Detailed contribution information
| Contribution title | Anxiety and Depression Among Patients with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders |
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| Contribution code | D2.010 |
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| Form of presentation | Poster |
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| Abstract |
Aim Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is group of neurodevelopmental conditions resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Anxiety and depression are thought to be important comorbidities among patients with FASD. Their direct etiology remains unclear, however they are thought to be secondary symptoms that occur as a result of neurodevelopmental issues. This study aimed to evaluate anxiety and depression in FASD. Methods The study included 90 children aged 7 to 16 years diagnosed with FASD, who were primarily in foster or adoptive care. Participants completed validated psychometric tools State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) and Children’s Depression Inventory 2 (CDI 2). Results We documented an increased tendency to trait anxiety (STAI C-2) (median percentile 71 (49 ; 88)). In our sample an increased tendency to depression was also observed in both self- report (median percentile 84 (64 ; 94)), and parental report regarding emotional problems (median percentile 85 (59 ; 94)) and to less extent, functional problems (median percentile 59 (51; 67)). Conclusions These findings suggest that FASD cooccurs with depression and trait anxiety. The results emphasize the need for targeted interventions addressing emotional health in this population. Further research is needed to examine exact implications for clinical practice. |