Things just got much tougher for pregnant women on (SSRI) antidepressants. Another study, as discussed in today’s NYT, this one with a large sample size (4000+) has made it impossible to discount the evidence linking a mother’s use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy with a higher risk for autism in her child. I’ve posted the link below. Pregnant women dealing with severe, moderate or even mild depression face a much more complicated choice with this knowledge in hand. If, as seems advisable, you opt to stop using a SSRI during your pregnancy, please be sure to substitute alternative treatment (psychotherapy, an exercise regimen, a strong support system) and lifestyle changes that help with depression rather than simply opting out without replacing your antidepressants. I mention mildly depressed above because it is commonplace for mild depression to become more severe during and after pregnancy due to hormonal changes and related stresses.
Study Links Autism With Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy
By KJ DELL’ANTONIAA cautiously worded study based on data collected in Sweden has found that “in utero exposure to both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (S.S.R.I.’s) and nonselective monoamine reuptake inhibitors (tricyclic antidepressants) was associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorders, particularly without intellectual disability.”
There is constant warfare among and between “experts” and non-experts about the basic facts surrounding depression in adults. This quiz does an excellent job of addressing these frequently debated main points — providing research-based answers. Please read to the end for answers and their sources!
To Every Mom and Mom-to-be on Mother’s Day: My story is not unusual. My message is not complicated. You have to take care of yourself so you can be there for your children. What’s not simple is how someone who’s in the depths of postpartum depression, and enduring sleepless nights for months on end, can lift herself up far enough and for long enough to understand what must be done to get out of this place. I share my story because I waited far too long to get help.
