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.”
