Depression Treatment in Pregnancy: Is It Safe, or Is It Not?

Vitalba Gallitelli, Rita Franco (), Sofia Guidi, Ludovica Puri, Marco Parasiliti, Annalisa Vidiri, Georgios Eleftheriou, Federica Perelli and Anna Franca Cavaliere
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Vitalba Gallitelli: Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isola Tiberina Gemelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy
Rita Franco: Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isola Tiberina Gemelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy
Sofia Guidi: Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IRCSS Azienda Ospedaliera-Universitaria of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
Ludovica Puri: Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isola Tiberina Gemelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy
Marco Parasiliti: Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isola Tiberina Gemelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy
Annalisa Vidiri: Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isola Tiberina Gemelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy
Georgios Eleftheriou: Poison Control Center, Hospital Papa Giovanni XXIII, 24127 Bergamo, Italy
Federica Perelli: Azienda USL Toscana Centro, Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Santa Maria Annunziata Hospital, 50012 Florence, Italy
Anna Franca Cavaliere: Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Isola Tiberina Gemelli Hospital, 00186 Rome, Italy

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 4, 1-17

Abstract: Prenatal depression carries substantial risks for maternal and fetal health and increases susceptibility to postpartum depression. Untreated depression in pregnancy is correlated with adverse outcomes such as an increased risk of suicidal ideation, miscarriage and neonatal growth problems. Notwithstanding concerns about the use of antidepressants, the available treatment options emphasize the importance of specialized medical supervision during gestation. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a brief literature review on the main antidepressant drugs and their effects on pregnancy, assessing their risks and benefits. The analysis of the literature shows that it is essential that pregnancy be followed by specialized doctors and multidisciplinary teams (obstetricians, psychiatrists and psychologists) who attend to the woman’s needs. Depression can now be treated safely during pregnancy by choosing drugs that have no teratogenic effects and fewer side effects for both mother and child. Comprehensive strategies involving increased awareness, early diagnosis, clear guidelines and effective treatment are essential to mitigate the impact of perinatal depression.

Keywords: pregnancy; depression; antidepressants; treatment; perinatal (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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