lecture 4: drugs and the developing brain

Question 1

teratogens

Answer 1

chemical or factors that have the potential to damage the fetus when exposure occurs during pregnancy. damage depends on timing and dose

Question 2

exposure to alcohol on developing brain

Answer 2

• no amount of alcohol is safe for developing child, especially during prenatal development
• FASD
• hippocampus can be 10% smaller in underage drinkers

Question 3

effects of parent’s substance use on children

Answer 3

environment that children grow up in
impact child depending on developmental stage.
chronic levels of toxic stress

Question 4

fetal alcohol spectrum disorder

Answer 4

permanent birth defect from maternal alcohol use. leading preventable cause of mental retardation in west
- growth deficiency
- facial abnormalities
- organic brain damage
- can lead on to mental health problems, trouble with law, disrupted school experience, inappropriate sexual behaviour, dependent living, substance abuse problems

Question 5

cannabis impact on brain development

Answer 5

• increased risk of dependence
• increased risk of other drug abuse
• poor educational outcomes
• poor mental health - psychosis, anxiety
• poor physical health