Suicide attempts among adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Clinical considerations.

People diagnosed with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) have neuropsychological deficits that may contribute to increased risk for suicide. This paper describes clinical profiles of eleven individuals with FASD and differentiates six who attempted suicide from five who did not, with regard to risk and protective factors. Attempters were more likely to have mental health disorders, substance abuse disorders, a history of trauma or abuse, financial stress, and unstable social support compared to non-attempters.We discuss ways in which clinicians can reduce risk among individuals with FASD by modifying standard suicide assessment and intervention protocols to accommodate the person’s deficits.