title: Lack of recognition and complexity of foetal alcohol neuroimpairments.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To obtain the recorded prevalence of foetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and foetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Norway, and evaluate the effect of a general information program to increase the recognition of FAS/FASD for health care and social workers.
  
  
  METHODS
  A questionnaire regarding prevalence of FAS/FASD was sent to all Norwegian paediatric and child psychiatry departments. In the region Hordaland county, an information program was carried out to educate health-care and social workers on symptoms and signs of FAS/FASD, and referral was encouraged for suspected cases. Referred children received a neuropaediatric evaluation, and the effect of the information program on recorded FAS/FASD was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Based on the national survey, a prevalence of 0.3 per 1000 was calculated. After the information program, the estimated prevalence in Hordaland County increased to 1.5 per 1000. In 5 years, 25 children were diagnosed with FAS and 22 with FASD. One-third of all children were mentally retarded. Microcephaly and neuroimpairments were more common among FAS children. Almost all children met the criteria of ADHD.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The rate of FAS/FASD may be greatly underestimated because of lack of knowledge. An information program aimed at health-care and social workers is effective.
authors: Department of Paediatrics, University of Bergen, Norway. irene.elgen@helse-bergen.no
authors: I
authors: I
authors: Elgen
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Bruaroy
authors: L M
authors: LM
authors: Laegreid
mesh_terms: D020268:Alcohol-Induced Disorders, Nervous System / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004501:Education, Medical; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D011247:Pregnancy; D015995:Prevalence; D012947:Social Work / Q000193:education*