A large international analysis involving more than 25 million pregnancies has found no evidence that antidepressant use during pregnancy increases the risk of autism or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children. The findings, published in The Lancet Psychiatry, challenge claims made by U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has repeatedly linked certain antidepressants and vaccines to autism without scientific evidence. Researchers said earlier associations between antidepressant use and developmental disorders weakened significantly after accounting for factors such as family history, genetics, and maternal mental health conditions.
The study reviewed data from 37 previous studies, covering nearly 650,000 pregnancies exposed to antidepressants and almost 25 million unexposed pregnancies. Although children of mothers who used antidepressants during pregnancy initially appeared slightly more likely to be diagnosed with autism or ADHD, experts said the differences were likely due to underlying family and health factors rather than the medications themselves. Researchers also found similar risks among children whose fathers used antidepressants or whose mothers had taken the medications before pregnancy, further supporting the conclusion that antidepressants were not the direct cause.
Experts emphasized that untreated maternal mental illness can itself pose serious risks to both mothers and children. The researchers advised that while psychotherapy and other non-drug treatments may be suitable for mild depression during pregnancy, antidepressants should not be withheld solely because of inconsistent reports about developmental risks. Doctors also warned that abruptly stopping antidepressant treatment during pregnancy could worsen maternal depression and negatively affect pregnancy outcomes.
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