Psychiatric Evaluation of Children Born with Assisted Reproductive Technologies and Their Mothers: A Clinical Study

Background: The number of parents who have children through assisted reproductive technologies (ART) is increasing. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to evaluate the psychiatric diagnostic profiles and behavioral characteristics of children born after ART as well as to evaluate the anxiety and depressive symptoms in their mothers. Methods: Thirty-five children (13 girls and 22 boys) born after ART (ART group) were compared with 35 naturally conceived children, matched for gender and age (control group). The Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th. Edition (DSM-IV) criteria and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) were used for evaluation of the children. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for evaluating their mothers.. Results: The most common psychiatric diagnoses were attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, pervasive developmental disorders and anxiety disorders in both groups. Feeding disorders were significantly more frequent in children born following ART than in controls. Mothers of ART group had higher scores in BDI and STAI. Between both groups, there was a statistically significant difference in some CBCL subscales (e.g. withdrawn, social problems, internalizing and externalizing problems). Conclusion: It is important to know that children born after ART may have some behavioral and psychiatric problems and working with their mothers’ psychologicalstatus is also important. (Arc-hi-ves of Neu-ropsy-chi-atry 2013; 50: 59-64)