Epilepsy drug taken by dad not associated with disorders in baby
Use of the antiseizure drug valproate by fathers before conception is not associated with neurodevelopmental disorders like autism or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in their children, according to a new study published Aug. 19, 2026, in Neurology. The study also found no association with malformations at birth, commonly called birth defects. Researchers note that more studies are…
A study published on August 19, 2026, in Neurology found no link between fathers taking the antiseizure drug valproate before conception and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism or ADHD, in their children. The research, which examined over 2.5 million births in Taiwan, also found no connection between paternal valproate use and birth defects.
While the study did not identify any increased risk, researchers emphasized the need for more extensive studies to confirm these findings and assess the safety of valproate use by fathers.
Written by urgent.news from Medical Xpress's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
