ADHD linked to use of paracetamol during pregnancy

Paracetamol, a common pain reliever considered safe for pregnant women, has for the first time been linked to an increased risk of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children.

Researchers are pointing to paracetamol use as a new potential cause for the worldwide rise in cases of ADHD, a neuro-behavioural condition which has no known cause.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics found women who took paracetamol - also known as acetaminophen - while pregnant, had a 37 per cent higher risk of having a child who would be later be diagnosed with hyperkinetic disorder, a severe form of the condition.

Compared to women who did not take paracetamol while pregnant, women who did also had a 29 per cent higher chance of having children who were later prescribed medications for ADHD, and a 13 per cent higher chance of exhibiting ADHD-like behaviours by age seven.

more: ADHD linked to use of paracetamol during pregnancy

Paracetamol, a common pain reliever considered safe for pregnant women, has for the first time been linked to an increased risk of attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder in children.

Researchers are pointing to paracetamol use as a new potential cause for the worldwide rise in cases of ADHD, a neuro-behavioural condition which has no known cause.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Pediatrics found women who took paracetamol - also known as acetaminophen - while pregnant, had a 37 per cent higher risk of having a child who would be later be diagnosed with hyperkinetic disorder, a severe form of the condition.

Compared to women who did not take paracetamol while pregnant, women who did also had a 29 per cent higher chance of having children who were later prescribed medications for ADHD, and a 13 per cent higher chance of exhibiting ADHD-like behaviours by age seven.