Risk of postpartum depression and very early child mistreatment among mothers reporting higher autistic traits: Evidence from the Japan Environment and Children's Study

Little is known about how mothers who report higher autistic traits face new parenthood. This study examined the association between antenatal non-clinical and risks of both postpartum depression (PPD) child mistreatment at one-month if these associations were mediated by preexisting social support. Participants included 73,532 singleton without histories psychiatric conditions from Japan Environment Children's Study, a nationwide birth cohort. Autistic measured during second/third trimesters using short-version Autism Quotient-Japanese version. classified into three groups (i.e., typical-range, moderate-range, high-range). PPD was Japanese version Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, while participants self-reported experiences hit or shake child); assessments conducted postpartum. Individual support reported pregnancy. Data analyses through Poisson regressions. A total 7,147 (9.7%) PPD, 12,994 (17.7%) associated with increased risk (adjusted-relative [aRR] =1.74, 95%CI=1.64–1.84 for moderate-range; aRR=2.33, 2.13–2.55 high-range) (aRR=1.19, 1.13–1.24 aRR=1.39, 1.28–1.50 independently confounders. Social 26–31% moderate/high-range (both risks). Self-reported measurements used. Mothers moderate-to-high in general population vulnerable to newborn postpartum, which partially explained lack