Section - CAP Smart Takes

04. Early Childhood General Anesthesia and Risk of ADHD

Published on November 1, 2023 Certification expiration date: November 1, 2026

David R. Rosenberg, M.D.

Chair of the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Neuroscience - Wayne State University School of Medicine

Key Points

Children aged 0–3 years exposed to general anesthesia demonstrated a higher risk of ADHD compared with those not exposed.
The frequency of anesthesia exposure showed a correlation with ADHD risk, with longer durations and multiple exposures amplifying the risk.
Although the study suggests a strong association between early anesthesia exposure and ADHD risk, establishing causality remains elusive due to possible confounding variables.

To unlock this audio you need to become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Check Our CME Program

Downloads for Offline Access

Download Audio File (MP3)

Text version

Hi! David Rosenberg for the CAP Smart Take. In this Smart Take, we examine a potentially significant relationship — that is, early childhood exposure to general anesthesia and the risk of developing ADHD. ADHD is prevalent during childhood and adolescence—more so than previously thought. It persists into adulthood, making adult ADHD a growing yet understudied area in psychiatry. To truly understand adult ADHD, we must delve into its antecedents in childhood and adolescence.

A pivotal study brought to light intriguing questions rather than answers. The researchers probed whether young children requiring general anesthesia for diverse conditions and surgeries had an increased risk of ADHD. Impressively, this was a population-based cohort study, including over 15,000 children aged 0–3 years who were hospitalized for more than 1 day between 2004–14 after receiving general anesthesia. A nonexposed group, those who didn’t receive anesthesia, served as a comparison. Both groups had 7,536 patients. The

Unlock this CAP Smart Take and earn 0.50 CMEs
Become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Get Instant Access

Already have an account? Sign in

Next Section

05. Association of Benzodiazepines With Drug Overdose Risk Among Young People

Learning Objectives:

Recognize that psychostimulants had a higher overall rate of adverse events than alpha-2 adrenergic agents in preschool children with ADHD.
Identify that exposure to ADHD medication during pregnancy does not increase the risk of ADHD or autism spectrum disorder.
Evaluate the potential benefits and limitations of adjunctive therapies, such as fish oil, in treating major depressive disorder.
Discuss the potential link between early childhood anesthesia exposure and subsequent ADHD risk.
Recognize that there is an increased risk of drug overdose when benzodiazepines are used for sleep disorders in youth.

Original Release Date: November 1, 2023

Review and Re-release Date: March 1, 2024

Expiration Date: November 1, 2026

Expert: David Rosenberg, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.