To Take or Not to Take Antidepressants During Pregnancy

The decision to take antidepressant medication during pregnancy is complex and involves weighing risks of untreated depression against risks of medications to the fetus. However, other factors may enter into such decisions. Investigators prospectively examined reasons for accepting or declining antidepressants in 50 women with moderate-to-severe major depression and comorbid anxiety. None of the women were suicidal or psychotic.

Participants (mean age, 33 years; 77% white; 83% married) were recruited between 18 and 34 weeks' gestation, after they had decided about antidepressant treatment during pregnancy. Thirty women had decided to take medication (adherers), and 20 had declined (nonadherers). Demographic variables and baseline depression …