Prenatal exposure to ADHD medications, mostly methylphenidate, was not associated with an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders or growth restriction in exposed children.
ADHD is an important risk factor for both depression and anxiety disorders in the postpartum period and should be considered in the post-pregnancy maternal care.
Based on this large cohort study including 990 pregnancies with first trimester exposure to atomoxetine, the researchers observed no increase in major congenital malformations overall and no statistically increased risk estimates for cardiac or limb malformations.
Prenatal exposure to benzodiazepines and Z-hypnotics was not associated with increased risk of ADHD in exposed children.
Consistent with other studies, including a large meta-analysis, this study indicates no increased risk of ADHD in offspring following prenatal exposure to antidepressants.
Analyzing data from nearly 150,000 children with prenatal antidepressant exposure in two healthcare databases, a recent study finds no association between prenatal exposure to antidepressants and risk for neurodevelopmental disorders.
Prenatal exposure to antipsychotic medications was not associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring.
Prenatal exposure to valproic acid was associated with an increased risk of autism spectrum disorder in exposed children.
Children of mothers with eating disorders, and in particular the children of mothers with a current diagnosis of anorexia nervosa during pregnancy, are at an increased risk of either ADHD or ASD.
While questions and controversies remain, the information on long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children prenatally exposed to antidepressants is largely reassuring.
