Prenatal determinants of schizophrenia: what we have learned thus far?

Epidemiol Psichiatr Soc. 2005 Oct-Dec;14(4):194-7. doi: 10.1017/s1121189x00007946.

Abstract

The Prenatal Determinants of Schizophrenia (PDS) study was designed to examine early antecedents to schizophrenia. Based in the Child Health and Development Study cohort assembled in 1959-1967, over 12,000 cohort members were followed in the PDS study for psychiatric disorders. Using the extensive data and biological samples prospectively collected beginning during pregnancy, PDS investigators have examined the influence of prenatal exposures on risk of schizophrenia in adulthood. Here we describe a few key findings from the PDS with respect to prenatal infection, nutrition, and toxic exposures.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Maternal Behavior / physiology
  • Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Pregnancy
  • Prenatal Diagnosis*
  • Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects
  • Prospective Studies
  • Schizophrenia / diagnosis*
  • Schizophrenia / etiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers