Risks of untreated depression during pregnancy.
OBJECTIVE
One of my patients who was taking an antidepressant for major depression is now pregnant and does not wish to take it any more. I believe she needs to continue her medication. She, however, is adamant about stopping it because she believes it would put her baby at risk. Is there evidence that not treating depression during pregnancy puts babies at risk?


CONCLUSIONS
A growing body of literature investigating the effects of not treating depression on mother and developing fetus suggests that untreated depression is associated with adverse fetal outcomes and a higher risk of maternal morbidity, including suicide ideation and attempts, and postpartum depression.
Bonari
Lori
L
Motherisk Team, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ont.
Bennett
Heather
H
Einarson
Adrienne
A
Koren
Gideon
G
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009017:Morbidity; D011247:Pregnancy; D011248:Pregnancy Complications / Q000523:psychology*; D011256:Pregnancy Outcome; D012307:Risk Factors; D013406:Suicide, Attempted
D000928:Antidepressive Agents