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London (pte046/04.07.2005/16:08) - A new study done by epidemiologists from the University of Bristol and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine shows that Babys born at full term weighing under 2.5 kg are 50 per cent more likely to suffer from psychological stresses later in life.
The study was based on the analysis of 5572 mental health questionnaires that were sent to adults aged between 45 and 51, who were part of a 1950s child development study.
Lead researcher Nicola Wiles http://www.medici.bris.ac.uk/staff/member/staff.html?person_code=136533 explained: "Even when we adjusted for factors such as social status, IQ, and childhood behavioural problems, we found a strong, direct link between those born small and those reporting depression as adults."
"It seems that restricted growth is having a delayed psychological effect," she added, also saying that some biological mechanism that occurs before birth may leave low-birthweight Babys vulnerable to depression and anxiety. Low birthweight, however, is one factor of many in regards to depression, which is a complex illness.
The average weight of a baby at birth is 3.4 kg, of which 25 per cent accounts for the head. When the baby is born the brain is already one-quarter of its adult size; the body being only 5 per cent of its eventual size.
Increasing data shows that mood disorders have something to do with low weight at birth. Other illnesses include learning problems, diabetes and other diseases.
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