The Influence of FASD on Psychiatric Disorders: A Literature Review on the Mechanisms Relating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to Mental Health Conditions in Adulthood

Alicja Staszek; Wiktoria Łoskot; Jan Szwech; Mateusz Matczak; Karol Jasiński; Ewa Dubniewicz; Paula Majewska; Aleksandra Broda; Kacper Hoksa; Krzysztof Jodłowski

doi:10.12775/JEHS.2025.79.57862

Authors

Alicja Staszek Centralny Szpital Kliniczny w Łodzi https://orcid.org/0009-0007-0323-8697
Wiktoria Łoskot University Clinical Hospital No. 2 of the Medical University of Lodz: Łódź, ul. Stefana Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Łódź, PL https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5392-4835
Jan Szwech Masovian Specialist Hospital, Aleksandrowicza 5; 26-617 Radom https://orcid.org/0009-0002-9312-8152
Mateusz Matczak Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0000-9701-406X
Karol Jasiński Provincial Hospital of St. Luke in Tarnów, 33-100 Tarnów, ul. Lwowska 178a https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6845-5199
Ewa Dubniewicz Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0007-4191-6794
Paula Majewska Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Lodz https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7934-397X
Aleksandra Broda Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5179-9411
Kacper Hoksa Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9832-7093
Krzysztof Jodłowski Hospital of the Ministry of Interior and Administration in Lodz, ul. Północna 42, 91–425 Łódź https://orcid.org/0009-0003-9041-2091

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2025.79.57862

Keywords

FAS, FASD, Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, mental disorders in FAS, mental disorders in FASD, FASD mechanisms

Abstract

The Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) encompass a variety of physical, behavioral and neurological disorders resulting from fetal alcohol exposure. FASD includes full Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), partial FAS (pFAS), Alcohol-Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder (ARND) and Alcohol-Related Birth Defects (ARBD). It is estimated that there is an average of 7.7 cases per 1000 people worldwide. Despite its frequent occurrence, FASD is often underdiagnosed what results in affected patients do not receive appropriate assistance and care that would mitigate its negative effects. Alcohol is a toxic substance for the developing fetus, and its impact depends on factors such as the amount of alcohol consumed, the timing of exposure, and individual genetic predispositions.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is a significant and preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disorders. The multifactorial mechanisms linking FASD with psychiatric disorders include neurobiological damage, chronic neuroinflammation, and environmental influences. This article highlights the urgent need for global prevention programs and education on the harmful effects of alcohol consumption during pregnancy. It also suggests further research into epigenetic and neuroprotective therapies to reduce the risk of psychiatric disorders in individuals affected by FASD.

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The Influence of FASD on Psychiatric Disorders

A Literature Review on the Mechanisms Relating Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders to Mental Health Conditions in Adulthood

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