The impact of critical periods of maternal generalized anxiety disorder on mental health problems in preschoolers: a Brazilian study of young mothers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of critical periods of maternal Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) on mental health problems in preschoolers from a city in Southern Brazil. This cohort study included 328 pregnant adolescents and their children who were assessed in three stages (prepartum, postpartum, and at 4-5 years of age). The Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview Plus (MINI PLUS) was used to assess maternal mental health, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess child mental health. children of mothers with GAD only during pregnancy showed a higher risk of peer relationship problems (IRR: 3.57; p = 0.040) compared to children of mothers with no history of GAD. In turn, children of mothers with GAD only when the child was 4-5 years old had a higher risk of conduct problems (IRR: 2.77; p = 0.001), hyperactivity (IRR: 1.99; p < 0.028), and total problems (IRR: 3.26; p = 0.001) compared to children of mothers with no history of GAD. Maternal GAD at different periods was associated with different child mental health problems, highlighting the need for targeted preventive interventions.