Prenatal alcohol exposure and mental health at midlife: A preliminary report on two longitudinal cohorts. (14th February 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Coles, Claire D.; Grant, Therese M.; Kable, Julie A.; Stoner, Susan A.; Perez, Alexandra
• Is Part Of: Alcoholism. Volume 46:Number 2(2022)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 242
• Publication Date: 2022-02-14
• Subjects: adverse childhood experiences -- fetal alcohol spectrum disorders -- mental health -- prenatal alcohol exposure; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Alcoolisme; Electronic journals; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.861005
• DOI: 10.1111/acer.14761
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0145-6008

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Although the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) have been studied extensively, there is relatively little information available on adult mental health functioning among exposed individuals. The current study compares the self‐reported midlife mental health status of individuals who were prenatally exposed to alcohol and diagnosed in childhood with the effects of this exposure with that of unexposed individuals. Methods: Participants ( N = 292) were recruited from two longitudinal cohorts in Atlanta and Seattle and asked to complete an Adult Health Questionnaire that surveyed their current health and mental health status. The questionnaire was completed either in‐person or remotely and included questions about current symptoms of depression and anxiety and mental health disorder diagnoses. The analysis compared a Nonexposed Contrast group to those in two exposure groups: (1) Alcohol Exposed with Fetal Alcohol Effect but not meeting criteria for Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) and (2) Alcohol Affected and meeting criteria for FAS. Results: Both alcohol‐exposed groups reported higher levels of current depressive symptoms and a higher prevalence of diagnoses of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and/or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. No differences were noted for psychotic disorders. PAE was also associated with greater environmental stressors, including higher levels of adverse childhood events and lower current socioeconomic status. Path analyses suggested that PAE was indirectly related to mood disorders with its effects being mediated by other environmental factors. Conclusions: PAE is associated with greater rates of mental health disorders in middle adulthood. These outcomes appear to result from multiple stressors that affect individuals made vulnerable by their early alcohol exposure. Clinical outcomes could be improved by prevention efforts directed at preventing prenatal alcohol use and reducing environmental stressors later in life, and by the early identification of PAE and its effects. Abstract : A long‐term follow up of adults from two longitudinal cohorts with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) finds an association with significantly increased rates of mental health disorders at midlife as well as adverse early life events. Outcomes appear to result from multiple stressors affecting individuals made vulnerable by their early exposure. Clinical outcomes could be improved by prevention efforts directed at both prenatal alcohol use and later environmental stressors, and by early identification of PAE and its effects.