Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome

In this episode Jamie Speeden covers Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome (FACS), focusing on its causes, diagnosis, and the role of general practice in managing the condition.

Topics

Intro.
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Foetal Anti-Convulsant Syndrome (FACS) & high risk medications.
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Main diagnostic criteria.
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When is this condition identified?
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Prevention, detection, and the GPs role.
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Discussing medication risks with patients.
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Shared care, and ultimate responsibility.
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Changing medications prior to pregnancy.
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Case: patient on Topiramate for migraine.
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High risk medications and alternatives.
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Sperm - older dads & Valproate.
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The healthy babies conversation.
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Unplanned pregnancy and urgent referral.
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Extra monitoring - through pregnancy and beyond.
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The role of ACC - managing FACS.
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Main treatments
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medications to keep in mind when prescribing in pregnancy
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Contraception advice
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Take home messages.
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Take home messages

Help raise awareness amongst colleagues.
FACS has life long developmental effects.
Don't assume someone else has had "the conversation" when prescribing.
Also check around substances and alcohol.
Set yourself a higher threshold - Look at how seriously the rest of the world is already taking this issue.

Resources

Foetal Anticonvulsant Syndrome (FACS) - Starship Hospital Guidelines.

Presenter

Jamie Speeden

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

find out more...

Dr Jamie Speeden is a specialist Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist working with children, young adults and their Whānau from a private clinic in the North Shore. He is passionate about working from a youth development model and not just a medical diagnostic framework.

Jamie trained at Auckland Medical School and initially qualified as a General Paediatrician after studying and training in the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Auckland. He went on to obtain dual speciality training in Psychiatry, specialising in Child and Adolescent psychiatry. He also works as a Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist in Waitemata DHB in a local CAMHS team.

He has particular interests in treating and working with children and young people with neurodevelopmental issues such as ADHD, ASD and FASD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders and those that are gender questioning or transitioning.