Children of Older Men at Greater Risk of Mental Illness Article

Children of Older Men at Greater Risk of Mental Illness - Article Example According to research studies, children with older fathers are at risk for a number of psychiatric conditions. These include autistic disorder, schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder as well as bipolar disorder. Children suffering from such conditions also report to struggle at their schools, have poor learning abilities and impaired cognitive development. Scientists suggest that the increased risk can be explained by the increased number of genetic mutations that build up in the sperms as the men get older. Children of older fathers also had increased risk of having suicidal behavior and drug abuse. These findings were published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry. However, the studies are restricted to comparisons between the siblings and it is difficult to separate the overlapping dimensions of paternal age, children’s age and the order of birth. In many countries, the age of first-time fathers is increasing which is an alarming sign keeping view the current res earchers. The average of men who are first-time fathers in England is 30.8 to 32.6 years which clearly increases the risk of educational, psychiatric and behavioral problems in the children. The article brings to attention a significant aspect of biological science associated with reproduction and conceiving. Being aware of the medical problems our children are at risk is an important aspect for the parents as they are constantly worried about the well-being of their children. The association of increasing age of fathers and the increased risk of psychiatric conditions and behavioral disturbances in children is a resourceful research.