Mothers have been found to be an especially emotionally vulnerable population during extreme weather events, particularly in the circumstances of hurricanes due to the addition of evacuation-related stressors and parental responsibilities. Emotional/psychological distress can increase the likelihood of engaging in behaviors that increase health risk.

Hurricane Exposure and Mothers' Health Risk Behaviors

Children exposed to natural disasters prior to being born are an over 5-fold increased risk for anxiety disorders when compared to their non-exposed peers.

Risk of Anxiety Disorders in Preschool-Aged Children Exposed to Natural Disasters In Utero

Children exposed to natural disasters prior to being born are an over 16-fold increased risk for depressive disorders when compared to their non-exposed peers.

Risk of Depressive Disorders in Preschool-Aged Children Exposed to Natural Disasters In Utero

Children exposed to natural disasters prior to being born are an over 3-fold increased risk for depressive disorders when compared to their non-exposed peers.

Risk of Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavioral Disorders in Preschool-Aged Children Exposed to Natural Disasters In Utero

Preschool-aged children exposed to natural disasters in utero have been found to be at substantial risk of developing:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Depressive Disorders
-  Phobias
-  ADHD
- Disruptive Behavior Disorders

Cleveland State University

Growing evidence suggests that stress during pregnancy related to experiencing a natural disaster is associated with the development of psychopathology in preschool-aged children.

Association Between In Utero Exposure to Natural Disasters and Child Behavioral Problems

Nomura, Y., Newcorn, J. H., Ginalis, C., Heitz, C., Zaki, J., Khan, F., Nasrin, M., Sie, K., DeIngeniis, D., &amp; Hurd, Y. L. (2022). Prenatal exposure to a natural disaster and early development of psychiatric disorders during the preschool years: Stress in pregnancy study. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcpp.13698 

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