Pregnant women can be assured that safe treatments are available to treat depression during their maternity malaise, such as “talk therapy” and certain antidepressants, according to updated professional guidelines released last week.
"Depression in pregnant women often goes unrecognized and untreated in part because of concerns about the safety of treating women during pregnancy," lead author of the guidelines, said Dr. Kimberly Ann Yonkers of Yale University in a statement.
The American Psychiatric Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists issued the new guidelines on depression during pregnancy, which are founded on a thorough examination of previous research.
The use of antidepressants during pregnancy has both pros and cons, said the report. The drugs can provide successful treatment of the pregnant woman’s depression, which has been linked to issues with newborns if left untreated. But, there has also been evidence that antidepressants have been connected to birth defects and reduced birth weights.
The report points to psychotherapy, or “talk therapy” as another viable option for the treatment of mild to moderate depression for some women, who opt not to take the drugs.
Women considering becoming pregnant may be able to slowly cut back or wean themselves off their antidepressants if they have experienced mild or no symptoms for 6 months or longer, the report says.
However, if the woman has a past of severe, recurrent depression or other major psychiatric illness, they may choose to continue their medications.
The report advises women to seek a psychiatrist for aggressive treatment if they experience acute psychotic symptoms or thoughts of suicide.
It goes on to say that the pros and cons should be discussed with their doctors if they are already on antidepressants and wish to continue taking them.
These women may try tapering and discontinuing their medications if they do not have any symptoms, depending on their mental health history. If some symptoms linger, they may benefit from psychotherapy, according to the document.
The guidelines stress the importance of continuing with their medication if they have severe depression.
The report re-emphasized that psychotherapy is an effective alternative for pregnant women not currently on antidepressants, and they should also be informed of both the risks and benefits of antidepressants if they want to use them.