Prenatal smoking linked to enhanced aggressive behavior in children

Scientists have revealed that they have found evidence of an interaction between and genetic risk factors that increase aggressive behavior in children, especially in girls.

The study conducted by Sam Houston State University has found that children exposed to prenatal smoking, and who also had an increased genetic propensity for antisocial behavior, exhibited the most pronounced conduct problems during childhood, which was most pronounced in females.

Brian Boutwell said that the interesting issue is that not all children exposed to prenatal smoking will have behavioral problems. Some might, but others will not.

According to the researchers, prenatal environmental experiences may influence future behavioral problems in children, especially in combination with the presence of genetic risk factors.

The study also revealed that prenatal maternal smoking, when taken in isolation, did not appear to directly result in behavioral problems, influence of genetic risk factors on behavior problems were most pronounced for children exposed to prenatal smoking and interaction between genetic factors and prenatal smoking was isolated to females.