Epidemiological study indicates link between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome and autism spectrum disorders in offspring

Written by Courtney Johnson

A population-based, matched case–control study conducted at the Karolinska Institutet (Stockholm, Sweden) has determined a potential causal association between maternal polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and an increased risk of development of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) in their offspring. . The findings, which were published recently in Molecular Psychiatry, point to increased prenatal exposure of the child to androgen hormones in mothers with PCOS as a potential mechanism for the relationship. ASDs represent a wide range of neurodevelopmental disorders, involving a complex interplay between genetics and the environment and being characterized by impaired language and social interaction. However, there is as...

To view this content, please register now for access

It's completely free