Is it true that smoking during pregnancy can cause attention deficit disorder in the child?
There are many health-related consequences to a child when the mother smokes while pregnant. One possible concern is that smoking may lead to an increased risk of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. In a recent study of 135 children, it was found that women who smoked during pregnancy were two and a half times more likely to have children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder than women who did not smoke. The authors of this study hope the results will be used to strengthen public health efforts to get women to stop smoking while pregnant. * * * Taking the first step is the hardest part of all. Send questions about your or someone else’s behavior that could be the result of addiction or related problems to: Take The First Step, c/o Essex County Newspapers, 32 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915; or send e-mail to michael_levy@cabhealth.org. Questions will be answered in confidence by a clinical team led by Dr. Michael Levy, director of clinical treatment services at CAB Health
