Prenatal exposure to methadone and buprenorphine: A review of the potential effects on cognitive development |
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| Authors: | Carolien Konijnenberg Annika Melinder |
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| Institution: | 1. Norwegian Centre for Addiction Research , Institute of Psychiatry, University of Oslo , Oslo, Norway;2. The Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo, Norway carolien.konijnenberg@psykologi.uio.no;4. The Cognitive Developmental Research Unit, Department of Psychology , University of Oslo , Oslo, Norway |
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| Abstract: | The amount of opioid users receiving opioid maintenance therapy has increased significantly over the last few years. As a result, an increasing number of children are prenatally exposed to long-lasting opioids such as methadone and buprenorphine. This article reviews the literature on the cognitive development of children born to mothers in opioid maintenance therapy. Topics discussed are the effects of prenatal exposure on prematurity, somatic growth, brain volume, myelination, and the endocrine and neurotransmitter system. Social-environmental factors, including parental functioning, as well as genetic factors are also described. Areas requiring further research are identified. |
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| Keywords: | Prenatal exposure Cognitive development Methadone Buprenorphine |
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