Maternal smoking during pregnancy and severe antisocial behavior in offspring: a review

The authors analyzed studies of maternal prenatal smoking and offspring antisocial behavior within a causal framework. The association is (1) independent of confounders, (2) present across diverse contexts, and (3) consistent with basic science. Methodological limitations of existing studies preclude causal conclusions. Existing evidence provides consistent support for, but not proof of, an etiologic role for prenatal smoking in the onset of antisocial behavior. The possibility of identifying a preventable prenatal risk factor for a serious mental disorder makes further research on this topic important for public health.