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SSRIs During Breastfeeding: No Impact on Child IQ Revealed by Study

Update New Findings on SSRIs and Child IQ: A Comprehensive StudyA recent study has brought clarity to the ongoing conversation about the safety of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) during breastfeeding. Conducted by researchers from the Karolinska Institutet, this cohort study investigated whether exposure to SSRIs via breastfeeding has any impact on children's cognitive development, specifically IQ scores. The study included nearly 100 mother-child pairs from the MotherToBaby California cohort, documenting that infants prenatally exposed to SSRIs showed no significant drop in intelligence compared to their peers who were not exposed after birth. This finding is crucial as it offers reassurance to postpartum mothers requiring SSRI treatment.Understanding the Study's MethodologyThe researchers examined 100 mother-child pairs (mean age at delivery: 34 years), primarily consisting of non-Hispanic White (87%), Hispanic or Latina (8%), and individuals from other racial groups (4%). All mothers maintained a consistent SSRI treatment during their pregnancy (average duration: 24 weeks). When the children reached the ages of 4 to 5, they underwent cognitive testing using the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) to assess verbal and performance IQ.The Key Findings of the ResearchKey outcomes revealed no significant differences in verbal IQ scores among the three groups: children exposed to SSRIs through breastfeeding (average score of 109), those breastfed without exposure (average score of 106), and the non-breastfed group (average score of 103). This suggests that breastfeeding while on SSRIs does not adversely affect a child's cognitive development. Furthermore, children who were breastfed while exposed to SSRIs had higher performance IQ scores compared to their non-breastfed peers, indicating possible benefits of breastfeeding that may outweigh concerns associated with medication exposure.Implications for Postpartum Mental HealthThis study has substantial implications for women with postpartum mental health challenges. As pregnancy and postpartum periods can be incredibly taxing emotionally, the findings suggest that mothers who are treated with SSRIs do not need to sacrifice breastfeeding due to fears of harming their child's cognitive abilities. Investigators advocate for mothers needing ongoing SSRI treatment post-delivery to continue breastfeeding, contributing to both mother's and child's health.Future Research Directions and ConclusionsWhile the study provides important insights, it is essential to acknowledge limitations, such as participant exclusions due to incomplete data and the retrospective nature of measuring maternal depressive symptoms. The cohort may not entirely represent the population, which calls for further studies that include a more diverse demographic to ensure broader applicability of the findings.This emerging evidence helps to ease the fears surrounding SSRI use in breastfeeding mother’s lives, enabling healthcare professionals to support better maternal and infant care. With the growing understanding of mental health’s importance during and after pregnancy, ensuring that treatment options remain accessible without compromising child development is crucial.