Psychotic Episodes in Children Affected by Mothers' Smoking

A new study suggests that mothers who smoke during their pregnancy could put their children at risk of having delusions, hallucinations or other psychotic symptoms.

A survey of 12-year olds in the UK showed that those whose mothers had smoked were about 20% more likely to face such issues. The link was even more pronounced at 84%, if the mother smoked 20 or more cigarettes a day.

Though further study of the issue is required, scientists are saying that this could possibly be due to tobacco exposure in the womb affecting the development of the child's brain.

Cardiff, Nottingham, Bristol and Warwick universities took part in this research project, which is part of an extensive study known as the Avon Longitudal Study of Parents and Children looking at how genetics and the environment affects health.

Dr Ken Checinski of the Royal College of Psychiatrists said, "The findings are compelling, but we must not jump to conclusions. The results need to be replicated in other studies now to be sure. However, we already know that smoking during pregnancy is linked to a number of others risks, such as low birth-weight and complications."

In a nutshell, yet again nothing is 100% proved, but that doesn't mean governments around the world can stop their witch hunt against smokers…

[Via: BBC]

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