Examining attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and related behavioral disorders by fertility treatment exposure in a prospective cohort

Purpose: To evaluate whether underlying infertility and mode of conception are associated with childhood behavioral disorders. Methods: Oversampling on fertility treatment exposure using vital records, the Upstate KIDS Study followed 2057 children (of 1754 mothers) from birth to 11 years. Type of fertility treatment and time to pregnancy (TTP) were self-reported. Mothers completed annual questionnaires reporting symptomology, diagnoses, and medications at 7-11 years of age. The information identified children with probable attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder, anxiety or depression, and conduct or oppositional defiant disorders. We estimated adjusted relative risks (aRR) for disorders by underlying infertility (TTP > 12 months) or treatment exposure groups compared to children born to parents with TTP & LE; 12 months. Results: Children conceived with fertility treatment (34%) did not have an increased risk of attention-def-icit/hyperactivity disorder (aRR): 1.21; 95% CI: 0.88, 1.65), or conduct or oppositional defiant disorders (aRR: 1.31; 0.91, 1.86), but did have an increased risk of anxiety or depression (aRR: 1.63; 1.18, 2.24), which re-mained elevated even after adjusting for parental mood disorders (aRR: 1.40; 0.99, 1.96). Underlying in-fertility without the use of treatment was also associated with a risk of anxiety or depression (aRR: 1.82; 95% CI: 0.96, 3.43).Conclusions: Underlying infertility or its treatment was not associated with risk of attention-deficit/hy-peractivity disorder. Observations of increased anxiety or depression require replication. Published by Elsevier Inc.