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J Pediatr Genet 2015; 04(02): 084-093
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1556744
Review Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Use during Pregnancy and the Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review

Takoua Boukhris
1   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2   Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
,
Anick Bérard
1   Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
2   Research Center, CHU Sainte-Justine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

02 April 2015

20 April 2015

Publication Date:
31 July 2015 (online)

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Abstract

Antidepressants are widely used during pregnancy. Several studies have shown that the use of antidepressants during pregnancy is linked to adverse outcomes, including congenital malformations, prematurity, and low birth weight. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the potential association between gestational exposure to antidepressants and the risk of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). The etiology of ASD remains unclear, although studies have implicated genetic predispositions and environmental risk factors in the development of ASD in children. In this review, we describe the association between gestational use of antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and the risk of ASD.

Keywords

SSRI - pregnancy - autism spectrum disorders - review
 

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