Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and suicidality in a healthcare setting.
OBJECTIVE
To present a clinical case report and provide a review of the available literature on fetal alcohol syndrome and the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders and suicidality to highlight important implications for providers.


METHODS
A case report and literature review.


RESULTS
Almost 6% of adolescents evaluated by the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders diagnostic clinic at the Alaska Native Medical Center had been seen for self-harm related consultation.


CONCLUSIONS
Persons with the fetal alcohol syndrome and the fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, as a result of their disability, demonstrate characteristics or features that are commonly thought to be risk factors for suicide-such as mental illness, alcohol and other drug abuse, impulsivity, history of trauma or abuse, and employment and relationship/social difficulties. These persons may experience mental health problems, including suicidal ideation and attempts, over the course of their life times.
D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D000413:Alaska; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D063647:Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D007198:Indians, North American / Q000523:psychology; D004930:Inuit / Q000523:psychology; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D011247:Pregnancy; D018570:Risk Assessment; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000208:ethnology / Q000209:etiology; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013405:Suicide / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology