crack addicted baby

[Gail Dusablon]

I adopted my daughter when she was 4 months old. she was born crack addicted. The doctors told me she would have problems but can you tell me if she will have behavior problems. She is now 9 yrs old her behavior has gotten really out of control. She seems to not be able to handle alot of stress, loud noises,she gets angry easily now. i just need to know do these problems have anything to do with her crack addiction when she was born. thank you for your time.                                                                                Gail

[Ashley06]

A related discussion, crack addicted babies was started.

[Denise P.]

My adopted son was born with crack in his system.  His behavior was normal until the age of three, now he has temper tantrums, he use to use profanity, and he is ver implusive.   He is now on ritilan but there are days when he does not seem to help.  Is there any drug that is more effective in treating children such as these.

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Dear Gail,

Yes, it is quite likely that your daughter's behavior is related to her condition at birth. Such children tend to be quite reactive, impulsive, easily frustrated and not very resilient in the face of stress. They also are often learning disabled and display attentional difficulties and other neurobehavioral conditions.

Has your daughter been evaluated by a child mental health clinician? Through a program of behavior management and, perhaps, medication, some of her symptoms can be addressed.