Father's age may increase risk of psychiatric disorders in child

For years, psychiatric disorders that developed in children have been linked to the mother’s genes. But growing evidence now seems to suggest that a number of factors in fathers play a larger role in the development of psychiatric issues in their offspring.

A new study published Wednesday in JAMA Psychiatry found that children who are born to fathers older than age 45 may be at higher risk for disorders like autism, ADHD, psychosis, and bipolar disorder compared to children born to younger fathers. They also tend to do worse in academics, be involved in drugs, and attempt suicide, the study conducted by researchers in Sweden found.