What happens to the fetus when a pregnant woman takes a stimulant for AD/HD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder)?
Specifically, does that increase the risk of the baby developing a neurodevelopmental disorder such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, AD/HD, or others during childhood?
A research study by Suarez E. and colleagues on this topic was published in the journal JAMA Psychiatry online January 24, 2024.
They studied the offspring of 1,123 pregnant women who had taken a stimulant for AD/HD during the second half of pregnancy.
The researchers wanted to find out if the children had a higher rate of neurodevelopment disorders than children without that exposure.
The stimulants that the pregnant women took were either amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (common brand name is Adderall XR) or methylphenidate (common brand names are Ritalin and Concerta).
The bottom line is that there was NO EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASED RATE OF NEURODEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS in these children.
This is good news that should reduce concerns that pregnant women may have about this issue.
Peter M. Hartmann, MD
Family Medicine & Psychiatry
