Exploring prenatal exposures in CAMHS ND V1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Exploratory Study on the Contribution of Prenatal Exposures to the Current Rise of CAMHS Neurodevelopmental Waiting Lists
IRAS ID
371645
Contact name
Gemma Sharon Wallace
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 3 days
Research summary
Recent reports have suggested that Scotland has a higher rate of substance misuse than England and other European countries. Given how challenging it can be to stop using substances, coupled with possible delayed recognition of pregnancy and a lack of knowledge among women and healthcare professionals regarding the importance of health during pregnancy, it is unsurprising that recent studies report that 54.5% of women consumed alcohol, and 3.7% of women consumed unprescribed substances, during pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy can result in a range of negative outcomes for the child, such as difficulties with cognition (memory, making decisions), controlling emotions, and communicating with and understanding other people.
The main aim of the current project is to better understand the patterns of neuropsychological challenges (such as memory, making decisions) experienced by young people who were affected by a range of prenatal exposures (such as alcohol and unprescribed substances, like opioids). The project will assess this by analysing the results of neuropsychological assessments, which were completed with young people who were referred to the Child and Adolescents Mental Health Service (CAMHS) for neuropsychological assessment in NHS Ayrshire and Arran. The project will also analyse what diagnoses the young people received following neuropsychological assessment.
By doing this, we hope to further healthcare professionals’ understanding of how prenatal exposures can affect a developing fetus's brain. This new understanding may help in the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorders such as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), as health professionals will have improved knowledge of which brain area(s) are more likely to be affected by prenatal exposures than others.
REC name
South Central - Hampshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
26/SC/0176
Date of REC Opinion
2 Jun 2026
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion