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Psychotropic drug abuse in pregnancy and its impact on child neurodevelopment: A review

Afshar Etemadi-Aleagha1, Maryam Akhgari2

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1145765111, Iran.

World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
|January 31, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal exposure to psychoactive drugs can harm fetal development, leading to lifelong health and neurodevelopmental issues. More research is crucial to understand these critical effects on children.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Substance abuse among women of childbearing age is rising, leading to increased fetal drug exposure.
  • Prenatal exposure to psychoactive substances poses significant risks for infant health and long-term neurodevelopmental deficits.
  • Limited data exists on the specific effects of various psychoactive drugs on fetal neurodevelopment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and synthesize current evidence on the neurodevelopmental outcomes of prenatal drug exposure.
  • To highlight the pressing global concern regarding children exposed to drugs in utero.
  • To consolidate information on the impact of maternal psychoactive substance use during pregnancy.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar.
  • Keywords used included "psychotropic drugs", "neurodevelopmental consequences", "prenatal drug exposure", and "pregnancy".
  • Relevant studies detailing in utero drug exposure and its effects were reviewed.

Main Results:

  • Studies confirm that fetuses and children exposed to drugs in utero exhibit various health issues.
  • Prenatal exposure to different psychoactive substances is linked to structural brain changes and neurodevelopmental deficits.
  • Observed consequences include attention deficits, potential links to autism spectrum disorder, and neurotransmitter imbalances.

Conclusions:

  • The widespread use of psychoactive drugs by women of childbearing age is a significant public health concern.
  • Prenatal drug exposure can lead to severe neurodevelopmental consequences, including ADHD and autism spectrum disorder.
  • Further scientific investigation is essential to fully understand and mitigate the effects of prenatal exposure to psychoactive drugs on child development.

Keywords:
BrainFetusNeurodevelopmental outcomesPregnancyPrenatal substance exposurePsychotropic drugs

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