Self-reported health, use of alcohol and illicit drugs, and criminality among adults with foetal alcohol syndrome

Abstract

Aims: To investigate self-reported physical and psychiatric problems, use of alcohol and illicit drugs, as well as conviction, and being a victim, of crime in adults with foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Methods: Interviews with 20 adults, aged 30±8 years with FAS diagnosis (65% female) and an age-and-gender-matched comparison group. Measures used were the Addiction Severity Index interview, the Beck Depression Inventory Scale and the Beck Anxiety Inventory Scale. Results and conclusions: Adults with FAS need healthcare for depression and suicidal ideation, which occurred commonly, but problems with use of alcohol and illicit drugs were not more common in the FAS group. Although self-reported physical health problems were not more common in the FAS group, their number of days with sickness leave indicated that they are often in too poor a physical condition to work. A majority of the FAS group had been victims of crime, which makes this an important topic for further research. The groups did not differ in crime conviction rates. Everyone in the study group had been diagnosed with FAS; a diagnosis may give access to social welfare interventions. More individuals within the FAS disorders spectrum need to be identified to be given access to efficient interventions.