Depression during pregnancy: diagnosis and treatment options

J Clin Psychiatry. 2002:63 Suppl 7:24-30.

Abstract

Women often seek clinical consultation for antidepressant use both prior to conception and during pregnancy. Some women experience a new onset of symptoms during pregnancy, while those with a history of depressive symptoms are at increased risk. Nevertheless, clinicians are faced with the challenge of treating the mother without posing risks to the fetus. This review discusses risk factors for depression during pregnancy and the consequences of untreated depression. Nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment options are reviewed, and guidelines for treating depression during pregnancy are presented.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Abnormalities, Drug-Induced / etiology
  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / adverse effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / therapeutic use
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / drug therapy
  • Depressive Disorder / therapy*
  • Female
  • Fluoxetine / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / diagnosis*
  • Pregnancy Complications / drug therapy
  • Pregnancy Complications / therapy*
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Risk Factors
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Fluoxetine