A major analysis of over half a million pregnancies has found no evidence that taking antidepressants during pregnancy increases the risk of children developing autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study, led by researchers at the University of Hong Kong and published in The Lancet Psychiatry, reviewed data from 37 existing studies involving 600,000 women who used antidepressants and 25 million who did not.
Initial analysis suggested a 35% increased risk of ADHD and a 69% increased risk of autism linked to antidepressant use. However, after adjusting for factors such as the mother's pre-existing mental health conditions and genetic predisposition, these associations became statistically non-significant. The researchers concluded that the apparent risk was due to confounding factors rather than the medication itself.
Lead author Dr Wing-Chung Chang stated: 'Our study provides reassuring evidence that commonly used antidepressants do not increase the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD in children.' He emphasised that stopping antidepressants during pregnancy carries its own risks, including relapse of depression, and that decisions should be made on a case-by-case basis.
Professor James Walker, emeritus professor of obstetrics and gynaecology at the University of Leeds, said the research helps 'cut through the noise' on the topic. He advised that women with moderate to severe depression should not stop their antidepressants during pregnancy out of fear of autism or ADHD, as untreated depression poses real risks to both mother and baby.
