Abstract
Objectives Individuals with prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) and fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) experience a range of biopsychosocial vulnerabilities that can increase their risk for negative outcomes, including suicidality. Experiences of suicidality in youth can have tremendous impacts on caregivers and families. Although there is mounting evidence for the elevated rates of suicidality among individuals with FASD, very little is known about the full spectrum of suicidality (i.e. frequency, severity, and duration of current and lifetime suicidal ideation and/or behaviours) in these individuals. Methods To better comprehensively characterize suicidality and explore contextual factors among youth with PAE/FASD, we conducted an online survey using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (CSSR-S) with 22 caregivers to leverage their wisdom and experiences related to suicidality. Results Caregivers highlighted the notable acuteness, severity, and persistence of suicidality among their youth with PAE/FASD. In addition, open-ended qualitative responses revealed important information regarding the context surrounding suicidality for youth with PAE/FASD, including a reactive response to frustration or conflict, shame and not fitting in, and a general sense of hopelessness. Conclusions Caregiver responses in this study highlight the critical need for comprehensive PAE/FASD-informed suicide prevention and intervention strategies to promote the mental health and wellbeing of individuals with PAE/FASD and their families.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call