#043 Dr. Susan Rich: Calling a Spade a Spade

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I have the honour today of talking with Dr. Susan Rich. This is a fascinating interview with some frank discussions about fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and reasons why Dr. Rich believes we are still struggling with prevention, awareness, recognition, and support.   

Susan D. Rich, MD, MPH, DFAPA is a psychiatrist who holds a Bachelor of Science in microbiology from North Carolina State University, a Master of Public Health in health policy, and a Doctorate of Medicine from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She completed psychiatry training at Georgetown University Medical Center 

Dr. Rich first learned about the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the early embryo in April 1992 after reading The Broken Cord. Dr. Rich has written and spoken internationally on Neurodevelopmental Disorder associated with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and is the author of, The Silent Epidemic: A Child Psychiatrist's Journey beyond Death Row. She is also the founder of 7th Generation Foundation, and operates a green care farm animal sanctuary for individuals with FASD and related neurodevelopmental conditions.  

Did you know she was one of the experts that created the recently published FASD Psychotropic Medication Algorithm?  

We dive right in and talk about her and others’ efforts to get recognition of FASD/PAE in the psychiatric community. 

“Why is it that this topic, which is the most important topic in psychiatry today, is being held on the very last day of the conference, first thing in the morning.” – Dr. Carl Bell 

She provides insight into what it will take to change this recognition as well as her thoughts on:  

• What causes and why she feels we need to focus on what causes neurodiversity; and the cumulative factors that play a role in a child with a neurodevelopment disorder; 
• Why she calls FASD/PAE the chameleon of all other diagnosis and why she feels individuals with PAE can continue to develop versus someone with a genetic condition; 
• How recent research on anxiety and depression could help individuals with FASD/PAE; 
• Where a shift in society is needed to support birth moms and families; and 
• When are we going to make the billion-dollar alcohol companies accountable? 

“Why are we making the most vulnerable individuals pay?” 

I follow Dr. Rich on Twitter. I love her spunk and say it as it is attitude. She calls a spade a spade. She has the educational background and experience to voice very strong opinions on how we respond to FASD/PAE. She talks about how caregivers can play a part.  

This was a jam-packed interview, but we also managed to touch on Dream Catcher Meadows and her book, The Silent Epidemic.  I will be inviting Dr. Rich back as there is so much more to unpack and learn. Let me know what you think.  

Please Note: In the introduction for the podcast I erroneously refer to Dr. Rich as a psychologist. She is a psychiatrist. I knew that. My apologies. 

Show Notes: 

Contact: Susan D. Rich 

Book:  The Silent Epidemic, YouTube Channel and Documentary 

Non-profit Farm: 7thGeneration Foundation Inc 

Social Media: Twitter: @SusanDRichMD and Facebook 

 

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