Children exposed prenatally to their mothers’ antiepileptic medication have an increased risk of behavioural problems compared with population norms, according to a study in the Netherlands.

Researchers studied behavioural problems in children exposed to valproate, carbamazepine, lamotrigine or levetiracetam monotherapy as part of a larger longitudinal study of the long-term effects of prenatal exposure to antiepileptic drugs.

Mothers were on therapy before conception and continued during the entire pregnancy. Children were aged between six and eight during the study period.

For the most part, both parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist and the Social Emotional Questionnaire, used to assess the nature and severity of the behavioural problems.