Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and social responsiveness symptoms of autism: population-based study of young children

The new issue of *British Journal of Psychiatry* includes an article:

"Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and social responsiveness symptoms of autism: population-based study of young children."

 

The authors are Hanan El Marroun, Tonya J. H. White, Noortje J. F. van der Knaap, Judith R. Homberg, Guillen Fernandez, Nikita K. Schoemaker, Vincent W. V. Jaddoe, Albert Hofman, Frank C. Verhulst, James J. Hudziak, Bruno H.

C. Stricker and Henning Tiemeier.

 

Here's the abstract:

 

[begin abstract]

 

Background

 

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered safe and are frequently used during pregnancy. However, two case-control studies suggested an association between prenatal SSRI exposure with childhood autism.

 

Aims

 

To prospectively determine whether intra-uterine SSSRI exposure is associated with childhood autistic symptoms in a population-based study.

 

Method

 

A total of 376 children prenatally exposed to maternal depressive symptoms (no SSRI exposure), 69 children prenatally exposed to SSRIs and 5531 unexposed children were included. Child pervasive developmental and affective problems were assessed by parental report with the Child Behavior Checklist at ages 1.5, 3 and 6. At age 6, we assessed autistic traits using the Social Responsiveness Scale (n = 4264).

 

Results

 

Prenatal exposure to maternal depressive symptoms without SSRIs was related to both pervasive developmental (odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% CI 1.07-1.93) and affective problems (OR = 1.44, 95% CI 1.15-1.81). Compared with unexposed children, those prenatally exposed to SSRIs also were at higher risk for developing pervasive developmental problems (OR = 1.91, 95% CI 1.13-3.47), but not for affective problems. Children prenatally exposed to SSRIs also had more autistic traits (B = 0.15, 95% CI 0.08-0.22) compared with those exposed to depressive symptoms only.

 

Conclusions

 

Our results suggest an association between prenatal SSRI exposure and autistic traits in children. Prenatal depressive symptoms without SSRI use were also associated with autistic traits, albeit this was weaker and less specific. Long-term drug safety trials are needed before evidence-based recommendations are possible.

 

[end abstract]

 

Reprints:  Henning Tiemeier, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Erasmus Medical Centre, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, 3000 CB, The Netherlands. Email: h.tiemeier@erasmusmc.nl

 

Reposted by:

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Charles R. Davenport, Psy.D., LLC.

Offices: Sarasota, FL and Venice, FL

 

Phone: 941-321-1971

www.drcharlesdavenport.com