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Does Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Increase Risk of Psychiatric Disorders in Children?

New research shows a link between antidepressant use during pregnancy and psychiatric disorders in children. The study, conducted by the National Center for Register-Based Research at Aarhus University in Denmark, included more than 900,000 children born in Denmark from 1998 through 2012. The psychiatric disorders present in the affected children include mood, anxiety, behavioral or autism spectrum disorders.

In total, only about 3% of children studied developed a psychiatric illness by age 16. Almost twice as many children (14.5%) were diagnosed with a psychiatric illness if their mother took antidepressants during pregnancy. Only 8% of those whose mothers were not taking antidepressants were diagnosed.

Continued Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Linked to Higher Rates of Psychiatric Disorders

However, there was a clear difference between children whose mothers took antidepressants before pregnancy but not while pregnant, and those who continued to take them during pregnancy. Children whose mothers continued antidepressant use during pregnancy were 27% more likely to end up with a psychiatric disorder, compared to children whose mothers stopped during pregnancy

It is important to note that research has also shown a link between mothers with untreated depression and children with an increased risk of psychiatric disorders. Thus, it remains unclear whether a child’s risk is more closely tied to a mother’s existing mental illness, or the medications prescribed to treat it. Regardless, depression itself is serious and poses a danger to a mother and her child if untreated.

“This study is a good start to understanding the risks associated with taking antidepressants during pregnancy. However, more research is needed in order to weigh the risks and benefits,” said Attorney Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group.

Our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout the California Low Desert and High Desert communities for over 30 years. With a 95% success rate, the California personal injury attorneys at Walter Clark Legal Group will fight to hold those responsible for your loss accountable and win compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you have been injured by a drug and want to discuss your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We have offices in Indio, Rancho Mirage, Victorville, and Yucca Valley and represent clients through the entire California Low Desert and High Desert communities.

DISCLAIMER: The Walter Clark Legal Group blog is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended as legal or medical advice. References to laws are based on general legal practices and vary by location. Information reported comes from secondary news sources. We do handle these types of cases, but whether or not the individuals and/or loved ones involved in these accidents choose to be represented by a law firm is a personal choice we respect. Should you find any of the information incorrect, we welcome you to contact us with corrections.

 

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