Prenatal Exposure to Glucocorticoids Linked to Increased Risk of Mental Disorders in Children: A Nationwide Danish Study

A large nationwide cohort study in Denmark has found that prenatal exposure to systemic glucocorticoids may be associated with an increased risk of some mental disorders in offspring. The study, published in 2025, analyzed data from over 1 million infants born between 1996 and 2016, tracking mental health outcomes up to age 15.

Researchers compared children prenatally exposed to glucocorticoids—medications often used to treat inflammation, autoimmune diseases, or to support preterm labor—with those whose mothers had similar underlying health conditions but were not exposed to these drugs during pregnancy. Among offspring born to mothers at risk of preterm delivery, those exposed had higher adjusted risks for autism spectrum disorders (6.6% vs 4.3%), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (5.8% vs 4.3%), and mood, anxiety, and stress-related disorders (7.2% vs 4.6%). Intellectual disability risk was also slightly elevated but not statistically significant (1.6% vs 1.3%). Similar risk patterns were observed in children born to mothers with autoimmune or inflammatory disorders, with exposed children showing higher incidences of autism spectrum disorders, ADHD, and mood-related disorders compared to unexposed.

The findings were confirmed using active comparator and sibling study designs to strengthen the evidence, although the researchers acknowledge that confounding by disease severity could not be entirely ruled out.

Glucocorticoids, such as prednisone and dexamethasone, are used to suppress inflammation and modulate immune responses. While they are important for managing conditions in pregnancy, these data underscore the need for cautious use, balancing the potential risks to offspring with the benefits of treatment for the mother.

Disclaimer: This article is based on recent research findings and is intended for informational purposes only. Pregnant individuals should not alter or discontinue any medication without consulting their healthcare provider. Decisions about glucocorticoid use during pregnancy should be made in consultation with medical professionals considering individual circumstances.