The behavioral consequences of exposure to antiepileptic drugs in utero

The aim of the study was to examine the behavior of 242 children, aged between 6 and 16 years, born to mothers with epilepsy. Exposure to sodium valproate (VPA) in utero was associated with high levels of parental stress induced by the child’s maladaptive behavior. These children were also poorer for daily living skills and skills relating to socialization. The outcomes on both measures were strongly affected by the Full Scale IQ (FSIQ) of the child; however, no significant differences were found between the groups and therefore this pattern of results cannot simply be attributed to a lower FSIQ. The results of this study suggest that exposure to VPA in utero and the presence of a lowered FSIQ are risk factors for the development of poorer adaptive behavior and a higher rate of maladaptive behaviors.