David M Fergusson1, L John Horwood, Joseph M Boden. 1. Christchurch Healthnd Development Study, University of Otago, Christchurch School of Medicine and Health Sciences, PO Box 4345, Christchurch, New Zealand. dm.fergusson@otago.ac.nz
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Research on the links between abortion and mental health has been limited by design problems and relatively weak evidence. AIMS: To examine the links between pregnancy outcomes and mental health outcomes. METHOD: Data were gathered on the pregnancy and mental health history of a birth cohort of over 500 women studied to the age of 30. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding, abortion was associated with a small increase in the risk of mental disorders; women who had had abortions had rates of mental disorder that were about 30% higher. There were no consistent associations between other pregnancy outcomes and mental health. Estimates of attributable risk indicated that exposure to abortion accounted for 1.5% to 5.5% of the overall rate of mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is consistent with the view that abortion may be associated with a small increase in risk of mental disorders. Other pregnancy outcomes were not related to increased risk of mental health problems.
BACKGROUND: Research on the links between abortion and mental health has been limited by design problems and relatively weak evidence. AIMS: To examine the links between pregnancy outcomes and mental health outcomes. METHOD: Data were gathered on the pregnancy and mental health history of a birth cohort of over 500 women studied to the age of 30. RESULTS: After adjustment for confounding, abortion was associated with a small increase in the risk of mental disorders; women who had had abortions had rates of mental disorder that were about 30% higher. There were no consistent associations between other pregnancy outcomes and mental health. Estimates of attributable risk indicated that exposure to abortion accounted for 1.5% to 5.5% of the overall rate of mental disorders. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence is consistent with the view that abortion may be associated with a small increase in risk of mental disorders. Other pregnancy outcomes were not related to increased risk of mental health problems.
Authors: Julia R Steinberg; Thomas M Laursen; Nancy E Adler; Christiane Gasse; Esben Agerbo; Trine Munk-Olsen Journal: JAMA Psychiatry Date: 2018-08-01 Impact factor: 21.596
Authors: Jacques Dayan; Christian Creveuil; Michel Dreyfus; Michel Herlicoviez; Jean-Marc Baleyte; Veronica O'Keane Journal: PLoS One Date: 2010-09-22 Impact factor: 3.240