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Association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring: a population-based
Han-Ping Wu1,2, Vincent Chin-Hung Chen2,3,4, Yi-Lung Chen5
1Department of Pediatrics, Chiayi Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan.
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
|September 29, 2025
Summary
Maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy increases offspring risk for ADHD and ASD. Continuous propylthiouracil (PTU) use for hyperthyroidism may reduce ADHD risk in children.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Endocrinology
- Obstetrics
Background:
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are common neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs).
- The link between maternal thyroid dysfunction and NDDs in offspring is not fully understood.
- Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in fetal neurodevelopment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between maternal thyroid dysfunction and NDDs in offspring.
- To examine the impact of maternal thyroid dysfunction medications on NDD risk.
Main Methods:
- Population-based retrospective birth cohort study.
- Included over 3 million children born between 2004 and 2020.
- Used Cox proportional hazards regression to model associations.
Main Results:
- Maternal hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism were associated with increased ADHD and ASD risk in offspring.
- Continuous propylthiouracil (PTU) use for hyperthyroidism was linked to a reduced risk of ADHD and ASD.
- Levothyroxine use for hypothyroidism was also examined.
Conclusions:
- Maternal thyroid dysfunction during pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of ADHD and ASD in children.
- Continuous PTU treatment for maternal hyperthyroidism may offer a protective effect against ADHD and ASD in offspring.
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