Maternal pre- and perinatal depression and the risk of autism spectrum disorders in offspring: systematic review and meta-analysis
Background Studies have reported conflicting findings on the association between maternal pre- and perinatal depression and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring. Aims To examine and consolidate the existing evidence on the association between maternal pre- and perinatal depression and the...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Cambridge University Press
2025-07-01
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| Series: | BJPsych Open |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2056472425000675/type/journal_article |
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| Summary: | Background
Studies have reported conflicting findings on the association between maternal pre- and perinatal depression and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in offspring.
Aims
To examine and consolidate the existing evidence on the association between maternal pre- and perinatal depression and the risk of ASD in children and adolescents.
Method
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO from the database inception to 21 February 2024. A meta-analysis was performed using random-effect models, and summary effect estimates were presented as odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran’s Q and the I
2-statistic test. Additionally, subgroup analysis was conducted to identify the source of potential heterogeneity within the included studies. A funnel plot and Egger’s regression test were employed to evaluate publication bias.
Results
Twelve studies involving over 1.6 million mother–offspring pairs were included in the final analysis. A random-effects meta-analysis of these studies revealed a 52% increased risk (odds ratio 1.52, 95% CI 1.13–1.90) of ASD in the offspring of mothers experiencing pre-pregnancy depression, a 48% increased risk (odds ratio 1.48, 95% CI 1.32–1.64) in those experiencing antenatal depression and a 70% increased risk (odds ratio 1.70, 95% CI 1.41–1.99) in those with postnatal depression.
Conclusions
This systematic review and meta-analysis found that offspring born to mothers with depression before, during and after birth have a higher risk of developing ASD. Our findings underscore the need for early screening and targeted intervention programmes for at-risk children.
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| ISSN: | 2056-4724 |