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Rachel V Thomas

Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Not Linked To Autism, ADHD, Finds Lancet Study

A large new study, published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal, has shown that using antidepressant medications during pregnancy does not increase the risk of developmental disorders such as <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/autism">autism</a> and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/adhd">ADHD</a>) in children.

The analysis, based on data from more than 25 million pregnancies, refutes assertions made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and states that there is no evidence to support a causal link between the use of almost all antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.

Kennedy has previously claimed, without evidence, that certain antidepressants pose such a risk to fetuses. He has also linked vaccines to autism — a theory that has been widely debunked and contradicts established scientific evidence. The exact causes of autism remain unclear, though scientists believe neurological characteristics may begin developing in utero as the fetal brain forms.

“We know many parents-to-be worry about the potential impact of taking medication during pregnancy; our study provides reassuring evidence that commonly used antidepressants do not increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children,” said Dr. Wing-Chung Chang of the University of Hong Kong.

Dr. Chang also warned against stopping antidepressant medication during pregnancy without medical advice.

“While all medications carry risks, so too does stopping antidepressants during pregnancy due to an increased risk of relapse,” he said.

He added that for women with moderate-to-severe depression, doctors and patients must carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of continuing antidepressant treatment during pregnancy against the potential harms of untreated depression.

What Did The Study Find?

The meta-analysis was based on pooled data from 37 studies involving more than 600,000 pregnant women taking antidepressants and nearly 25 million pregnancies without antidepressant use.

Before adjusting for key factors such as underlying mental health conditions, the analysis found that antidepressant use during pregnancy was associated with:

<ul><li>A 35 per cent increased risk of ADHD</li><li>A 69 per cent increased risk of autism</li></ul>

However, these associations became greatly reduced or statistically non-significant after accounting for confounding factors.

Interestingly, antidepressant use by fathers during pregnancy was also associated with:

<ul><li>A 46 per cent increase in ADHD risk</li><li>A 28 per cent increase in autism risk</li></ul>

“Although our study found a small increase in the risk of autism and ADHD in the children of women who had used antidepressants during pregnancy, it also found that this risk disappeared when we accounted for other factors,” Dr. Chang said.

“The increased risk was also seen in the children of fathers who took antidepressants and of mothers with antidepressant use before, but not during, pregnancy,” he added.

“Together, this suggests that it is not the antidepressants themselves causing an increased risk of autism and ADHD, but it is more likely due to other factors, including genetic predisposition to conditions such as ADHD, autism, and mental health conditions,” the researcher explained.

Which Drugs Were Linked To Increased Risk?

Among the studies analysed, researchers found that only amitriptyline and nortriptyline remained associated with increased ADHD and autism risk.

These medications are generally considered second- or third-line treatment options for depression and are often prescribed in cases of treatment-resistant depression.

Researchers noted that women taking these medications may have more severe, chronic, or complex underlying mental health conditions, which could influence the observed association.

The study also found no difference in risk between high and low doses of antidepressants.

“The evidence suggests a link between either parent having a mental health condition and a slightly higher risk of ADHD or autism,” said Dr. Joe Kwun-Nam Chan of the University of Hong Kong.

“In addition to genetic factors, this link could be explained by the home and social environment, as ongoing family stress, changes in family functioning, and differences in parenting and caregiving may influence neurodevelopment,” he added.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that both parents have access to mental health support and treatment, both for their own wellbeing and to support the neurodevelopment of their child.

Limitations Of The Study

The researchers acknowledged several limitations, including a lack of data on factors such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle-related risks, and low birth weight in some studies.

Additionally, only a small number of studies examined antidepressant use during specific trimesters or evaluated exact dosage changes, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions in these areas.

The authors also noted that women prescribed antidepressants often have more severe depression than those who are not prescribed medication, meaning some bias may still remain despite adjustments for mental health conditions.

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A large new study, published in the Lancet Psychiatry journal, has shown that using antidepressant medications during pregnancy does not increase the risk of developmental disorders such as autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.The analysis, based on data from more than 25 million pregnancies, refutes assertions made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and states that there is no evidence to support a causal link between the use of almost all antidepressants during pregnancy and an increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders.Kennedy has previously claimed, without evidence, that certain antidepressants pose such a risk to fetuses. He has also linked vaccines to autism — a theory that has been widely debunked and contradicts established scientific evidence. The exact causes of autism remain unclear, though scientists believe neurological characteristics may begin developing in utero as the fetal brain forms.“We know many parents-to-be worry about the potential impact of taking medication during pregnancy; our study provides reassuring evidence that commonly used antidepressants do not increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children,” said Dr. Wing-Chung Chang of the University of Hong Kong.Dr. Chang also warned against stopping antidepressant medication during pregnancy without medical advice.“While all medications carry risks, so too does stopping antidepressants during pregnancy due to an increased risk of relapse,” he said.He added that for women with moderate-to-severe depression, doctors and patients must carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of continuing antidepressant treatment during pregnancy against the potential harms of untreated depression.What Did The Study Find?The meta-analysis was based on pooled data from 37 studies involving more than 600,000 pregnant women taking antidepressants and nearly 25 million pregnancies without antidepressant use.Before adjusting for key factors such as underlying mental health conditions, the analysis found that antidepressant use during pregnancy was associated with:A 35 per cent increased risk of ADHDA 69 per cent increased risk of autismHowever, these associations became greatly reduced or statistically non-significant after accounting for confounding factors.Interestingly, antidepressant use by fathers during pregnancy was also associated with:A 46 per cent increase in ADHD riskA 28 per cent increase in autism risk“Although our study found a small increase in the risk of autism and ADHD in the children of women who had used antidepressants during pregnancy, it also found that this risk disappeared when we accounted for other factors,” Dr. Chang said.“The increased risk was also seen in the children of fathers who took antidepressants and of mothers with antidepressant use before, but not during, pregnancy,” he added.“Together, this suggests that it is not the antidepressants themselves causing an increased risk of autism and ADHD, but it is more likely due to other factors, including genetic predisposition to conditions such as ADHD, autism, and mental health conditions,” the researcher explained.Which Drugs Were Linked To Increased Risk?Among the studies analysed, researchers found that only amitriptyline and nortriptyline remained associated with increased ADHD and autism risk.These medications are generally considered second- or third-line treatment options for depression and are often prescribed in cases of treatment-resistant depression.Researchers noted that women taking these medications may have more severe, chronic, or complex underlying mental health conditions, which could influence the observed association.The study also found no difference in risk between high and low doses of antidepressants.“The evidence suggests a link between either parent having a mental health condition and a slightly higher risk of ADHD or autism,” said Dr. Joe Kwun-Nam Chan of the University of Hong Kong.“In addition to genetic factors, this link could be explained by the home and social environment, as ongoing family stress, changes in family functioning, and differences in parenting and caregiving may influence neurodevelopment,” he added.He stressed the importance of ensuring that both parents have access to mental health support and treatment, both for their own wellbeing and to support the neurodevelopment of their child.Limitations Of The StudyThe researchers acknowledged several limitations, including a lack of data on factors such as socioeconomic status, lifestyle-related risks, and low birth weight in some studies.Additionally, only a small number of studies examined antidepressant use during specific trimesters or evaluated exact dosage changes, making it difficult to draw firm conclusions in these areas.The authors also noted that women prescribed antidepressants often have more severe depression than those who are not prescribed medication, meaning some bias may still remain despite adjustments for mental health conditions.

antidepressant use during pregnancy not linked to autism, adhd, finds lancet study

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