Study Links Fathers’ Age to Psychiatric and Academic Difficulties in Children

Children born to older fathers are more likely to develop psychiatric disorders and academic disabilities, according to a study.

The researchers from the Indiana University collaborating with Karolinska Institute in Stockholm used data from multiple researches to establish a link between advanced paternal age and mental disorders in childhood.  More than two million children born in Sweden between 1973 and 2001 were involved in the research and were compared with their siblings and cousins to measure incidence of mental and psychiatric problems. It was found that older the fathers' age higher were the chances of autism, bipolar disorders, schizophrenia,  substance abuse, low ID levels and academic difficulties in children.

The findings revealed children born to 45 year-old fathers were 3.5 times more likely to have autism and 13 times likely to get attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to those born to 24-year-old fathers.  These children had 25 times increased chances for bipolar disorder and  2.5 times vulnerability to substance abuse and suicidal behavior during later years.   

Brian D'Onofrio, lead author and associate professor in the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the Indiana University, Bloomington said a press release, "We were shocked by the findings. The specific associations with paternal age were much, much larger than in previous studies. In fact, we found that advancing paternal age was associated with greater risk for several problems,"

 According to authors, men and women choose parenthood during their older years when they are more mature and financially stable.  Previous studies that suggested ideal childbearing age for women as early 20s, focused solely on the implications of maternal age during childbearing on the physical and mental health of their children. The experts believe that although men produce new sperm throughout their lives; each time the DNA in their sperm undergoes mutation caused by exposure to environmental toxins. Sperms of older men have more genetic mutations that may be a reason for psychological and mental health issues.   

D'Onofrio adds, "While the findings do not indicate that every child born to an older father will have these problems, they add to a growing body of research indicating that advancing paternal age is associated with increased risk for serious problems. As such, the entire body of research can help to inform individuals in their personal and medical decision-making."

The research is published in the JAMA.