Some cases of autism may be caused by expectant mothers using antidepressants during the middle and end of their pregnancies.
A recent study by Canadian researchers found an 87 percent greater risk of autism among babies born to women who took drugs such as Zoloft and Prozac after the first three months of pregnancy.
The study, published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, focused on a class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They work by affecting levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, helping it to better manage mood.
But here’s the tricky part: In unborn babies, SSRIs may also affect development of the brain’s serotonin-producing systems. This, in turn, might cause an increased risk of autism. Experts believe that people with autism may be unable to produce serotonin correctly.
To look at the effect of SSRIs on autism risk, scientists from the University of Montreal reviewed information from 145,000 births in the Quebec Pregnancy/Children Cohort, which holds data on pregnancies and children born from 1998 through 2009. The researchers then examined the mothers’ use of antidepressants and the diagnoses of autism among their children.
They found that there was a significant association between SSRI use after the first trimester and autism risk for the baby. Researchers said the study demonstrates the need for more research on antidepressants’ effects on developing babies.
But these drugs also benefit pregnant moms and their babies. Avoiding depression is crucial to helping expectant mothers prioritize prenatal care and a healthy lifestyle. If you’re concerned about antidepressant use during pregnancy, talk to your doctor. Stopping antidepressant medication on your own poses risks, too.