Last summer, a team of researchers from University of British Columbia (Vancouver) led by G.E. Hanley published a study titled “Infant developmental outcomes following prenatal exposure to antidepressants, and maternal depressed mood and positive affect.” in Early Human Development. This study examined the relationship between poor early childhood development and gestational exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor drugs (SSRIs).
Hanley: “Prenatal exposure to serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SRI) antidepressants has been associated with delays in early developmental milestones, but there remains uncertainty. Even among a subset of studies examining the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), some have reported normal mental and psychomotor development while others have suggested a delay in motor development. Given an increasing number of infants exposed to SRIs, furthering our understanding of the possible developmental implications of SRI exposure in utero is critical.”
This study reviewed the developmental status of 10-month-old children who were exposed to maternal SSRI drugs in pregnancy: “We examined 31 mother-child pairs exposed prenatally to SRIs and 52 mother-child pairs who were nonexposed.”
Results showed that “Infants exposed prenatally to SRIs scored significantly lower than nonexposed infants on gross motor (P=0.03), social-emotional (P=0.04) and adaptive behavior (P=0.05) subscales of the BSID-III, controlling for pre- and postnatal maternal depressed mood, smoking and alcohol use during pregnancy.” This means that SSRI exposure, not maternal depression, was linked to poor neonatal outcomes.
Due to the fact that every year, thousands of expecting mothers use SSRIs unaware of these risks, SSRI birth defect lawsuits are currently being filed around the world.
If you or a loved one used SSRIs and gave birth to a child with a congenital malformation or who had perinatal complications, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. For a free, no-obligation case consultation, contact our team of SSRI birth defect lawyers at the information provided below. We have the compassion, resources, and experience required to win the justice you deserve. Call today and see how we can help.
(855) 452 – 5529
Our SSRI Birth Defects Lawsuit Information page is a great place to start if you have any questions about SSRIs and Birth Defects.