Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 1, 2025
19:15
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale
Published on: August 25, 2014
87.1K
Behavior Problems During Early Childhood in Children With Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure
Elaine K Chu1, Lynne M Smith2, Chris Derauf3
1Department of Pediatrics, Lundquist Institute, Harbor-University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center and David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California.
Pediatrics
|November 11, 2020
Summary
Prenatal methamphetamine exposure did not impact child behavior problems up to age 7.5. However, caregiver mental health and home environment quality significantly predicted behavioral outcomes in children.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Prenatal exposure to methamphetamine (MA) and its long-term effects on child behavior remain incompletely understood.
- This study investigates behavioral development in children exposed to MA in utero.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate behavior problems in children at ages 3, 5, and 7.5 years following prenatal methamphetamine exposure.
- To identify predictors of behavioral outcomes in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal prospective study (Infant Development, Environment, and Lifestyle study) of 339 children (171 exposed to MA).
- Behavioral problems assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 3, 5, and 7.5 years.
- Generalized estimating equations used to analyze effects; caregiver psychological symptoms and home environment quality assessed.
Main Results:
- No significant main effects of prenatal MA exposure or interaction effects with age on child behavior problems were found.
- Children exhibited developmental changes in behavior, including decreased externalizing/aggressive behavior and increased internalizing/somatic complaints with age.
- Caregiver psychological symptoms predicted all behavior problems; home environment quality predicted externalizing problems.
Conclusions:
- Longitudinal behavioral effects from ages 3 to 7.5 years were not associated with prenatal methamphetamine exposure.
- Caregiver psychological symptoms and home environment quality are significant predictors of child behavior problems, independent of prenatal MA exposure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:30Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
579
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....
Diagnostic Criteria and Symptoms
To diagnose ADHD, symptoms must manifest before age 12 and be evident across multiple settings....
579
01:28Conduct Disorder
336
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
336
01:15Drug Abuse and Addiction: Pharmacological Phenomena
946
Drug dependence, abuse, and addiction are complex phenomena that can precipitate various abnormal states. Physical dependence refers to a state of pharmacological adaptation to a drug. This adaptation often results in tolerance—a reduced response to the drug after repeated administrations. When the drug use is abruptly stopped, withdrawal symptoms occur due to the body's need to readjust from the pharmacologically induced imbalance. However, tolerance and withdrawal symptoms do not...
946