Expert Panel Meeting to Discuss Study Design for a Longitudinal Study of the Impact of Prenatal Opioid and other Substance Exposure on Brain and Behavioral Development

The goal of this meeting was to discuss study design and related issues (e.g., sampling strategy, recruitment and retention of high risk populations, bioethical and social service implications) for a longitudinal study of the impact of pre- and postnatal substance exposure (including opioids, opioid treatment medications, cannabis, alcohol, tobacco, other prescription or illicit substances, alone or in combination) on brain development, mental illness, substance use, and social/behavioral/academic achievement. It is envisioned that successful execution of a program of this breadth and depth will require a broad interdisciplinary team of investigators with collective expertise in pregnancy, neonatal, and early childhood affective, cognitive, and social development; longitudinal cohort studies; developmental neuroimaging; and social/legal and environmental issues.