Exposure to Smoking Before Birth Increases Risk of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Children may have an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) when they smoke during pregnancy, according to a study published in the journal Science. Addiction and led by the University of Bristol.
Some studies have shown that maternal smoking during pregnancy can contribute to ADHD in children; however, it remains unclear from those studies whether this reflects a true causal effect or is the result of confounding factors such as socioeconomic position, education, income, and maternal age. This new review attempts to answer that question.
‘Scientists have shown that maternal smoking before birth is associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children but are unlikely to be the cause of it.’
The review reviewed 46 previous studies that assessed the association between maternal prenatal smoking and a diagnosis of ADHD in children. The special assessment includes studies that account for genetic effects, in addition to conventional approaches.
Some of these studies have a low risk of bias (meaning they are unlikely to produce biased results) and may account for genetic effects. Those studies show that Common genetics plays an important role in the association of ADHD in children with prenatal smoking. This is supported by a previous systematic review based on genetically informed designs that also concluded that the association between maternal prenatal smoking and ADHD is explained by genetics. common transmission.
Lead author, Dr Elis Haan, Honorary Research Associate at the Bristol School of Psychological Science, said: “Our systematic review found no causal effect between prenatal maternal smoking and the diagnosis of ADHD in the child. However, pregnant women should still be advised not to smoke during pregnancy.” during pregnancy, because prenatal smoking has deleterious effects on other health outcomes for the baby.”
Source: Eurekalert
