Friday, October 11, 2013

Brain Eating Zombie of the Day

Rebecca M. Pearson

Depression During Pregnancy Increases a Child’s Risk of Mood Disorders
While shared genetic risk is one potential explanation, Pearson said the physiological consequences of depression experienced by the mother can pass through the placenta and may influence the fetus' brain development. 
Ummm, there is nothing in your data that supports that conclusion.   A shared risk of hyperinsulinemia explains all of that.   Pregnancy amplifies insulin production even more.
Not to mention susceptibility to Strep infection is also heritable and pregnancy increases those too.
“We really don't want to scare pregnant women or make them feel guilty," Pearson said. "Nonetheless, the message is to prioritize your own mental state and seek help early in pregnancy if you are feeling low, both for your own sake and for your baby.”
Clever.   Deny your agenda while promoting it.   Downright Rovian.
Treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy—a kind of talk therapy—have been shown to help women with depression without the risk of side effects that comes with some psychoactive medications.
Cough-Bullshit-Cough.
It's completely ineffective in altering insulin levels.  Or infection levels  Or any other physiological mechanism.   STFU.