Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 20, 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

Smoking during pregnancy and psychiatric disorders in preschoolers

Lise Carol Ellis1, Turid Suzanne Berg-Nielsen, Stian Lydersen

  • 1NTNU Social Science, Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway. lise.ellis@gmail.com

European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|July 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Smoking during pregnancy increases the risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) in 4-year-olds. These findings indicate a significant association between prenatal smoking and childhood behavioral issues.

Area of Science:

  • Child Psychiatry
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Maternal smoking during pregnancy is a significant public health concern.
  • Potential links between prenatal smoke exposure and offspring psychiatric disorders require further investigation.
  • Controlling for confounding factors is crucial in understanding these associations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between smoking during pregnancy and psychiatric disorders in 4-year-old children.
  • To assess the risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).
  • To control for a comprehensive set of potential confounding variables.

Main Methods:

  • A community sample of 995 4-year-olds in Trondheim, Norway, was assessed.
  • Parents were interviewed using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment, gathering data on prenatal smoking.
  • Propensity score analysis was employed to adjust for confounding variables.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal smoking was significantly associated with an increased odds for ADHD (OR = 2.59).
  • Prenatal smoking was significantly associated with an increased odds for ODD (OR = 2.69).
  • Increased odds were also observed for comorbid ADHD and ODD (OR = 2.55).

Conclusions:

  • Smoking during pregnancy is linked to a higher risk of ADHD and ODD symptoms in 4-year-olds.
  • The association between prenatal smoking and ADHD/ODD is independent of each other.
  • These findings underscore the importance of smoking cessation during pregnancy to prevent adverse child psychiatric outcomes.

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

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants06:39

Using a Murine Model of Psychosocial Stress in Pregnancy as a Translationally Relevant Paradigm for Psychiatric Disorders in Mothers and Infants

Published on: June 13, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV01:26

Stress Prevention and Stress Management Techniques IV

Stress often leads to unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive drinking, and overeating, which offer short-term relief but ultimately increase long-term health risks. These behaviors create a cycle that temporarily lowers stress levels but can result in severe long-term health consequences. Breaking these habits is essential to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and improve overall well-being. Three primary changes that support better health include quitting smoking, reducing alcohol intake,...
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.
Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics01:23

Upper Respiratory Drugs: Antitussives, Expectorants, and Mucolytics

Respiratory symptoms, such as congestion and cough, commonly accompany respiratory tract conditions. Various medications, such as antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics, play crucial roles in providing relief.
Antitussives include codeine, dextromethorphan (Robitussin), and benzonatate (Tessalon). Codeine and dextromethorphan exert their effects centrally by suppressing the cough reflex center in the medulla.  Benzonatate operates peripherally within the respiratory tract by anesthetizing...
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia01:29

Psychological and Sociocultural Causes of Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia, a complex psychiatric disorder, has been historically misunderstood. Early psychological theories attributed its origins to childhood trauma and unresponsive parenting. However, contemporary research largely rejects these notions, favoring the vulnerability-stress hypothesis. This model proposes that individuals with a genetic predisposition to schizophrenia may develop the disorder following exposure to significant environmental stressors. Notably, studies on high-risk...
Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders01:27

Psychosis: Pathophysiology of Schizophrenia and Other Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder whose origins are rooted in complex genetic components. Despite our burgeoning understanding, the pathophysiology of this disorder remains incompletely deciphered.
Researchers have identified genetic factors that increase susceptibility to schizophrenia, underscoring the intricate interplay between genetics and environment in disease development. At the core of schizophrenia's pathophysiology is excessive dopaminergic neurotransmission within the...