Does perinatal exposure to exogenous oxytocin influence child behavioural problems and autistic-like behaviours to 20 years of age?

Adam J. Guastella, Matt N. Cooper, Christopher R.H. White, Melanie K. White, Craig E. Pennell, Andrew J.O. Whitehouse

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

22 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: The neuropeptide and hormone oxytocin is known to have a significant impact on social cognition and behaviour in humans. There is growing concern regarding the influence of exogenous oxytocin (OT) administration in early life on later social and emotional development, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). No study has examined offspring development in relation to the dose of exogenous oxytocin administered during labour. Methods: Between 1989 and 1992, 2,900 mothers were recruited prior to the 18th week of pregnancy, delivering 2,868 live offspring. The Child Behaviour Checklist was used to measure offspring behavioural difficulties at ages 5, 8, 10, 14 and 17 years. Autism spectrum disorder was formally diagnosed by consensus of a team of specialists. At 20 years, offspring completed a measure of autistic-like traits, the Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ). Oxytocin exposure prior to birth was analysed using categorical and continuous approaches (maternal oxytocin dose) with univariate and multivariate statistical techniques. Results: Categorical analyses of oxytocin exposure prior to birth demonstrated no group differences in any measures of child behaviour. A small in magnitude dose–response association was observed for clinically significant total behaviour symptoms (adjusted odds ratio 1.03; 95% CI: 1.01–1.06, p <.01). Exogenous oxytocin administration prior to birth was not associated with ASD (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.15–2.12, p =.46) or high levels of autistic-like traits (p =.93), as assessed by the AQ. Conclusions: This study is the first to investigate longitudinal mental health outcomes associated with the use of oxytocin-based medications during labour. The results do not provide evidence to support the theory that exogenous OT has a clinically significant negative impact on the long-term mental health of children.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1323-1332
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines
Volume59
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2018

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Does perinatal exposure to exogenous oxytocin influence child behavioural problems and autistic-like behaviours to 20 years of age?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this