Boston, Massachusetts – A new study revealed the use of antidepressant during pregnancy could increase the risks of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to the unborn child.
Previous studies have revealed that the use of antidepressant among pregnant women was linked to an increased autism risk in their unborn child. These studies scared off some expecting mothers to use such medications, considering their condition which needs urgent care at all times.
However, the new study conducted at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) provided women with some comforting information. The increased autism risk associated with the use of antidepressant during pregnancy revealed that it was due to the severity of depression, instead of the medication itself.
Doctor Roy Perlis, co-author of the study said, expecting mothers should be reassured that these medications will not expose their unborn children to an increased autism risk, thus, it is their depressive disorder that could heighten the risks. Assuring them of the fact will serve as an urgent care near me relief among pregnant women.
Additionally, the study found that antidepressant during pregnancy could increase the ADHD risk for up to 80% of the unborn child, although Perlis pointed out that it was only a preliminary finding. Further tests and research will be necessary in the future, so that expecting mothers will not need to visit urgent care clinics from time to time just to obtain information about the use and effects of antidepressants.
The National Institute of Mental Health funded the study, although Perlis and his co-authors said they received some consulting fees from pharmaceutical companies that manufacture antidepressants.
Throughout the study, the researchers compared the medical records of two groups of children, those diagnosed with ADHD, and the other one without behavioral disorders. The medical records of mothers were likewise examined, indicating that 45% of them who were diagnosed with mental illness or depression had likely given birth to children who developed autism later on, regardless whether they took antidepressant during their pregnancy or not.
Maternal-fetal medicine specialist Doctor Adam Urato, who also conducted a research about the link of antidepressant and pregnancy, said he’s worried about the recent findings which indicate a minimized risk of the medication towards the unborn child. Urato emphasized that the exposure of a developing fetal brain towards synthetic chemical compounds usually results in neurobehavioral abnormalities.
Pregnant women with depression or any mental issues should seek professional help from an urgent care clinic or any health facility; because Perlis said the recent study is not equivalent to definitive answers. Despite the several studies on antidepressant during pregnancy, women should always talk with their doctors before taking any medication.
