and put up its defense procedure such as increase the adrenaline, heart beats and makes the person very alert and restless. when the danger sent by the brain is false, and the whole body gets worked up, then the person is being very alert of a danger that is actually not true.

This condition is what usually happens to the person who experience panic attacks and it is why the cognitive behavior technique(CBT) teaches the method that heals from the thoughts pattern because it all starts from the brain.You can learn more about the available CBT programs that are available to not just manage panic attacks but to cure from it.

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Does a panic attack ( shortness of breath) cause one to bring up a mucus like phlem? what if I have a certain trigger to a panic attack that is impossible to get rid of, and I can’t get medication for it? I am so stressed i am having aggressive outbursts,constant insomnia,diarrhea,crying,panic attacks and a feeling of going mad,can you help this has been going on for a year ! Feel am going to explode

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It may sound surprising that a simple touch or a massage can ease certain illnesses, but it’s essentially true.

For countless generations of people, a loving touch or a massage has been utilised as a traditional healing method by many different cultures because it is safe, efficient, cost-effective, and has no side effects.

Santi Juntawan, an occupational therapist at Manarom Hospital, said that touch is one of the five basic senses every human possesses – the other four senses are vision, hearing, taste, and smell.

“Touch is the first sense to develop since we’re in the womb, and the last sense that we use before dying. It is essential to health and the well being of every human’s emotions, as well as physical and mental development,” he added.

WHAT ABOUT HEARING?

According to Santi, touch therapy massage deploys human hands for the healthy healing of the body as it has been proved that all living creatures need tender touch to thrive and grow.

Numerous studies have also confirmed how much touch can influence people. Students who received supportive touch on the back or arm from a teacher were nearly twice as likely to volunteer in class compared to those who were not. And a sympathetic touch from a doctor left patients with the impression that their visit lasted twice as long, compared with those who were not touched. Besides, getting a massage from a loved one has been proven to not only ease pain but also reduce depression and strengthen the relationship.

There are many forms of touch, including a warm hand on the shoulder or a gentle touch on the arm. For babies, hugging, caressing and even breastfeeding serve to pass warmth from the parent to the offspring.

A massage, which is also a natural touch therapy, helps infants to grow and develop. Toddlers who have been deprived of the human touch will show a lack of development and their metabolism rate will be badly affected. Apart from these benefits, touch therapy can also relieve other illnesses like infections, diabetes and heart failure, as it helps enhance the immune function.

“What I’ve mentioned here is not a common touch or a touch for the purpose of medical examination, but a touch where a therapist passes love, care and concern to the patients sincerely and willingly,” he said.

WHAT ARE CLASSIFIED AS TOUCH THERAPIES?

According to Santi, touch therapies involve three main methods as follows:

1. Touch refers to the use of a hand or finger to gently make contact or lightly tap a person’s body, such as holding hands, giving a back rub or touching the shoulder, as well as hugging or putting your arms around someone.

2. Pressure involves the use of hands to press down on troubled spots on the body.

3. Deep stroke is a combination of pressure and massage stroke on a patient’s body, sometimes with the use of oils, lotions or creams to reduce friction and provide maximum glide. Therapy massage should always be given gently and not in a hurried manner. Santi also explained that therapeutic touch therapy massage helps to invoke relaxation, reduce stress, boost blood circulation and ease muscle pain.

“When being massaged, your body will relax and release endorphins – which are hormones that help to relieve pain,” he said.

WHO BENEFITS FROM TOUCH THERAPY?

According to Santi, touch therapies can efficiently benefit the following groups of people:

Studies show that newborn infants who are given massages will gain weight crucial for survival and appear more cheerful. Their stress hormone will decrease and the infant will cry less, become more active and show considerable improvement in cognitive, physical and social development.

Not only massages, but hugs, caressing them or gentle strikes to certain parts of the body can also help to stop babies from crying, particularly when they can feel the warmth of the parents’ chests.

The changes are clearly observed, especially in prematurely born babies, as they will have increased weight, and improved muscle skills after getting massages. most importantly, it shortens the time that infants have to stay in the hospital.

PHOTOS: YINGYONG UN-ANONGRAK

- Children with asthma

Children suffering from asthma who were given proper massages will show less anxiety, and be in a more cheerful mood. most importantly, their symptoms also seem to improve – and they can breathe more easily with a decreased level of the stress hormone, cortisol.

- Psychiatric patients

Mentally ill patients is another group that evidently benefit from touch or a massage. Patients who are regularly given this type of therapy will show a reduction in stress hormones, such as cortisol and noradrenaline. As a result, the patients will feel relaxed and calmer.

- Those with infected wounds

Gentle pressure or massaging around the infected area will help stimulate blood circulation and boost the function of white blood cells, thus help the wound to gradually recover.

Santi also noted that touch will stimulate the nerves that control the function of muscles or tissues, and the change in hormones produced by the pituitary gland, which help boost the immune function, will boost a person’s immunity. the release of endorphins, for example, will ease stress levels that may appear while patients are ill. when stress is decreased, the body will be able to gradually recover the immunity system to a normal level.

“Apart from physical effects, touch also offers emotional and psychological benefits as the care and attention given to the patients will make them feel better,” he said.

Touch therapy can help ease stress and worry of the elderly. For those with certain kinds of illnesses, the therapy helps them to quickly recover both physically and mentally. the ageing persons will feel better and more comforted as we pass on our love and care through our gentle touch.

- the carers themselves

Touching is mutually beneficial for both the giver and the recipient. the Touch Research Institute in the US reported in a study that in 20 children with leukaemia who were given daily massages by their parents improved their condition. after one month, the parents’ depressed mood decreased and the children’s white blood cells increased.

In another study of elderly volunteers who were trained to give massages to infants, the seniors reported to experience improved mood with less anxiety, and decreased levels of stress hormones after three weeks.

Within the family, an exchange of touch between family members or couples can improve domestic relationships. Sharing of hug, or giving a loved one a back rub serves as a passage for people to show their love and care for each other. It can also result in a more satisfying relationship, as well as result in a warm, relaxing feeling that leads to greater trust between two people.

WHAT KINDS OF TOUCH THERAPIES FIT DIFFERENT GROUPS OF PATIENTS?

Santi said patients respond differently to different kinds of touch therapies. Some respond better to gentle touch, while others only significantly recover after receiving deep, long strokes during a massage.

“Some of the patients don’t like to be touched. So holding hands would be more appropriate for them. however, for some who prefer a hard massage with a lot of pressure, a deep stroke would then be applied,” said Santi.

He also noted that some children suffering from attention deficit disorder may not particularly like being touched or given a massage.

“The treatment for this group should start with a gentle strike, until they become familiar with the touch, then we may spend longer time on skin contact, before developing into a closer form of touch, such as hugging,” he said.

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Posted on: Tuesday, 14 December 2010, 08:22 CST

(Ivanhoe Newswire) – The cocktail of hormones running through a depressed mother’s body may play a major role in the development of their baby’s brain, according to this University of Michigan led study.

A higher level of depression in mothers during pregnancy was associated with higher levels of stress hormones in their children at birth, along with other neurological and behavioral differences.

“The two possibilities are that they are either more sensitive to stress and respond more vigorously to it, or that they are less able to shut down their stress response,” the study’s lead investigator, Delia M. Vazquez, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School, was quoted as saying.

The study looked at links between maternal depression and the development of the infants’ neuroendocrine system, which controls the body’s stress response, moods, and emotions.

When the babies were only two weeks old researchers found that the children of depressed mothers had lower muscle tone compared to those born to mothers who weren’t depressed, but they adjusted more quickly to stimuli like a bell, rattle, or light- a sign of neurological maturity.

“It’s difficult to say to what extent these differences are good or bad, or what impact they might have over a longer time frame,” the study’s lead author, Sheila Marcus, M.D., clinical director of U-M’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section was quoted as saying.

“We’re just beginning to look at these differences as part of a whole collection of data points that could be risk markers,” Marcus explained. “These in turn would identify women who need attention during pregnancy or mother/infant pairs who might benefit from postpartum programs known to support healthy infant development through mom/baby relationships.”

Along with tracking the mothers’ depressive symptoms throughout gestation, researchers took samples of umbilical cord blood right after birth. they found elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in babies born to mothers with depression. ACTH tells the adrenal gland to produce the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol levels, however, were similar in children of mothers with varying levels of depression, likely an indication of the high level of stress associated with the birth itself, the researchers note.

The bigger question is the degree to which the hormonal environment of the uterus acts as a catalyst for processes that alter infant gene expression, neuroendocrine development, and brain circuitry. These could set the stage for increased risk for later behavioral and psychological disorders. The researchers recommended that mothers experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy talk to a therapist. they also noted that interventions aimed and mother-child bonding after birth can act as countermeasures, stimulating children’s neurological development and lowering the possible effects of stress hormone production early in life.

Post-partum depression is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and up to 1 in 5 women may experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy.The impact of mothers’ depression on fetuses and newborns has generated a considerable amount of research in recent years. Previous studies have shown that babies born to women with severe depression may be more likely to be born prematurely or underweight, have diminished hand-to-mouth coordination and be less cuddly.

SOURCE: Infant Behavior and Development, published online December 13, 2010

Source: Ivanhoe Newswire

More News in this Category

ScienceDaily (Dec. 9, 2010) — The cocktail of hormones cascading through depressed mothers’ bodies may play an important role in the development of their unborn children’s brains.

A higher level of depression in mothers during pregnancy was associated with higher levels of stress hormones in their children at birth, as well as with other neurological and behavioral differences, a University of Michigan-led study found.

"The two possibilities are that they are either more sensitive to stress and respond more vigorously to it, or that they are less able to shut down their stress response," says the study’s lead investigator, Delia M. Vazquez, M.D., a professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the University of Michigan Medical School.

The analysis, which appears online ahead of print publication in Infant Behavior and Development, examined links between maternal depression and the development of an infants’ neuroendocrine system, which controls the body’s stress response, as well as moods and emotions.

At two weeks old, researchers found that the children of depressed mothers had decreased muscle tone compared to those born to mothers who weren’t depressed, yet they adjusted more quickly to stimuli like a bell, rattle or light — a sign of neurological maturity.

"It’s difficult to say to what extent these differences are good or bad, or what impact they might have over a longer time frame," says the study’s lead author, Sheila Marcus, M.D., clinical director of U-M’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section.

"We’re just beginning to look at these differences as part of a whole collection of data points that could be risk markers. These in turn would identify women who need attention during pregnancy or mother/infant pairs who might benefit from postpartum programs known to support healthy infant development through mom/baby relationships."

The longer-term question for researchers is the degree to which the hormonal environment in the uterus may act as a catalyst for processes that alter infant gene expression, neuroendocrine development and brain circuitry — potentially setting the stage for increased risk for later behavioral and psychological disorders.

While cautioning against alarm, the researchers recommended that mothers experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy talk to a therapist. They also noted that interventions aimed and mother-child bonding after birth can act as countermeasures, stimulating children’s neurological development and lowering the possible effects of stress hormone production early in life.

Post-partum depression is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and up to 1 in 5 women may experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

Along with tracking the mothers’ depressive symptoms throughout gestation, U-M researchers took samples of umbilical cord blood right after birth. They found elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in babies born to mothers with depression. ACTH tells the adrenal gland to produce the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol levels, however, were similar in children of mothers with varying levels of depression, likely an indication of the high level of stress associated with the birth itself, the researchers note.

The impact of mothers’ depression on fetuses and newborns has generated a considerable amount of research in recent years. Previous studies have shown that babies born to women with severe depression may be more likely to be born prematurely or underweight, have diminished hand-to-mouth coordination and be less cuddly.

Methodology: The study was done on a population of 154 pregnant women, who were over the age of 20, had no plans to move in the 2-year study period, no adoption plans, no chronic medical conditions or medications that would impact the study, no substance abuse issues, no eating disorders and no bipolar illness. The mothers’ depressive symptoms were assessed at 28, 32 and 37 weeks of gestation and again at birth. From their scores, the women were placed into three groups: low, intermediate and high depression. Blood samples were taken from the infants’ umbilical cords at birth to measure ACTH and cortisol levels. At two weeks, the infants were given a neurobehavioral evaluation that assessed items like response to stimuli, motor skills and response to stress. Statistical analyses were then done to look for patterns within and among the groups.

Additional U-M authors: Juan F. Lopez, M.D.; Susan McDonough, Ph.D., M.S.W.; Heather Flynn, Ph.D.; Brenda Volling, Ph.D.; Niko Kaciroti, Ph.D.

Other authors: Michael J. MacKenzie, Columbia University; Charles R. Neal Jr., University of Hawaii; Sheila Gahagan, University of California, San Diego.

Funding: National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, U-M Depression Center and Department of Psychology.

Email or share this story:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted (with editorial adaptations by ScienceDaily staff) from materials provided by University of Michigan Health System.

Journal Reference:

1. Sheila Marcus, Juan F. Lopez, Susan McDonough, Michael J. MacKenzie, Heather Flynn, Charles R. Neal Jr., Sheila Gahagan, Brenda Volling, Niko Kaciroti, Delia M. Vazquez. Depressive symptoms during pregnancy: Impact on neuroendocrine and neonatal outcomes. Infant Behavior and Development, 2010; DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2010.07.002

Note: If no author is given, the source is cited instead.

Disclaimer: this article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

By Rick Nauert PhD Senior News EditorReviewed by John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on December 10, 2010

Fetal development is influenced by a wealth of factors, including maternal depression. University of Michigan researchers have found that more severe depression in mothers during pregnancy was linked to higher levels of stress hormones in their children at birth and other neurological and behavioral differences.

“The two possibilities are that they are either more sensitive to stress and respond more vigorously to it, or that they are less able to shut down their stress response,” says the study’s lead investigator, Delia M. Vazquez, M.D.

The analysis, which appears online ahead of print publication in Infant Behavior and Development, examined links between maternal depression and the development of an infants’ neuroendocrine system, which controls the body’s stress response and impacts moods and emotions.

At two weeks old, researchers found that the children of depressed mothers had decreased muscle tone compared to those born to mothers who weren’t depressed, yet they adjusted more quickly to stimuli like a bell, rattle or light – a sign of neurological maturity.

“It’s difficult to say to what extent these differences are good or bad, or what impact they might have over a longer time frame,” says the study’s lead author, Sheila Marcus, M.D., clinical director of U-M’s Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Section.

“We’re just beginning to look at these differences as part of a whole collection of data points that could be risk markers. These in turn would identify women who need attention during pregnancy or mother/infant pairs who might benefit from postpartum programs known to support healthy infant development through mom/baby relationships.”

The longer-term question for researchers is the degree to which the hormonal environment in the uterus may act as a catalyst for processes that alter infant gene expression, neuroendocrine development and brain circuitry – potentially setting the stage for increased risk for later behavioral and psychological disorders.

While cautioning against alarm, the researchers recommended that mothers experiencing symptoms of depression during pregnancy talk to a therapist.

They also noted that interventions aimed at mother-child bonding after birth can act as countermeasures, stimulating children’s neurological development and lowering the possible effects of stress hormone production early in life.

Postpartum depression is one of the most common complications of pregnancy and up to 1 in 5 women may experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy.

Along with tracking the mothers’ depressive symptoms throughout gestation, U-M researchers took samples of umbilical cord blood right after birth. They found elevated levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in babies born to mothers with depression. ACTH tells the adrenal gland to produce the stress hormone cortisol.

Cortisol levels, however, were similar in children of mothers with varying levels of depression, likely an indication of the high level of stress associated with the birth itself, the researchers note.

Source: University of Michigan

Is it effected much like an ulcer does the stomach with worry. is it a symptom of emotional disorder and the result of eating improperly? is this how diabetes develops?

I don't believe there is much evidence to support your argument that the pancreas is adversely affected by your emotions. I don't believe that pancreatic cancer, which is one of the most deadly forms of cancer, is psychosomatic.

The health of the pancreas depends on many factors very rarely psychosomatic. the pancreas can be affected by viral or bacterial infections (pancreatitis) or neoplasia (tumors) benign and malign. Diabetes is a genetic-related disorder whereby some groups of pancreatic cells (Islets of Langerhans) stop producing the glucose reducing hormone insulin. Diabetes appears earlier due to bad eating habits but these certainly are not the principal factor.Emotional problems indeed can lead to the formation of gastric ulcers.