WASHINGTON — They are born way too small, and now there is evidence that tiny babies who often fight for physical survival may face a higher incidence of psychiatric problems as adults.
Canadian researchers at McMaster University say while preemies are at lower risk for alcohol and substance abuse, they have a higher risk of things like depression, anxiety and attentive deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
Their study involved 84 adults who were born weighing less than two pounds, two ounces and 90 others who were normal weight at birth. All were born in Ontario between 1977 and 1982.
The researchers say by the time they were in their early 30s, the preemies were more than two and a half times more likely to develop a mental disorder, and nearly three times less likely to have alcohol and substance abuse problems.
And if they were given a life-saving regimen of steroids before birth, the risk of mental issues was even higher, and they lost their protection against alcohol and substance-use disorders.
The study authors say they hope their findings will encourage the medical community to keep a lookout for problems preemies may face down the road, clearing the way to more effective detection and treatment.
The results appeared in the journal Pediatrics.
