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Neurobehavioral functioning in children exposed to narcotics in utero
1California School of Professional Psychology, Fresno 93721.
Addictive Behaviors
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Children exposed to narcotics in utero showed significant deficits in cognitive and behavioral development. Methadone-exposed children exhibited more severe issues than those exposed to heroin, raising treatment concerns.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to narcotics can impact child development.
- Understanding the long-term effects of in-utero drug exposure is crucial for intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the neuropsychological and behavioral outcomes of children exposed to narcotics during gestation.
- To compare the effects of heroin versus methadone exposure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised, Bender-Gestalt, Quick Neurological Screening Test, and Burks Behavior Rating Scales.
- Compared children with prenatal narcotic exposure to a control group.
Main Results:
- Narcotic-exposed children scored significantly lower on IQ measures and specific cognitive subtests.
- Children showed more pathological results in neurological indicators and behavioral assessments.
- Methadone-exposed children displayed more severe outcomes than heroin-exposed children.
Conclusions:
- Prenatal narcotic exposure is linked to significant cognitive and behavioral impairments.
- Methadone treatment during pregnancy may have more detrimental effects than heroin exposure.
- Further ethical and societal considerations regarding methadone treatment are warranted.