Is Oxytocin Augmentation of Labor Associated with ADHD?

A national Danish cohort study of children followed for up to 9 years showed no association.

Studies of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have shown an association with a distinct obstetric history (e.g., intrauterine exposure to maternal smoking and alcohol, prematurity, and low birth weight). Recently, two small studies showed contradictory results with regard to an association between oxytocin augmentation of labor and ADHD.

In a nationwide cohort study of all singletons born alive after spontaneous onset of labor in Denmark from 2000 to 2008, researchers ascertained use of oxytocin during labor and diagnosis of ADHD from national registries. ADHD diagnostic criteria were consistent with those in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

Among 546,146 deliveries, 26% included medical au…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics