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Study Finds Sharp Decline in Antidepressant Use During Pregnancy Without Increase in Therapy Claims

A recent study published in JAMA Network Open on Jan. 30 has revealed a significant drop in antidepressant use among pregnant women, with no corresponding rise in psychotherapy claims. The findings highlight potential gaps in mental health treatment for expectant mothers.

Conducted by Claire Boone, Ph.D., and colleagues at McGill University in Montreal, the study analyzed antidepressant prescriptions and psychotherapy claims for women and their spouses over a decade (2009-2019). The research examined data from 385,731 women, tracking medication fills two years before and after childbirth.

The study found that 4.3% of women filled an antidepressant prescription in the year before pregnancy, but this number dropped to 2.2% during pregnancy—a significant 48.8% decline. However, there was no corresponding increase in psychotherapy claims, indicating that women were not seeking alternative mental health treatments during pregnancy.

Interestingly, antidepressant use among 217,877 spouses remained stable, suggesting that the decline was specific to pregnant women and not part of a broader lifestyle change within couples. Medication fills returned to pre-pregnancy levels within one month postpartum, reinforcing that the decline was temporary and pregnancy-related.

The study's authors emphasize the importance of addressing maternal mental health, particularly given the known risks of untreated depression during and after pregnancy. "We documented a large decrease in antidepressant use without an accompanying increase in psychotherapy during pregnancy," the researchers noted. "These findings, coupled with evidence of mental health challenges during and after pregnancy, suggest the need for increased focus on and discussion about mental health treatments by pregnant women and their clinicians."

The findings underscore the need for more proactive discussions between healthcare providers and pregnant women regarding mental health treatment options. Experts suggest that clinicians should ensure expectant mothers receive appropriate support, whether through medication, therapy, or other interventions to safeguard both maternal and fetal well-being.

As awareness grows around the importance of perinatal mental health, healthcare systems must prioritize accessible and comprehensive care for pregnant women facing mental health challenges.


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