Pregnancy and Depression
I have been getting questions and comments from visitors concerned about the effects of antidepressants and psychotropic medications on pregnancy. Thus, I’ve been keeping a watchful eye on new research information published on this concern.
In the August 2007 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry was a medical education article called, “Antenatal Depression: Navigating the Treatment Dilemmas” by Dr. Marlene P. Freeman, M.D. Dr. Freeman described 2 patient case studies - a 35-year old professional woman with major depression whose illness relapsed when she discontinued her meds after becoming pregnant. Another was a 24-year old mother who became clinical depressed 20 weeks into her pregnancy. Both women posed concerns for the doctor because of the need to weigh the potential risks to the fetus from medication side effects and the risks to the mothers from not receiving medication treatment for their bipolar disorder or depression. Read more
First Trimester Pregnancy Use of Antidepressants
Pregnant mothers who have depression or are at the risk of depression are often concerned about the effects of antidepressants on their developing babies. A study published in late June (full abstract is included below) suggested that risks of 3 types of birth defects - craniosynostosis, omphalocele, or heart defects - were not significantly increased with SSRI use overall. However, there appeared to be a slight increase in risk in certain birth defects with certain types of antidepressants: paroxetine (brand name Paxil) and sertraline (brand name Zoloft) were two medications found to have associated increase in certain birth defects. The authors concluded that the absolute risk of birth defects due to antidepressant use during the first trimester of pregnancy is small. Read more
Review: A Deeper Shade of Blue
Dr. Ruta Nonacs’ A Deeper Shade of Blue
The theme that recurred almost constantly was Dr. Nonacs’ reminder that Depression is Not Normal and should be treated. I cannot overemphasize how important this message is, because we tend to minimize or trivialize depression, and as a result, do not seek treatment for a very treatable illness. This is a great tragedy and has consequences beyond individual suffering. When a mother is depressed, it affects how she cares for her child and interacts with her child, and in many ways, creates challenges for her child that may even lead to the child developing behavioral problems and depression. Dr. Nonacs was quick to point out that children are resilient, and that a mother suffering from depression does not automatically mean a life sentence of suffering for her child. Read more