Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 2025

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants
07:08

Long-term Behavioral and Reproductive Consequences of Embryonic Exposure to Low-dose Toxicants

Published on: March 6, 2018

6.1K

In utero exposure to ADHD medication and long-term offspring outcomes

Kathrine Bang Madsen1, Thalia K Robakis2, Xiaoqin Liu3

  • 1NCRR - National Centre for Register-based Research, School of Business and Social Sciences, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark. kathrine.bang@au.dk.

Molecular Psychiatry
|February 9, 2023
PubMed

Insights

ADHD medication use during pregnancy did not increase offspring

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Psychiatry
  • Pediatric Pharmacology
  • Pregnancy and Obstetrics

Background:

  • Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) medication use is rising during pregnancy.
  • Concerns exist regarding potential long-term adverse effects of prenatal ADHD medication exposure on offspring development.
  • Understanding these risks is crucial for maternal and child health management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between in utero exposure to ADHD medication and long-term neurodevelopmental and growth outcomes in offspring.
  • To provide evidence-based information for pregnant individuals with ADHD considering medication continuation.
  • To assess risks for neurodevelopmental disorders, sensory impairments, epilepsy, and growth issues.

Main Methods:

  • A large-scale, population-based cohort study using Danish national registers.
  • Inclusion of 1,068,073 liveborn singletons (1998-2015), followed until 2018.
  • Comparison of offspring exposed to ADHD medication during pregnancy versus those whose mothers discontinued medication before pregnancy, using Cox regression analysis.

Main Results:

  • No increased risk of combined offspring developmental disorders was found (aHR 0.97, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.17) after adjusting for maternal characteristics.
  • Separate analyses for subcategories of outcomes and negative control/sibling-controlled analyses also showed no increased risk.
  • Offspring neurodevelopment and growth did not differ based on antenatal exposure to ADHD medication.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal exposure to ADHD medication is not associated with adverse long-term neurodevelopmental or growth outcomes in offspring.
  • Findings offer reassurance to women with ADHD who require medication for daily functioning and are pregnant.
  • Continued ADHD medication use during pregnancy appears safe concerning offspring neurodevelopment and growth.

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development05:44

Author Spotlight: Collecting the Brain and Serum from the Same Mice Fetus to Study Brain Tumor Development

Published on: May 17, 2024

674
Assessment and Evaluation of the High Risk Neonate: The NICU Network Neurobehavioral Scale19:15

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

Published on: August 25, 2014

86.2K

Related Concept Videos

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....
140
Teratogenicity01:07

Teratogenicity

The ability of a drug to produce structural deformations and functional abnormalities in the developing embryo or the fetus is called teratogenicity, and the drug producing this effect is known as a teratogen. Teratogenic effects include stillbirth, miscarriage, intrauterine growth restriction, and neurocognitive delay. A teratogen may affect the embryo at different stages of development, which is important in determining the type and extent of the damage. During blastocyst formation, the early...
2.6K
Human Genetics01:28

Human Genetics

Human genetics provides a profound framework for understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and human psychology. At the heart of this discipline lies the study of how genes influence physical traits, behaviors, and susceptibility to diseases. Each person carries a unique genetic code that subtly or significantly shapes their psychological and behavioral landscape.
The complex relationship between genetics and psychology is observable through common biological components such...
651
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
108
Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview01:21

Factors Affecting Drug Response: Overview

When it comes to infants and young children, they are typically administered smaller doses of medication in comparison to adults. This is primarily because their organ functions still need to fully develop, meaning their bodies are not as efficient at metabolizing or eliminating drugs. Additionally, their blood-brain barrier is more permeable than in adults. As a result, high concentrations of drugs can easily penetrate the central nervous system (CNS), potentially leading to neurological...
2.0K