Which term refers to a process by which infants experience withdrawal symptoms due to prenatal exposure to substances?

• A. Neonatal abstinence syndrome
• B. Neurotransmitter
• C. Mindfulness based relapse prevention
• D. Natural recovery

Answer: (A)

Withdrawal experienced by newborns after birth due to prenatal drug exposure is described by neonatal abstinence syndrome. This condition happens when the infant’s body has become accustomed to a drug during pregnancy, and withdrawal appears once the drug is no longer circulating after birth. Symptoms can include irritability, high-pitched crying, tremors, feeding difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, yawning, and sleep disturbances, and the onset depends on which substance was used and for how long. Management focuses on comfort and supportive care, with pharmacologic treatment for more severe cases as needed. The other terms refer to different concepts: a neurotransmitter is a chemical messenger in the nervous system, mindfulness-based relapse prevention is a therapeutic approach to prevent relapse, and natural recovery means spontaneous remission from substance use without withdrawal in the newborn context.