In utero exposure to acetaminophen and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: An ongoing controversy

Per Damkier; Erika B Gram

doi:10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109076

In utero exposure to acetaminophen and childhood attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: An ongoing controversy

Reprod Toxicol. 2025 Dec:138:109076. doi: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109076. Epub 2025 Oct 8.

Authors

Per Damkier¹, Erika B Gram²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark. Electronic address: pdamkier@health.sdu.dk.
² Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.

PMID: 41072827
DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2025.109076

Abstract

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in children as related to maternal use of acetaminophen (paracetamol, APAP) remains an ongoing controversy. In a recent paper in Nature Mental Health, Baker et al. reports on ADHD in children as related to maternal use of acetaminophen APAP in pregnancy. We discuss the methodological strengths and limitations and the extent to which this paper informs clinical practice.

Keywords: Acetaminophen; Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); Pregnancy.

Publication types

Letter

MeSH terms

Acetaminophen* / adverse effects
Analgesics, Non-Narcotic* / adverse effects
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / chemically induced
Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity* / epidemiology
Child
Female
Humans
Pregnancy
Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects* / chemically induced

Substances

Acetaminophen
Analgesics, Non-Narcotic