Amphetamine abuse during pregnancy: environmental factors and outcome after 14-15 years

The aim of this study was to assess the influence of social environmental f actors on school performance and behavioural problems among 14-year-old chi ldren who had been exposed to amphetamine during foetal life. The study gro up comprised a cohort of 65 children who had suffered intrauterine exposure to amphetamine due to maternal drug abuse. This group has been followed si nce birth and examined at regular intervals. Information regarding the acad emic performance of the children was gathered from the school authorities. The psychosocial environment of the children was determined through intervi ews and through information obtained from the social authorities. Of the 64 children who attended a school within the state school system, 10 (15%) we re a year behind for their age. The mean grades were significantly lower th an those of their classmates. Behavioural problems were mentioned in the so cial authority documentation of one-third of the children, regardless of wh ether the child was placed in a foster home or was residing with the biolog ical mother. A positive significant correlation was found between maternal age and the outcome of the children, as well as between therapy during preg nancy and outcome, whilst several environmental factors, particularly durin g the child's first four years, correlate negatively to outcome. Psychosoci al factors early in life influence the outcome at 14 years. The positive ef fect of intervention during pregnancy illustrates the importance of early i dentification preferable during pregnancy.