Study: Antidepressant Exposure Does Not Change Newborn Behavior

Use of antidepressants during pregnancy does not appear to change the behavior of newborns at 2-4 weeks old, according to a study published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. The study’s aim was to assess whether newborns exposed to antidepressants showed any signs of withdrawal after birth. Other studies have looked at younger newborns, but this study is the first to assess potential withdrawal effects over a longer timeline.

Do Antidepressants Change Newborn Behavior?

The study followed 214 women and divided them into three groups. The first group had a mood disorder and did not take antidepressants. The second group had a mood disorder and took a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). A third group did not take antidepressants and did not have a mood disorder.

Using the Finnegan Scale, which assesses for 21 symptoms of drug withdrawal in infants, researchers assessed each newborn. All three groups showed similar behavior, suggesting few or no withdrawal side effects associated with SSRI antidepressant use. Researchers determined any prevalent symptoms were a result of preterm birth rather than antidepressant exposure.

Antidepressants and Pregnancy

Previous studies have looked at the long-term effects of antidepressant use during pregnancy. The results of these studies are contradictory, so antidepressant use while pregnant continues to be controversial.

Another 2016 study found a four-fold increase in adolescent depression rates among teens whose mothers took antidepressants during pregnancy.

Depression itself carries risks for women and their babies. Though some pregnant women may experience relief with therapy and lifestyle remedies, others need antidepressants or a combination of therapy and medication. These women may find the benefits of antidepressants outweigh the risks.

References:

1. Taking antidepressants during pregnancy not associated with neonatal problems at 2-4 weeks. (2017, June 1). Retrieved from https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/06/170601135637.htm
2. Yang, A., Ciolino, J. D., Pinheiro, E., Rasmussen-Torvik, L. J., Sit, D. K., & Wisner, K. L. (2017). Neonatal discontinuation syndrome in serotonergic antidepressant-exposed neonates. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 78(5), 605-611. doi:10.4088/jcp.16m11044

© Copyright 2017 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved.

The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.