Genetic and Acquired Disorders by McCabe Paul C.;Shaw Steven R.;

Author:McCabe, Paul C.;Shaw, Steven R.; [McCabe, Paul C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 1994198
Publisher: Corwin Press
Published: 2010-02-23T00:00:00+00:00

Untreated Depression

Numerous studies exist on the risks of untreated depression in pregnant women. There is some evidence that maternal stress and stress hormone concentrations have an adverse effect on fetal brain development (Stowe et al., 2001). Several studies show that maternal depression has a negative effect on maternal-infant attachment and child development (Stowe et al.). Discontinuing antidepressants can also create problems, such as suicidal ideation and withdrawal (Einarson, Selby, & Koren, 2001). In one study, women who stopped taking their antidepressant medications during pregnancy were five times more likely to have a relapse of depression during the pregnancy than those mothers who continued to take their antidepressant medications (Cohen et al., 2006; FDA, 2006). Doctors must weigh the benefits of medicating the mother against the possible risks to her and her child. Some doctors prefer to keep pregnant patients on their medications, gradually cutting back in the third trimester. For women who decide to stop taking antidepressants upon becoming pregnant, a gradual step-down is recommended to reduce the risk of withdrawal.

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