antidepressants - MGH Center for Women's Mental Health

Prenatal Exposure to Antidepressants and Risk of Autism

It is estimated that autism spectrum disorders (ASD) affect about 1% to 2% of children. Research carried out in twins and families indicate that ASD is highly heritable; however, it is generally believed that while genetic factors play an important role, there is an interplay between genetic and environmental factors in the etiology of this disorder. Various environmental exposures have been implicated, including vaccinations, mercury, air pollution, insecticides, and infection.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T09:41:13-04:00May 29th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

SSRI Exposure During Pregnancy Does Not Appear to Affect Infant Growth

Some studies have shown an association between in utero exposure to antidepressants and various pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and lower Apgar scores; however, these outcomes have also been observed in infants born to depressed mothers who are not taking medication. Thus, it has been difficult to determine if there is a causal relationship between antidepressant exposure and these negative pregnancy outcomes or if untreated maternal depression is itself responsible for these negative outcomes.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T11:14:10-04:00April 18th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Antidepressants and Pregnancy: A Meta-Analysis Puts the Risks into a Larger Context

While some studies have shown an association between in utero exposure to antidepressants and various pregnancy outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and lower Apgar scores, these outcomes have also been linked to untreated maternal depression. Thus, it has been difficult to determine if there is a causal relationship between antidepressant exposure and negative pregnancy outcomes or whether maternal depression is itself responsible for these negative outcomes.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T13:22:16-04:00March 1st, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

No Increase in Risk of Infant Mortality in Women Taking SSRIs During Pregnancy

While there has been a great deal of attention paid to the risks of exposure to antidepressants, particularly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), during pregnancy, there has been comparatively little information on the risk of stillbirth and infant mortality in this population. In a recent population-based cohort study utilizing data from all Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden), researchers assessed the risk of stillbirth and infant mortality associated with the use of SSRIs during pregnancy.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T13:48:29-04:00January 9th, 2013|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

SSRIs and Pregnancy: Putting the Risks and Benefits into Perspective

Prozac hit the market in 1988, the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression. Because it was safer and more tolerable than the antidepressants that preceded it, Prozac was soon the most commonly prescribed antidepressant in the United States.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-06T13:57:24-04:00December 6th, 2012|Infertility and Mental Health, Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|6 Comments

Yet Another Study Investigating SSRIs and Their Impact on Neonatal Outcomes

In a recent retrospective cohort study, data collected from linked records from the Women's and Children's Health Network in South Australia were used to investigate neonatal outcomes in children exposed prenatally to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Women were included in this study if they gave birth to a singleton, live-born infant between September 2000 and December 2008 (n = 33,965).

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T11:38:25-04:00October 2nd, 2012|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|1 Comment

SSRIs and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes: Why You Can’t Just Read the Abstract

Over the past few years, there have been a large number of studies which have relied on large administrative databases to generate information on the reproductive safety of various medications. One of the strengths of this type of approach is that it provides an opportunity to observe outcomes in a large number of subjects; however, there are certain, very important limitations. A recent study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology helps to understand some of the challenges in interpreting the data generated from these studies.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T11:48:25-04:00September 20th, 2012|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|3 Comments

Folic Acid and Risk of Perinatal Depression: Is There an Association?

Recent reports suggest that people with lower folate levels are at higher risk of major depression or may experience more severe depressive symptoms. Other studies indicate that in folate deficient patients, antidepressants may be less effective or may take longer to take effect. In addition, some clinical trials have shown that folate may have a therapeutic effect on depression, either when taken alone or in combination with an antidepressant.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T12:25:29-04:00July 25th, 2012|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Measuring the Effects of Antidepressants versus Untreated Depression on Pregnancy Outcomes

Multiple studies have demonstrated an increased risk of poor neonatal adaptation associated with exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants in late pregnancy. Results in the literature consistently indicate that about 25%-30% of infants exposed to SSRIs late in pregnancy manifest symptoms of poor neonatal adaption, including jitteriness, restlessness, increased muscle tone, rapid breathing. These symptoms are transient, resolving spontaneously with no specific medical intervention.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T13:56:55-04:00July 10th, 2012|Psychiatric Disorders During Pregnancy|0 Comments

Escitalopram (Lexapro) for Hot Flashes: No Significant Sexual Side Effects

Escitalopram, when used in the treatment of menopausal vasomotor symptoms, did not worsen overall sexual function among non-depressed midlife women.

By MGH Center for Women's Mental Health|2015-08-12T16:15:15-04:00May 21st, 2012|Menopausal Symptoms|0 Comments