Doctors are criticizing a recent expert panel organized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that questioned the safety of taking antidepressants during pregnancy.
Mykola Sosiukin/Getty Images
hide caption
toggle caption
Mykola Sosiukin/Getty Images
Nearly one in five pregnant women and new moms in this country suffers from anxiety and depression. And 6-8% of pregnant women are prescribed a group of antidepressants called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs).
But a recent expert panel organized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cast doubt on the safety of SSRIs — even though these drugs are largely considered safe by healthcare providers.
Those comments have sparked a swath of criticism from a number of prominent medical societies.
“Untreated or undertreated depression during pregnancy carries health risks, such as suicide, preterm birth, preeclampsia, and low birth weight,” the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine wrote in a statement late last month. “Unfortunately, misinformation about depression and its treatment creates confusion and doubt among patients and the public leading to unnecessary barriers to care.”
Opening the panel discussion on FDA on July 21, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary said that SSRIs have been “implicated” by studies to be involved in a range of health effects, including pulmonary hypertension and cardiac defects in babies. Kay Roussos-Ross, a psychiatrist specializing in perinatal mental health at the University of Florida Health, mentioned the risks of untreated perinatal depression.
Untreated perinatal mood disorders can lead to adverse outcomes for both the mother and the baby, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and developmental delays in children.
“It is important to weigh the risks and benefits of treating mental health conditions during pregnancy,” says Roussos-Ross. “The potential harm of untreated depression and anxiety should not be overlooked.”
Kay Roussos-Ross, an OBGYN and perinatal psychiatrist at the University of Florida, highlighted the significant impacts of untreated mental health conditions in pregnant women. She emphasized that when mental health conditions are not addressed, women are less likely to attend prenatal care appointments, more likely to use substances during pregnancy, and face increased risks such as pre-eclampsia and cesarean delivery. There is also a higher risk of suicide among these women, making mental health the leading cause of maternal deaths in the United States.
Furthermore, postpartum depression can have detrimental effects on children’s IQ, language development, and behavior. It is crucial for mothers to prioritize their mental well-being during pregnancy and postpartum. While SSRIs are a common treatment option, there are various other tools available to support pregnant and postpartum women.
For mild depression or anxiety, psychotherapy is often the first line of treatment. Evidence-based psychotherapies can be effective during pregnancy and postpartum. Additionally, psychosocial treatments like peer support can help improve symptoms in pregnant women and new mothers. Incorporating practices such as exercise, yoga, and meditation can also benefit patients.
However, accessing therapy can be challenging for some women due to lack of insurance or other barriers. In such cases, SSRIs can be a helpful option for women with moderate to severe symptoms. It is important to have a range of treatment options available to support the mental health of pregnant and postpartum women.
