NEONATAL WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS AND THE EFFECTS OF SUBSTANCE EXPOSURE

Abstract

Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome is a commonly known form of neonatal withdrawal, which can affect infants prenatally exposed to opioids. Research has shown that prenatal substance exposure may induce withdrawal syndromes in infants prenatally exposed to other substances, as well. Thus, studies have investigated withdrawal-like symptoms in infants after various prenatal exposures. Neurobehavioral effects have been shown, though specific presentation may vary by substance, situation, and individual infant. Five categories of substances are described: opioids and opiates, SSRIs, nicotine, cocaine, and amphetamines and methamphetamines. For each category, known biological mechanisms in adults are described before presenting information from studies regarding neonatal withdrawal effects. After evaluating research related to neonatal withdrawal, a few commonalities emerged: (1) though infant withdrawal effects from nonopioid substances have been studied, different research reaches varying conclusions regarding the underlying mechanistic cause of symptoms, (2) researchers emphasize the need for additional symptom scoring systems, particularly to assess non-opioid exposures, and (3) publications encourage continued research in the field. In all cases, mothers and their newborns deserve care and consideration.