Low birth weight may increase odds of later psychiatric disorders

People with lower birth weights had a significantly increased likelihood of developing nine of 12 mental health disorders -- depression, autism, anxiety, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol abuse, drug use, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and violent crimes -- compared with their siblings with higher birth weights, Swedish researchers reported in JAMA Psychiatry. The findings also showed a significant link between every 1 kg increase in birth weight and reduced anxiety, neurodevelopmental and general psychopathology scores.   MedPage Today (free registration)