Clinical manifestation of depression in a child with fetal alcohol effects
Małgorzata Janas-Kozik1,2, Agnieszka Gawęda1, Agata Cichoń-Lenart1, Małgorzata Klecka2,3, Irena Krupka-Matuszczyk2

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) occurs in children of mothers consuming alcohol during pregnancy. The recent statement of NOFAS (National Organization of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome) and FASD Center of Excellence in Washington DC of April 15th, 2004 has the following wording: “Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) is a broad term describing a wide range of developmental outcomes among individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure. The outcomes may include physical, mental, cognitive and behavioural anomalies; and they may persist across the lifespan. The term FASD is not intended for use as a clinical diagnosis”. As a result of alcohol intoxication during the prenatal development the fetus is damaged at the cellular level, which results in a malformation of the central nervous system and internal organs. The most dangerous consequence of the prenatal alcohol damage is fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS). Developmental disorders of children with FASD occur in different areas. These include: abnormal cognitive development (problems with memory, hyperactivity, planning, anticipation, skills learning), problems with emotions, especially in social situations (withdrawal or aggression, a tendency to steal and lie, avoidance of responsibility, credulity, over-confidence and lack of reflection). Currently used diagnostic criteria are still based on the triad of the following clinical symptoms:
- characteristic facial features;
- growth deficiency;
- central nervous system abnormalities.
The outcomes of the teratogenic (toxic for fetus) impact of alcohol exposure depend on the following:
- Amount of alcohol (Note! Even a very small amount of alcohol may in certain circumstances be dangerous).
- Phase of pregnancy – in each trimester some specific damage typical for a given moment of fetus development may take place. In the first trimester alcohol exposure can lead to growth retardation and development of dysmorphia, in the second and third trimester the central nervous system is mostly vulnerable and there is a disturbed neurotransmitters production.
- Mother’s general health condition (nutritional status, genetic predisposition, immune system).
Children of drinking mothers who did not present all the symptoms of damage (dysmorphia) were initially described as the FAE children (fetal alcohol effects). The aim of this study is to analyse the clinical picture of depression on the basis of the case of a 12-year-old boy. The authors describe the symptoms presented by him and give understanding of the patient in the individual context, as well as in relationship with his mother, and discuss his drawing. They propose a psychotherapy treatment.