Mental Health Outcomes Associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: Genetic and Environmental Factors

Abstract

Overwhelming evidence on the impact of maternal alcohol consumption during pregnancy has prompted increased attention to the link between prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and a constellation of developmental disabilities, which are characterized by physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments. Importantly, individuals with PAE are particularly vulnerable to mental health problems. This review summarizes the current literature on the underlying mechanisms of PAE vulnerability, including epigenetic, genetic, and environmental risk factors that predispose individuals with PAE to psychiatric illness. The studies cited are from animal and human research and include a developmental perspective. Research on the mental health problems suffered by individuals with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) throughout development highlights the need for training of mental health professionals in the identification and the provision of specific treatments to address the unique features of this developmental disability.