Fetal Alcohol Exposure and Child Psychiatric problems

Although the impact of severe fetal alcohol exposure during pregnancy on brain development has long been recognized, an article in the March, 2007 issue of Pediatrics presents the results of a study examining the role that heavy prenatal alcohol exposure may play in child psychiatric disorders.  The study matched 39 children with a history of prenatal exposure with 30 non-exposed children for age, gender, and socioeconomic status.  Results indicated significant group differences with respect to incidence of ADHD, depressive disorders, oppositional defiant/conduct disorders, and specific phobias.  The largest effect was for incidence of ADHD. 

The study abstract can be found here.  The full-length study is also available.