CHILDREN WITH ALCOHOL MISUSING PARENTS

Children of alcohol abusing parents (COAs) now receive more attention in their own right but data from methodologically sound studies is sti ll thin. Genetic vulnerability increases risk of comorbidity for other psychiatric disorders and cognitive deficits as well as substance abu se. Neuropsychological effects of maternal alcohol consumption in preg nancy are more common than previously thought and paternal alcohol abu se may contribute to fetal damage. Family functioning is severely affe cted and COAs are at risk for child abuse though the strength of the a ssociation needs clarifying. Family drinking patterns are associated w ith teenage alcohol abuse and early induction increases the risk of ad diction. COAs have raised morbidity rates for emotional and behavioura l disturbance with impact on the developing child and separate prognos tic significance for future adult morbidity other than alcoholism. Eth ical considerations arise about the welfare of children cared for by a lcohol abusing