Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 3, 2025

A Preterm Rat Model for Pain Studies
01:37

A Preterm Rat Model for Pain Studies

Published on: February 9, 2024

314

The Association Between In Utero Exposure to Painkillers and Trajectories of Hyperactivity and Emotional Problems in

Ping-I Lin1,2, Kyi Shinn Khin1, James R John1,3

  • 1Discipline of Psychiatry and Mental Health, School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2033, Australia.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|January 8, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal painkiller exposure did not impact hyperactivity or emotional issues in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it was linked to increased emotional problems in neurotypical children, especially boys.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Pediatric Psychology
  • Prenatal Health

Background:

  • Concerns exist regarding in utero painkiller exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Investigating the impact of prenatal painkiller exposure on hyperactivity and emotional problems in children with and without ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between in utero painkiller exposure and developmental trajectories of hyperactivity and emotional problems.
  • To differentiate effects in children diagnosed with ASD versus neurotypical children.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized data from 5107 participants in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children.
  • Assessed emotional and behavioral problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at ages 4, 6, and 8.
  • Employed mixed linear models to analyze the impact of prenatal painkiller exposure on hyperactivity and emotional problem trajectories, controlling for covariates.

Main Results:

  • No significant association found between in utero painkiller exposure and hyperactivity or emotional problem trajectories in children with ASD.
  • In neurotypical children, prenatal painkiller exposure correlated with increased emotional problems by age 8, particularly in males.
  • Emotional problem scores generally increased over time, indicating developmental challenges in early childhood.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal painkiller exposure is unlikely a primary factor in neurodevelopmental outcomes for autistic children.
  • The impact of prenatal painkiller exposure on neurodevelopmental outcomes in neurotypical children requires further investigation.
  • Future research should focus on precise exposure assessments and multi-environment interactions to understand long-term effects.

Keywords:
autism spectrum disorderemotional problemshyperactivityin utero exposurepainkiller

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

511
Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation09:49

Assessment of Perigenital Sensitivity and Prostatic Mast Cell Activation in a Mouse Model of Neonatal Maternal Separation

Published on: August 13, 2015

9.2K

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
58
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....
36
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
44
Socioemotional Development during Infancy01:30

Socioemotional Development during Infancy

Socio-emotional development in infancy is primarily shaped by early emotional responses and social connections, with temperament playing a central role. Temperament refers to the consistent patterns in an individual's emotional and behavioral responses, observable even in infancy. By examining temperament, researchers can better understand an infant's unique ways of interacting with the world, influencing subsequent personality and socio-emotional growth.
Primary Temperament Types
37
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...
531