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A new investigative study published just days ago by the prestigious Journal of the American Medical Association Pediatrics (JAMA Pediatrics) is in the media spotlight. In this article, the JAMA study states that the “use of antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during the second and/or third trimester increases the risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder in children, even after considering maternal depression”. This study is just one among others identifying concerns about SSRIs (and other chemicals) affecting unborn children for life.
SSRI Use Increases Autism Risk
The study was published December 14, 2015 and has since been making headlines. Scientists conducted a population-based cohort study, called the Quebec Pregnancy/Children Cohort. This is an original investigation with twelve years of data and follow-up. Patient data obtained from pregnancies and children in Quebec, Canada from 1998 to 2009 was used. There were a total of 145,456 single full-term infants born alive and whose mothers were covered by a regional Quebec drug/insurance plan included in the study. The mothers received care and monitoring for at least twelve months before and during pregnancy. There were 4,724 infants (3.2 percent) who were exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. 4,200 children were exposed during the first trimester and 2,532 children were exposed during the second and/or third trimester. Forty children were diagnosed with autism from the first group. Thirty-one children were diagnosed in the second group. Boys were affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) four times more than girls.
After taking into account the mothers’ history of depression and other potential causes, it was found that there was an 87 percent increased occurrence of autism spectrum disorders in the children whose mothers used SSRI’s (Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, etc.) during the second and/or third trimester. Anick Berard, PhD, one of the co-authors of the study, noted that there was no association with risk in the first trimester. After exhaustive data evaluations, the study showed that autism risk doubled, or had a two percent chance of it developing with SSRI use during second and/or third trimesters.
The continued development and fine-tuning of the nervous system takes place in these second and third trimesters of pregnancy. While getting through the first trimester is always a relief and good sign, this study information tells us that there are external things that, when taken during the second and third trimesters, can have risky, insidious, damaging effects. The scientists concern on how and why relates to the impact of serotonin on the development of the nervous system. In this JAMA study, we see evidence of SSRIs being a player in the mix of autism causes. The scientists specified that further research is needed to look at different SSRI types and dosages that are linked with this risk.
Other Studies Show Risk
There have been a number of recent studies that question the effect of SSRI exposure during pregnancy. One review article from August 2015 demonstrated such concern. After analyzing eight review studies, it was found that six studies confirmed an association between prenatal SSRI exposure and an increased risk of ASDs in children. The agreement is that certainly more research and evaluation is urgently needed. This review study questioned “if we are truly looking “at the fall of Gods”, and the standard protocol of SSRI use for depression during pregnancy.” This is referring to the Big Pharma push for SSRI antidepressants and assumed safety. Earlier 2014 information finds similar results with SSRI exposure during pregnancy was related with nearly three times the likelihood of children with autism, especially boys. In this study, the risk was found in the first trimester and third trimester.
While many in mainstream media point out that there is a 98 percent chance based on the JAMA Pediatrics study that the child will not develop an ASD disorder with prenatal exposure to SSRIs, what about the two percent of children who do? Do we dismiss this aspect of risk and deem it not important? This is a lifelong disorder that affects not only the child and family, but also schools, healthcare industry and society as a whole. It is an enormous cost. It is a terrifying decision for mothers and family caught in this conundrum.
How to Naturally Help Depression
This information and perspective does not dismiss the seriousness of clinical depression at all. Rather, it means that individuals who are in the process of family planning and trying to conceive must have healthy lifestyles and nutrition as a chief priority. The stress of pregnancy and the stress of depression are very different, but the needs must be met in both circumstances. There are several articles linked below that provide natural supportive options and education. If you have to use an SSRI antidepressant, use the lowest dose needed and for the shortest amount of time with good medical guidance. Nutritional support may be used simultaneously.
Focus on the fundamental area of gut health for both the health of the mother and child. This is where neurotransmitters are formed and often the source of inflammation driving the depression. Children with autism disorders have underlying gut health problems inter-related with brain function. Because brain and gut health are intimately tied together at all ages, both mother and infant must healthfully nourish this balance. Avoid GMO foods as this disrupts the gut flora, adding to the risk of depression and autism. Many nutrients like phosphatidylserine, DHA, iodine, L-tyrosine, coenzyme B vitamins, acetyl-l-carnitine, tocotrienols, curcumin, and probiotics help reduce inflammation in the gut, support healthy neurotransmitters, and methylation critical for neurological development and depression.
On a brief side note, SSRIs deplete iodine out of the body. SSRIs like Lexapro and Prozac are drug robbers of this essential mineral. Iodine is a critical nutrient for prenatal neurological development. There are also several compounds (thiocyanate, perchlorate, fluoride, and nitrates) that are found in the environment and certain foods known to interfere with iodine or block its use in the body.
Here are some excellent articles to learn about antidepressant and prenatal health concerns offered on our website:
Thorough explanations and tips for prenatal health may be found in the book Mastering Leptin by Byron Richards, CCN and at our Preparing for Pregnancy health topic page.
Scientists will be evaluating and studying this concern for years to come. For now, you as the expectant mother or parent in this situation must be aware of these risks. There is no doubt that a combination of factors through food, environmental, and pharmaceutical exposures is contributing to the challenges facing our children. Just like in cancer, heart disease, and other disorders, there is almost never just one factor that is the complete cause of the disease. We can and must, however, find ways to remove these burdens and risks with knowledge and informed choices as best as we can.
More...
SSRI Use Increases Autism Risk
The study was published December 14, 2015 and has since been making headlines. Scientists conducted a population-based cohort study, called the Quebec Pregnancy/Children Cohort. This is an original investigation with twelve years of data and follow-up. Patient data obtained from pregnancies and children in Quebec, Canada from 1998 to 2009 was used. There were a total of 145,456 single full-term infants born alive and whose mothers were covered by a regional Quebec drug/insurance plan included in the study. The mothers received care and monitoring for at least twelve months before and during pregnancy. There were 4,724 infants (3.2 percent) who were exposed to antidepressants during pregnancy. 4,200 children were exposed during the first trimester and 2,532 children were exposed during the second and/or third trimester. Forty children were diagnosed with autism from the first group. Thirty-one children were diagnosed in the second group. Boys were affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) four times more than girls.
After taking into account the mothers’ history of depression and other potential causes, it was found that there was an 87 percent increased occurrence of autism spectrum disorders in the children whose mothers used SSRI’s (Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, etc.) during the second and/or third trimester. Anick Berard, PhD, one of the co-authors of the study, noted that there was no association with risk in the first trimester. After exhaustive data evaluations, the study showed that autism risk doubled, or had a two percent chance of it developing with SSRI use during second and/or third trimesters.
The continued development and fine-tuning of the nervous system takes place in these second and third trimesters of pregnancy. While getting through the first trimester is always a relief and good sign, this study information tells us that there are external things that, when taken during the second and third trimesters, can have risky, insidious, damaging effects. The scientists concern on how and why relates to the impact of serotonin on the development of the nervous system. In this JAMA study, we see evidence of SSRIs being a player in the mix of autism causes. The scientists specified that further research is needed to look at different SSRI types and dosages that are linked with this risk.
Other Studies Show Risk
There have been a number of recent studies that question the effect of SSRI exposure during pregnancy. One review article from August 2015 demonstrated such concern. After analyzing eight review studies, it was found that six studies confirmed an association between prenatal SSRI exposure and an increased risk of ASDs in children. The agreement is that certainly more research and evaluation is urgently needed. This review study questioned “if we are truly looking “at the fall of Gods”, and the standard protocol of SSRI use for depression during pregnancy.” This is referring to the Big Pharma push for SSRI antidepressants and assumed safety. Earlier 2014 information finds similar results with SSRI exposure during pregnancy was related with nearly three times the likelihood of children with autism, especially boys. In this study, the risk was found in the first trimester and third trimester.
While many in mainstream media point out that there is a 98 percent chance based on the JAMA Pediatrics study that the child will not develop an ASD disorder with prenatal exposure to SSRIs, what about the two percent of children who do? Do we dismiss this aspect of risk and deem it not important? This is a lifelong disorder that affects not only the child and family, but also schools, healthcare industry and society as a whole. It is an enormous cost. It is a terrifying decision for mothers and family caught in this conundrum.
How to Naturally Help Depression
This information and perspective does not dismiss the seriousness of clinical depression at all. Rather, it means that individuals who are in the process of family planning and trying to conceive must have healthy lifestyles and nutrition as a chief priority. The stress of pregnancy and the stress of depression are very different, but the needs must be met in both circumstances. There are several articles linked below that provide natural supportive options and education. If you have to use an SSRI antidepressant, use the lowest dose needed and for the shortest amount of time with good medical guidance. Nutritional support may be used simultaneously.
Focus on the fundamental area of gut health for both the health of the mother and child. This is where neurotransmitters are formed and often the source of inflammation driving the depression. Children with autism disorders have underlying gut health problems inter-related with brain function. Because brain and gut health are intimately tied together at all ages, both mother and infant must healthfully nourish this balance. Avoid GMO foods as this disrupts the gut flora, adding to the risk of depression and autism. Many nutrients like phosphatidylserine, DHA, iodine, L-tyrosine, coenzyme B vitamins, acetyl-l-carnitine, tocotrienols, curcumin, and probiotics help reduce inflammation in the gut, support healthy neurotransmitters, and methylation critical for neurological development and depression.
On a brief side note, SSRIs deplete iodine out of the body. SSRIs like Lexapro and Prozac are drug robbers of this essential mineral. Iodine is a critical nutrient for prenatal neurological development. There are also several compounds (thiocyanate, perchlorate, fluoride, and nitrates) that are found in the environment and certain foods known to interfere with iodine or block its use in the body.
Here are some excellent articles to learn about antidepressant and prenatal health concerns offered on our website:
- Why Antidepressants Cause Brain Damage, Breast Cancer, and Early Mortality
- Antidepressant Risks During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Researchers Conclude SSRI Antidepressants Do More Harm than Good
- When SSRIs Fail: Causes of Depression, Nutrition for Your Brain
Thorough explanations and tips for prenatal health may be found in the book Mastering Leptin by Byron Richards, CCN and at our Preparing for Pregnancy health topic page.
Scientists will be evaluating and studying this concern for years to come. For now, you as the expectant mother or parent in this situation must be aware of these risks. There is no doubt that a combination of factors through food, environmental, and pharmaceutical exposures is contributing to the challenges facing our children. Just like in cancer, heart disease, and other disorders, there is almost never just one factor that is the complete cause of the disease. We can and must, however, find ways to remove these burdens and risks with knowledge and informed choices as best as we can.
More...
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