IMPACT OF ADOLESCENT PREGNANCY ON MATERNAL PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT AND RISK OF MENTAL DISORDERS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56238/levv16n55-017Keywords:
Pregnancy in Adolescence, Mental Disorders, Maternal Health, Psychological DevelopmentAbstract
Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy represents a complex public health challenge associated with biological vulnerability, socioeconomic disadvantage, and increased susceptibility to psychological distress. Early pregnancy can disrupt neurodevelopmental trajectories, intensify emotional instability, and heighten exposure to adverse childhood experiences, all of which may shape long-term maternal mental health.
Objective: The main objective of this systematic review was to evaluate the impact of adolescent pregnancy on maternal psychological development and the onset or worsening of mental disorders. Secondary objectives included assessing associations with depression, anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, parenting stress, and long-term psychiatric outcomes.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ICTRP. Eligible studies included observational or interventional research evaluating mental health outcomes in pregnant adolescents or adolescent mothers. Inclusion criteria comprised studies published in the last five years, with expansion to ten years if fewer than ten eligible articles were available. Human studies were prioritized; animal and in vitro studies were considered only for mechanistic insights. Data extraction followed PRISMA guidelines, and risk of bias was assessed through RoB 2, ROBINS-I, and QUADAS-2, with certainty of evidence evaluated using GRADE.
Results and Discussion: A total of 18 studies were included in the final review. The evidence consistently showed heightened rates of depressive symptoms, anxiety disorders, trauma exposure, impaired emotional regulation, and intergenerational psychosocial stress among adolescent mothers. Neurodevelopmental immaturity, socioeconomic adversity, and limited access to support services were recurrent mediators across studies.
Conclusion: Adolescent pregnancy is strongly associated with increased vulnerability to mental health disorders and impaired psychological development. The findings highlight the need for integrated screening, targeted psychosocial interventions, and multidisciplinary follow-up strategies. Improved mental health support during pregnancy and postpartum may mitigate long-term psychiatric consequences in this high-risk population.
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