Changes in sperm caused by stress may increase risk of depression in children

Changes in routine and the pressure of day to day life are taking a toll on people across the world giving rise to a number of mental health issues. While stress is known to hamper fertility, can it affect the offspring?

Now research has revealed that children born to fathers facing stress are at a higher risk of conditions like depression and PTSD. Although the effects of the environment around a woman during pregnancy on the child are known, the study shows how pressure can alter the DNA of a man’s sperm causing brain development issues in the child.

Understanding how the father’s behaviour and environment impacts a child’s development can help prevent many psychological disorders. The body releases three hormones when under stress which send it into fight or flight mode.

Stress causes changes in the sperm’s genetic material which are linked to mental disorders including PTSD and depression.