Psychiatric conditions associated with prenatal alcohol exposure

2010

Mary O'Connor
[email protected]
310-206-6528

Since the identification of fetal alcohol syndrome over 35 years ago, mounting evidence about the impact of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy has prompted increased attention to the link between prenatal alcohol exposure and a constellation of developmental disabilities that are characterized by physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Longitudinal studies suggest that individuals with FASDs are at the greatly increased risk of adverse long-term outcomes, including mental health problems and poor social adjustment. This review summarizes the existing literature on mental health outcomes for individuals with PAE across the lifespan, including findings in infancy and early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence and early adulthood. Research on the psychiatric disabilities suffered by individuals with FASDs throughout development highlights the need for training of mental health professionals in the identification and provision of specific treatments to address the unique features of this developmental disability since early identification and treatment have been demonstrated to be protective against more serious secondary disabilities. It is hoped with greater awareness of the mental health problems experiences by individuals with FASDs, these individuals can receive appropriate and early treatment resulting in more adaptive and rewarding lives.

Peer-reviewed publications in scholarly journals Published/In Press

Professionals

Electronic (disc, CD, 508 compliant web posting)

N/A