Title
Use of antidepressant medications during pregnancy: a multisite study
UMMS Affiliation
Meyers Primary Care Institute
Date
2-2-2008
Document Type
Article
Medical Subject Headings
Adolescent; Adult; Antidepressive Agents; Databases, Factual; Depressive Disorder; *Drug Utilization Review; Female; Health Maintenance Organizations; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Middle Aged; Physician's Practice Patterns; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications; Prenatal Care; Retrospective Studies; Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors; United States
Disciplines
Health Services Research | Maternal and Child Health | Primary Care
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to provide information on the prevalence of use of antidepressant drugs among pregnant women in the United States.
STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted using the automated databases of 7 health plans. Women who delivered an infant in a hospital were identified. Antidepressant drug use was evaluated assuming a gestational duration of 270 days.
RESULTS: Among the 118,935 deliveries occurring from 2001-2005, 6.6% of women were dispensed an antidepressant during pregnancy. Antidepressant drug use increased from 2.0% in 1996 to 7.6% of deliveries in 2004 and 2005. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor use increased from 1.5% in 1996 to 6.4% in 2004 and 6.2% in 2005.
CONCLUSION: Our finding that nearly 8% of pregnant women were prescribed antidepressants drugs during the years 2004 and 2005 highlights the importance of understanding the effects of these medications on the developing fetus and on the pregnant woman.
Rights and Permissions
Citation: Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2008 Feb;198(2):194.e1-5. Epub 2007 Oct 1. Link to article on publisher's site
