From mother to child: Transmission and treatment of mental illness during pregnancy

This dissertation investigates the impact of psychiatric disorders in mothers during pregnancy on both the biological stress regulation of the mother and child, as well as the parent-child relationship. Psychiatric disorders such as depression, anxiety, and personality disorders can not only affect the well-being of the mother but also pose risks to the physical and socio-emotional development of the child. The dissertation focuses on the stress system as a potential biological link in the transgenerational transmission of vulnerability.
The first part examines the functioning of the stress system in mothers with psychiatric problems, measuring cortisol in saliva and hair from both mothers and their children. The results suggest that increased stress response in depressed mothers during pregnancy is associated with less reduction of depressive symptoms after childbirth. In mothers with childhood trauma, a connection was found between these early experiences and cortisol levels in hair from both mothers and their children, suggesting long-term and transgenerational effects of trauma.
The second part of the dissertation explored the impact of personality disorders in mothers on attachment to their children. Children of mothers with personality disorders were more likely to exhibit insecure attachment. However, a study on a group treatment for these women during pregnancy showed positive results in improving psychological functioning and the parent-child relationship.
The findings of this research indicate that psychopathology affects both mother and child during pregnancy. Early intervention is essential for promoting well-being of both the mother and child, as well as breaking the transgenerational transmission of vulnerability.