Diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: new Canadian guideline
(14 December 2015). Retrieved from: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/304014.php
Diagnosing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is important to help
children and adults, and their families, who have the disorder. A new
Canadian guideline published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal), provides recommendations for diagnosing FASD, specifically for multidisciplinary diagnostic teams.
FASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Individuals with FASD can experience complex behavioural and intellectual problems that persist throughout the lifespan and can become increasingly complicated if unsupported. The need for early and accurate diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes and quality of life.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 people have FASD, translating to more than 330 000 affected individuals in Canada.
Since the publication of the last Canadian guideline in 2005, research in this area has evolved. The new guideline incorporates updated evidence for detecting and diagnosing FASD across the lifespan.
"These new recommendations, based on the latest evidence for diagnosing FASD, will improve how we diagnose the disorder and help individuals and their families," states Dr. Jocelynn Cook, Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
The guideline is aimed at health care providers with specialized training and experience in FASD who are part of multidisciplinary diagnostic teams. Family physicians may find the guideline useful, but the diagnosis must be made with input from other experienced health care professionals.
"The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) played a leadership role in supporting the development of the new Diagnostic Guidelines with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. We will continue to support and facilitate research and knowledge exchange on this important initiative," states Audrey McFarlane, Interim Executive Director of CanFASD.
Key recommendations for diagnosis of FASD:
"Just as diagnosing FASD is important, so too is ensuring the patient and their caregivers receive the support they need to obtain necessary services that may improve quality of life," states Dr. Cook. "They will need specialized support from a team of experts such as child development specialists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, psychologists and specialized physician supports, depending on their ages."
For the related online training program "Multidisciplinary Training for Diagnosis of FASD", visit www.canfasd.ca.
The authors note that there are still gaps in understanding of FASD and that ongoing research will continue to inform the field and treatments.
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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan
Jocelynn L. Cook PhD, Courtney R. Green PhD, Christine M. Lilley PhD, Sally M. Anderson PhD, Mary Ellen Baldwin, Albert E. Chudley MD, Julianne L. Conry PhD, Nicole LeBlanc MD, Christine A. Loock MD, Jan Lutke, Bernadene F. Mallon MSW, Audrey A. McFarlane MBA, Valerie K. Temple PhD, Ted Rosales MD; for the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, CMAJ, doi: :10.1503/cmaj.141593, published 14 December 2015.
CMAJ Podcast: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: clinical guideline for diagnosis across lifespan
FASD is a neurodevelopmental disorder resulting from prenatal alcohol exposure. Individuals with FASD can experience complex behavioural and intellectual problems that persist throughout the lifespan and can become increasingly complicated if unsupported. The need for early and accurate diagnosis is critical for improving outcomes and quality of life.
It is estimated that 1 in 100 people have FASD, translating to more than 330 000 affected individuals in Canada.
Since the publication of the last Canadian guideline in 2005, research in this area has evolved. The new guideline incorporates updated evidence for detecting and diagnosing FASD across the lifespan.
"These new recommendations, based on the latest evidence for diagnosing FASD, will improve how we diagnose the disorder and help individuals and their families," states Dr. Jocelynn Cook, Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network and the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada.
The guideline is aimed at health care providers with specialized training and experience in FASD who are part of multidisciplinary diagnostic teams. Family physicians may find the guideline useful, but the diagnosis must be made with input from other experienced health care professionals.
"The Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network (CanFASD) played a leadership role in supporting the development of the new Diagnostic Guidelines with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada. We will continue to support and facilitate research and knowledge exchange on this important initiative," states Audrey McFarlane, Interim Executive Director of CanFASD.
Key recommendations for diagnosis of FASD:
- Counseling women and their partners about abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy
- Screening of all pregnant women and new mothers for alcohol use by trained professionals using tested tools
- Referring individuals for possible diagnosis if there is evidence of prenatal exposure to alcohol at levels associated with adverse brain function
- Conducting complete social and medical histories of patients suspected of having FASD
"Just as diagnosing FASD is important, so too is ensuring the patient and their caregivers receive the support they need to obtain necessary services that may improve quality of life," states Dr. Cook. "They will need specialized support from a team of experts such as child development specialists, occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, psychologists and specialized physician supports, depending on their ages."
For the related online training program "Multidisciplinary Training for Diagnosis of FASD", visit www.canfasd.ca.
The authors note that there are still gaps in understanding of FASD and that ongoing research will continue to inform the field and treatments.
***************************************************************
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: a guideline for diagnosis across the lifespan
Jocelynn L. Cook PhD, Courtney R. Green PhD, Christine M. Lilley PhD, Sally M. Anderson PhD, Mary Ellen Baldwin, Albert E. Chudley MD, Julianne L. Conry PhD, Nicole LeBlanc MD, Christine A. Loock MD, Jan Lutke, Bernadene F. Mallon MSW, Audrey A. McFarlane MBA, Valerie K. Temple PhD, Ted Rosales MD; for the Canada Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Research Network, CMAJ, doi: :10.1503/cmaj.141593, published 14 December 2015.
CMAJ Podcast: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: clinical guideline for diagnosis across lifespan
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