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Exposure to Methamphetamine During Pregnancy Increases Risk of Cognitive Problems

Meth During Pregnancy and Cognitive ProblemsChildren exposed to methamphetamine, or meth, during pregnancy have an increased risk of cognitive problems at age 7.5 years old, says a new study published online by The Journal of Pediatrics.

Methamphetamine is a very addictive stimulant drug as well as a neurotoxin, damaging both dopamine and serotonin neurons. The drug is used recreationally to increase sexual desire, lift the mood, and increase energy. However, methamphetamine is known to have a high potential for abuse and addiction. At high doses, meth can induce psychosis, rhabdomyolysis, and cerebral hemorrhage.

The use of methamphetamine is a continuing concern because five percent of pregnant women between the ages of 15 and 44 report current illicit drug use.

Previous research in Sweden found evidence that prenatal exposure to meth increases the risk of lower IQ scores, decreased school performance, and aggressive behavior among exposed children. Using meth during pregnancy can cause a restriction of nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus. The drug can also cause long-term problems because meth crosses the placenta into the bloodstream of the fetus.

For the present study, the researchers studied 151 children exposed to methamphetamine during pregnancy and 147 children not exposed to the drug.

According to the study, children with prenatal exposure to meth were 2.8 times more likely to have cognitive problem scores in a test commonly used for measuring cognitive skills, the Connors’ Parents Rating Scale, compared to unexposed children.

States Lynne M. Smith, MD, a lead researcher at the Los Angeles Biomedical Research Institute (LA BioMed):

“These problems include learning slower than their classmates, having difficulty organizing their work and completing tasks and struggling to stay focused on their work. All of these difficulties can lead to educational deficits for these children and potentially negative behavior as they find they cannot keep up with their classmates.”

The results of the study indicate a need for early intervention to improve academic outcomes and reduce the potential for negative behaviors among children exposed to methamphetamine during pregnancy.

Concludes Dr. Smith, “By identifying deficits early in the child’s life, we can intervene sooner and help them overcome these deficits to help them have greater success in school and in life. Through the IDEAL Study, we are able to track these children and better understand the long-term effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure.”

References

Children exposed to methamphetamine before birth have increased cognitive problems: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/274245.php
Study: Babies exposed to meth more likely to have problems thinking, understanding: http://newsok.com/study-babies-exposed-to-meth-more-likely-to-have-problems-thinking-understanding/article/3944861

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Meth During Pregnancy and Cognitive Problems: http://www.freeimages.com/photo/1281128

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