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Is There a Link Between Antidepressants and Birth Defects?

Published July 15, 2015

The rate of mental disorder diagnoses has grown exponentially in recent years, as has the number of prescribed antidepressants. People of all ages are now taking prescribed mind-altering drugs to battle depression and other related issues, despite some evidence suggesting they may do more harm than good or not even work at all. ^[1] ^[2] Studies indicate antidepressants are even found in the public water supply, meaning there are millions of people who may be ingesting these chemical drugs without even knowing it. Recent evidence is also showing that some antidepressants may be causing birth defects, something that is all too concerning for medical professionals and expectant mothers alike.

What Every Mother Should Know About Antidepressants and Birth Defects

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) examined birth defects among babies born between 1997 and 2009. Of the 38,000 women who gave birth to these babies, there was a high incidence of birth defects from the mothers taking fluoxetine (Prozac) and paroxetine (Paxil). While the lead research suggests the risk is relatively small, this doesn't discount the numerous defects and health issues suffered by the affected baby and mother. ^[3] Now this study doesn't necessarily prove that antidepressants cause defects (correlation doesn't equal causation), but it does point us in a new direction in the terms of health monitoring.

Women taking antidepressants who are pregnant or considering getting pregnant should have a detailed conversation with their health care provider. Antidepressants aren't uniform, so they don't have the same effect for each and every person. Regardless of this, it's still essential that pregnant women should find alternative ways of supporting mental health or speak with their doctor about finding safer medications for their needs. More so than anything, uncovering the root cause of depression and approaching it with natural tools could be the most powerful ways of combating mental health issues.

Things to Keep in Mind Regarding Antidepressants

There may be some cases where antidepressants seem necessary, and if you're taking antidepressants it isn't suggested for you to stop taking them. If you quit taking antidepressants cold turkey, it could lead to some serious side effects. Speak with your doctor about the antidepressants you are taking and do your own research into all of its documented side effects. It's up to you and your medical practitioner to devise a plan that is conducive for supporting mental health while relieving the burden of unnecessary reactions.

Ultimately, to improve your mood you want to get to the root cause, which may or may not be psychological. Thyroid disorders and even digestive disorders, like IBS, will often manifest symptoms of depression, and many of these patients are incorrectly diagnosed with depression and given an antidepressant prescription. ^[4] Always ask your doctor to perform more thorough testing of your thyroid, gut health, and any other markers he knows of that contribute to depressive symptoms. Eating a healthy organic diet can also support mood, particularly foods that are high in probiotics.

-Dr. Edward F. Group III, DC, NP, DACBN, DCBCN, DABFM

References:

Elisa Cascade, Amir H. Kalali, MD, and Sidney H. Kennedy, MD, FRCPC. Real-World Data on SSRI Antidepressant Side Effects. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2009 Feb;6(2): 16-18.
Irving Kirsch. Antidepressants and the Placebo Effect. Z Psychol. 2014; 222(3): 128-134. doi: 10.1027/2151-2604/a000176.
Jennita Reefhuis, Owen Devine, Jan M. Friedman, Carol Louik, Margaret A. Honein. Specific SSRIs and birth defects: bayesian analysis to interpret new data in the context of previous reports. BMJ 2015 ; 351. doi: 10.1136/bmj.h3190.
Mirella P. Hage and Sami T. Azar. The Link between Thyroid Function and Depression. J Thyroid Res. 2012; 2012: 590648. doi: 10.1155/2012/590648.

The post Is There a Link Between Antidepressants and Birth Defects? appeared first on Dr. Group's Natural Health & Organic Living Blog.

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