Maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy and risk for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in offspring

Abstract

Background: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the most common psychiatric disorder in childhood. Studies explored the association of maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy with a risk of offspring developing ADHD, but have reported inconclusive results. Here, we will perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies to assess a possible association between them. Methods: This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and the PsycINFO will be searched from inception to May 2021. Observational studies investigating the association of maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy with a risk of offspring developing ADHD will be considered. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scales or the scale of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality will be used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies according to their study design. A fixed or random-effect model will be used to synthesize data depend on the heterogeneity test. STATA version 12.0 will be used to conduct the meta-analysis. Results: This study will provide a high-quality evaluation of association between maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy and risk for ADHD in offspring. Conclusion: This study will present evidence on whether maternal exposure to pesticides during pregnancy is a risk factor for ADHD in offspring.

The Influence of Prenatal Environmental Factors on the Risk and Development of ADHD: Insights from Epidemiological and Neurodevelopmental Research - Review

“…Being the most common psychiatric disorder in children, ADHD often persists into adulthood and is estimated to affect approximately 5% of children under 18 and 2.5% of adults worldwide [2,3]. ADHD is associated with a wide range of other mental health problems, including mood disorders, personality disorders, antisocial behavior, self-harm, and substance abuse [4]. In children, ADHD can disrupt social life and sometimes lead to poor educational performance and integration difficulties [2].…”

“…The etiology of ADHD has not yet been well-defined, but it is suggested that is an inherited disorder, with an estimated heritability of 70% to 80% [4]. The increasing prevalence of ADHD in recent decades has led to the hypothesis that environmental factors may also contribute to the development of ADHD.…”

Elements That Influence the Development of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children

“…Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is a neurobiological condition characterized by impaired attention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity that often begins in childhood and frequently persists into adulthood [1]. The idea is well-expressed in this quote by Sarah Young, which says, "living with ADHD is like being locked in a room with 100 televisions and 100 radios all playing.…”

“…None of them have power buttons so you can turn them off and the door is locked from the outside" [2]. ADHD affects around 5% of children under 18 and 2.5% of adults worldwide [1]. It is also associated with other mental health problems, such as personality disorders and substance abuse.…”

“…In addition, ADHD can have a negative impact on one's social and personal life, leading to many undesired outcomes, such as educational underperformance, unemployment, and involvement in criminal activities. ADHD is now considered among the most commonly diagnosed chronic psychological disorders in children [1]. Some studies have shown that ADHD is associated with various environmental factors.…”