Study examines prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke on inhibition control

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2014-05/tjnj-sep051314.php

PUBLIC RELEASE DATE: 14-May-2014
Contact: Nathalie E. Holz
The JAMA Network Journals
Study examines prenatal exposure to tobacco smoke on inhibition control

Individuals prenatally exposed to tobacco smoke exhibited weaker response in some regions of the brain while processing a task that measures inhibition control (the ability to control inappropriate responses).

Prenatal tobacco smoke exposure is a risk factor for adverse physical and mental outcomes in children. Growing evidence suggests that smoking during pregnancy may increase the risk of psychopathology such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Research on ADHD has suggested that individuals with the disorder may exhibit poor inhibitory control.

-----