[SSRI antidepressant use during pregnancy and the assessment of the risk-benefit ratio]

Rev Med Suisse. 2016 Mar 16;12(510):561-6.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Studies report that between 6 and 13% of women experience symptoms of depression during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The abundant data available make selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) the first line treatment in pregnancy when a pharmacological treatment is required. Risks associated with the use of SSRIs during pregnancy are limited (moderate effect size) and are often not distinguishable from those inherent to the mother's disease. Yet, several questions regarding the SSRI safety profile for the unborn child are still under debate or require additional epidemiological data. The decision of SSRI use during pregnancy needs an individual evaluation of the risk-benefit balance.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Depressive Disorder / complications
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Practice Patterns, Physicians'
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / chemically induced
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy*
  • Pregnancy Complications / psychology
  • Risk Assessment
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / adverse effects
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use*

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors