Study Investigates , How Natural Disasters , Impact Children in Utero. According to a new study, children exposed to natural disasters while still in the womb may have higher rates of psychological disorders as adults. 'Newsweek' reports that the findings of the study were published in the 'Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.'. 'Newsweek' reports that the findings of the study were published in the 'Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry.'. The study found that people born after Hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012 were more likely to experience depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders. The study found that people born after Hurricane Sandy hit New York in 2012 were more likely to experience depression, anxiety and attention deficit disorders. The study also identified that the impact differed between the sexes. According to the study, boys were more likely to suffer from attention deficit and disruptive behavior disorders. According to the study, boys were more likely to suffer from attention deficit and disruptive behavior disorders. Girls, on the other hand, were more likely to experience anxiety, phobias and depression. We've known for some time that maternal stress during pregnancy plays a key role in the mental health development of the child, Dr. Yoko Nomura, Principal investigator and psychology professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center, via 'Newsweek'. Understanding these connections and distinctions grows more necessary every day with the increased frequency of natural disasters driven by climate change, Dr. Yoko Nomura, Principal investigator and psychology professor at the City University of New York Graduate Center, via 'Newsweek'. 'Newsweek' reports that the study could help scientists understand the link between exposure to natural disasters in the womb and future risks to children's mental health