title: In utero exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and risk for autism spectrum disorder.
abstract: We investigated whether there is an association between increased risk for autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used during pregnancy. This study used Denmark's health and population registers to obtain information regarding prescription drugs, ASD diagnosis, and health and socioeconomic status. There were 1.5 % of cases and 0.7 % of controls exposed to SSRIs during the pregnancy period, and higher effect estimates observed with longer use. We found evidence that in utero exposure to SSRIs increases a child's risk associated with ASD. These results, while adding to the limited knowledge on prenatal pharmacological exposures as potential ASD risk factors, need to be balanced against the benefits of indicated medication use by pregnant mothers.
authors.affiliation: Drexel University, School of Public Health, Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA, ngidaya@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Nicole B
authors.initials: NB
authors.lastname: Gidaya
authors.forename: Brian K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Burstyn
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yudell
authors.forename: Erik L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Mortensen
authors.forename: Craig J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Newschaffer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002659:Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011247:Pregnancy; D011297:Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012042:Registries; D012307:Risk Factors; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors