Children Born to Older Fathers may be at Increased Risk for Mental Issues

A recent study shows that children born to older fathers may be at a higher risk to suffer from various psychiatric problems and learning issues.

Based on data from more than 2 million children born in Sweden, they discovered that those born to fathers aged 45 and older were more likely to encounter such problems as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, bipolar disorder and even schizophrenia, along with attempted suicide and drug abuse.

For the study, researchers collected data on approximately 2.6 million children born in Sweden from 1973 to 2001. Those who were born to fathers 45 and up were twice as likely to have a psychotic disorder, 25 times more likely to suffer from symptoms of bipolar disorder and close to 2.5 times more likely to be a victim of drug abuse or attempted suicide.

Researchers find this particularly worrisome as both men and women are starting families later in life.

"We were shocked by the findings," said lead researcher Brian D'Onofrio, an associate professor in the department of psychological and brain sciences at Indiana University, via Live Science. "The specific associations with paternal age were much, much larger than in previous studies."

However, D'Onofrio notes that most older fathers should not be alarmed about their children.

"We are not saying that all children born to older fathers will have psychiatric or educational problems," D'Onofrio said, via Health Day. "Rather, the study found that advancing paternal age at childbearing is associated with greater risk for serious problems," he said. "As such, the study adds to a growing body of research that suggests families, doctors and society as a whole must consider both the pros and cons of delaying childbearing."

Dr. Andrew Adesman, chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Children's Medical Center of New York, adds that "Age seems to have some adverse impact in terms of increasing the risk of children having developmental problems. But age is just one of many factors that couples need to consider when planning a family."

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the JAMA Psychiatry.