Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 5, 2026

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
19:15

Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale

Published on: August 25, 2014

Serial pediatric symptom checklist screening in children with prenatal drug exposure

Toni M Whitaker1, Henrietta S Bada, Carla M Bann

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Boling Center for Developmental Disabilities, University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Memphis, TN 38105, USA. twhitaker@uthsc.edu

Journal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics : JDBP
|January 5, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Children with prenatal drug exposure showed more behavioral problems on the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC). Early screening results predicted later outcomes, highlighting the need for mental health support in this high-risk group.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychology
  • Developmental Neuroscience
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Prenatal substance exposure is a significant concern affecting child development.
  • Longitudinal studies are crucial for understanding the long-term behavioral impacts of prenatal drug exposure.
  • Early identification of behavioral issues in children with prenatal exposure is vital for timely intervention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate serial annual behavioral screening results in children with prenatal drug exposure.
  • To compare behavioral outcomes between children with and without prenatal cocaine exposure (PCE).
  • To assess the predictive value of early behavioral screens for later outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Longitudinal assessment of 1081 children from birth using the Maternal Lifestyle Study.
  • Annual caregiver ratings using the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) from ages 8 to 12.
  • Statistical analysis comparing PSC scores between children with and without PCE, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • Children with PCE exhibited significantly higher PSC scores and more positive screens for behavioral problems.
  • Externalizing behavior problems were more prevalent in children with PCE.
  • Prenatal and postnatal tobacco exposure also correlated with higher PSC scores.
  • Early PSC results effectively predicted later behavioral outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Children with prenatal substance exposure demonstrate increased behavioral concerns.
  • Serial screening using the PSC can identify children needing further mental health evaluation.
  • Enhanced attention to mental health identification is warranted for this high-risk population.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes05:13

Preclinical Model of Prenatal Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol Exposure to Assess Its Impact on Neurodevelopmental Outcomes

Published on: February 28, 2025

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis05:52

Handwriting Analysis Indicates Spontaneous Dyskinesias in Neuroleptic Naïve Adolescents at High Risk for Psychosis

Published on: November 21, 2013

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder01:30

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. It affects approximately 5-8% of children globally, with around 60-70% of cases persisting into adulthood. ADHD has significant implications for educational attainment, social interactions, and occupational success.
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings.
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses a challenge in...
Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.