OBJECTIVES: Recent research suggests that in utero exposure to maternal smoking is a risk factor for conduct disorder and delinquency. We review evidence of causality, a controversial but important public health question. METHODS: We analyzed studies of maternal prenatal smoking and offspring antisocial behavior within a causal framework. RESULTS: The association is (1) independent of confounders, (2) present across diverse contexts, and (3) consistent with basic science. Methodological limitations of existing studies preclude causal conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence provides consistent support for, but not proof of, an etiologic role for prenatal smoking in the onset of antisocial behavior. The possibility of identifying a preventable prenatal risk factor for a serious mental disorder makes further research on this topic important for public health.
OBJECTIVES: Recent research suggests that in utero exposure to maternal smoking is a risk factor for conduct disorder and delinquency. We review evidence of causality, a controversial but important public health question. METHODS: We analyzed studies of maternal prenatal smoking and offspring antisocial behavior within a causal framework. RESULTS: The association is (1) independent of confounders, (2) present across diverse contexts, and (3) consistent with basic science. Methodological limitations of existing studies preclude causal conclusions. CONCLUSIONS: Existing evidence provides consistent support for, but not proof of, an etiologic role for prenatal smoking in the onset of antisocial behavior. The possibility of identifying a preventable prenatal risk factor for a serious mental disorder makes further research on this topic important for public health.
Authors: Ryne Estabrook; Suena H Massey; Caron A C Clark; James L Burns; Brian S Mustanski; Edwin H Cook; T Caitlin O'Brien; Beth Makowski; Kimberly A Espy; Lauren S Wakschlag Journal: Behav Genet Date: 2015-11-18 Impact factor: 2.805
Authors: Brian M D'Onofrio; Amber L Singh; Anastasia Iliadou; Mats Lambe; Christina M Hultman; Jenae M Neiderhiser; Niklas Långström; Paul Lichtenstein Journal: Child Dev Date: 2010 Jan-Feb