Professor Anqi Qiu

Towards Precision Mental Health in Early Life

Abstract

This talk explores how fetal programming - the process by which in utero experiences shape lifelong development - lays the foundation for mental health in early life. We examine how maternal psychological stress during pregnancy influences fetal brain development and increases susceptibility to later psychopathology. Drawing on findings from a large longitudinal birth cohort, we highlight the dynamic interplay between maternal mental health, genetic factors, and early environmental exposures in shaping child brain structure and function. By integrating neuroimaging, molecular, and behavioral data, we illustrate how early-life biological signatures of risk can be identified before clinical symptoms emerge. Finally, we present advances in AI-driven predictive modeling for the early detection of mental health vulnerability and discuss emerging precision intervention strategies aimed at fostering resilience and optimizing developmental outcomes. Together, these insights chart a path toward precision mental health in early life, where individualized risk profiling and targeted prevention can transform child mental health care.