Agency Advisory Panel Disseminates Inaccurate Info on SSRI Usage During Pregnancy, Causing Concern Among Physicians

Agency Advisory Panel Disseminates Inaccurate Info on SSRI Usage During Pregnancy, Causing Concern Among Physicians

In the world of mental health, the use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) during pregnancy remains a topic of debate. According to Dr. Nancy Byatt, a perinatal psychiatrist at the UMass Chan School of Medicine, the data shows that SSRIs are generally safe and not associated with major birth defects.

The prevalence of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders is significant, affecting about 20% of pregnant individuals. Untreated illness is linked with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, such as preterm birth, poor prenatal care engagement, and maternal suicide risk. For mild depression or anxiety, Dr. Byatt recommends psychotherapy, evidence-based psychotherapies, psychosocial treatments like peer support, and practices like exercise, yoga, and meditation. For those with moderate to severe symptoms, SSRIs can be a helpful option.

However, a recent expert panel organized by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cast doubt on the safety of SSRIs. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine criticized the unsubstantiated and inaccurate claims made by the panel regarding maternal depression and the use of SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy. Many of the studies referenced by some panelists have been disproven, according to Dr. Jennifer Payne, a reproductive psychiatrist.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) has stated that robust evidence illustrates the safety of SSRI use in pregnancy, and most of these medications do not increase the risk of birth defects. Dr. Christopher Zahn, chief of Clinical practice with the ACOG, emphasizes that studies comparing pregnant women on SSRIs with a control group of pregnant women with mental health abnormalities not taking SSRIs are necessary for accurate risk assessment.

Several studies mentioned on the panel were "poorly controlled," says Dr. Jennifer Payne. For instance, some studies that have found a link between SSRI use and miscarriage don't control for other risk factors like depression itself, which is also associated with miscarriage risk. Similarly, some studies that have found a small risk of postpartum hemorrhage from SSRIs don't outweigh the risk of maternal psychiatric illness.

The current consensus among major medical societies and experts is that SSRIs can be used during pregnancy when clinically indicated, recognizing that untreated maternal depression poses significant risks to both mother and fetus. While some observational studies report modestly increased risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, neonatal adaptation syndrome, and certain neonatal complications with SSRI use, robust evidence does not establish a causal link between SSRIs and serious birth defects, autism spectrum disorder, or long-term neurodevelopmental problems in exposed children.

The FDA expert panel, in July 2025, reviewed extensive contemporary evidence and acknowledged that SSRIs remain among the most studied psychiatric medications in pregnancy. They noted that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect about 20% of pregnant individuals, and untreated illness is linked with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Although the panel discussed potential modest risks linked to SSRIs, they highlighted that absolute risks are low, and some reported associations (e.g., autism spectrum disorder) are now understood largely as confounded by maternal illness rather than a medication effect.

In conclusion, the prevailing medical position remains to balance the benefits of treating maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy with the relatively small and mostly modest risks associated with SSRI exposure, supporting their continued cautious use with informed consent and individualized care. It's important to note that access to therapy can be a challenge for many, with some people unable to access therapy quickly due to lack of insurance or difficulty accessing evidence-based quality therapy. As such, SSRIs can provide an essential treatment option for those in need.

• Approximately 6-8% of pregnant women are prescribed SSRIs.
• Nearly one in five pregnant women and new moms in the U.S. suffer from anxiety and depression.
• Dr. Byatt also mentions that often people can't access therapy quickly due to lack of insurance or difficulty accessing evidence-based quality therapy.

1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a topic of debate in the realm of mental health during pregnancy.
2. SSRIs are generally safe and not associated with major birth defects, according to Dr. Nancy Byatt.
3. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect around 20% of pregnant individuals.
4. Untreated illness in this context is associated with adverse outcomes, such as preterm birth and maternal suicide risk.
5. For mild depression or anxiety, Dr. Byatt suggests psychotherapy, exercise, yoga, and meditation.
6. SSRIs can be a helpful option for those with moderate to severe symptoms.
7. The FDA's recent expert panel has raised concerns about the safety of SSRIs, leading to criticism for unsubstantiated claims.
8. The Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine has criticized these claims, stating that many of the studies referenced have been disproven.
9. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports the use of SSRI when clinically indicated, acknowledging the risks associated with untreated maternal depression.
10. Some observational studies report modestly increased risks of miscarriage, preterm birth, neonatal complications, and neonatal adaptation syndrome with SSRI use.
11. However, robust evidence does not establish a causal link between SSRIs and serious birth defects or long-term neurodevelopmental problems.
12. The FDA panel in July 2025 acknowledged that SSRIs remain among the most studied psychiatric medications in pregnancy.
13. The panel highlighted that the benefits of treating maternal depression and anxiety during pregnancy should be balanced with the relatively small and mostly modest risks associated with SSRI exposure.
14. Approximately 6-8% of pregnant women are prescribed SSRIs.
15. Nearly one in five pregnant women and new moms in the U.S. suffer from anxiety and depression.
16. Dr. Byatt also mentions that access to therapy can be a challenge for many due to lack of insurance or difficulty accessing evidence-based quality therapy.
17. SSRIs can be an essential treatment option for those who face challenges in accessing therapy.
18. In addition to mental health, women's health issues such as women's cancers, women's sports (including basketball, tennis, and baseball), parenting, skin conditions, education and self-development, personal growth, career development, and fitness and exercise are crucial aspects of holistic health and wellness.

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