Early maternal separation may cause long-term hyperactivity and anxiousness

Early separation from their mothers results in long-term anxiety and hyperactivity in mice, a report in the BMC Neuroscience journal explains. Researchers are analyzing how childhood neglect affects a child in the future.

For this study, analysis of 80 male mice took place. Knowing childhood neglect is widespread worldwide, researchers created a process to address this significant problem.

MSEW, or maternal separation with early weaning, may create long-lasting, adverse effects for children.

For the study, mice experienced maternal separation up to 4 hours each day, on the second, third, fourth, and fifth days after being born. The same mice were subject to separation for 8 hours per day, from day 6 to day 16 after birth.

After experiencing this treatment, mice were anxious and hyperactive when compared to animals in the control group. Mice were measured by maze, open field, and forced swim tests.

Body weight levels were more-or-less the same, proving no nutritional deficiency was involved.

Researchers explain this study as a valid evaluation of the effects caused by maternal separation.