Complications

Complication
Timeframe
Likelihood
long term
high

Major depressive disorder develops in up to 44% of adolescents and adults with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs).[40][90]

Refer to appropriate mental-health professionals for assessment and management.

Depression in children

long term
high

Psychoses occur in up to 40% of adolescents and adults with FASDs.[40][90]

Refer to appropriate mental health professionals for assessment and management.

Assessment of psychosis

long term
high

Problems with illicit drug and alcohol abuse are common in adolescents (29%) and adults (46%) with FASDs.[40] Alcohol is more commonly abused than illicit drugs, but 65% of those who used alcohol went on to use illicit drugs.[40] Adults with FASD had higher hospital admission rates for alcohol abuse (9% vs. 2%).[88]

Children with antenatal alcohol exposure but without FASD have a significantly increased risk of alcohol disorders at 21 years of age, independent of familial alcohol disorders.[91][92]

Refer to appropriate drug and alcohol services for assessment and management.

Overview of substance use disorders and overdose

long term
high

Have been identified in adults who have a normal IQ. Include difficulties with attention, verbal learning, and executive function.[93] The frequency and severity of problems are more than would be predicted from IQ.

Assessment of learning difficulty and cognitive delay

long term
medium

Up to 20% of adolescents and adults with FASDs develop anxiety disorders.[40][90]

Refer to appropriate mental health professionals for assessment and management.

Generalised anxiety disorder

long term
medium

Antisocial personality disorder occurs in 19% of adults with FASDs.[90]

Refer to appropriate mental health professionals for assessment and management.

Personality disorders

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