In 1996, the Institute of Medicine made an initial step towards addressing the confusion and controversy regarding the diagnosis of fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) by proposing a classification scheme and calling for research to evaluate its validity and clinical utility. Previous research evaluated memory, executive functions, and behaviour problems in FAS. Prior to the present study, however, there had not been an empirical evaluation of the existence of a spectrum of diagnostic subgroups or an evaluation of subgroup functioning on neuropsychological components of attention during the pre-teen and adolescent years. Part 1 of this study used categorical data regarding diagnostic domains to determine if an a priori spectrum of four subgroups could be identified. This spectrum included FAS and three fetal alcohol effect (FAE) subgroups, which were defined using teratogenic theory, previous research findings, and logic. The sample consisted of 112 children with a confirmed history of excessive prenatal alcohol exposure. Part 2 evaluated the continuity and comparability of the CNS dysfunction subgroups exhibited by assessing neuropsychological components of attention using models by Mirsky and Conners. The sample consisted of 30 children and subgroups were matched on age, sex, and living situation. Results identified 3 of the 4 potential subgroups. All subgroups exhibited a clinically significant attention deficit. After adjusting for IQ, the FAS and FAE subgroups had comparable levels of functioning on all components of attention with one exception. On the sustain component, the FAE subgroups had more difficulties than the FAS subgroup in maintaining a consistent response-speed in response to changes in the length of time between targets. This study provides empirical and theoretical support for the validity and clinical utility of a spectrum of fetal alcohol subgroups consistent with the IOM's classification. It furthers a theoretical understanding of the dose-response effects of alcohol as a teratogenic agent. It suggests that attention regulation functions are especially vulnerable to the damage caused by prenatal alcohol exposure. The findings emphasize the importance of obtaining a history of prenatal alcohol exposure in individuals presenting with neuropsychological difficulties, and developing treatment programs for pregnant women with an alcohol addiction.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:USASK/oai:usask.ca:etd-10212004-001732 |
| Date | 01 January 2000 |
| Creators | Block, Gerald W. |
| Contributors | Nanson, Josephine |
| Publisher | University of Saskatchewan |
| Source Sets | University of Saskatchewan Library |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | http://library.usask.ca/theses/available/etd-10212004-001732 |
| Rights | unrestricted, I hereby certify that, if appropriate, I have obtained and attached hereto a written permission statement from the owner(s) of each third party copyrighted matter to be included in my thesis, dissertation, or project report, allowing distribution as specified below. I certify that the version I submitted is the same as that approved by my advisory committee. I hereby grant to University of Saskatchewan or its agents the non-exclusive license to archive and make accessible, under the conditions specified below, my thesis, dissertation, or project report in whole or in part in all forms of media, now or hereafter known. I retain all other ownership rights to the copyright of the thesis, dissertation or project report. I also retain the right to use in future works (such as articles or books) all or part of this thesis, dissertation, or project report. |
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