Ratings of Children and Adolescents with Prenatal Methamphetamine Exposure on the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (Brief)

Methamphetamine (MA) abuse poses a major problem worldwide. One at risk population that has been found to be using MA at an alarming rate is MA is pregnant women. This study examined the effects that MA has on the executive functions of children who were prenatally exposed using the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF). Participants were 454 children and adolescents (aged 5 to 18) who were either exposed to MA during pregnancy or unexposed. The children who were exposed showed significant deficits on the BRIEF, specifically in regards to their emotional and behavioral functioning. This study highlights the need for prevention and intervention strategies for both mothers and children who are at risk for MA use