A new study using the largest database of pregnancies to date shows this, reports Läkemedelsvärlden.
The researchers looked at 600,000 pregnancies in which the mother was treated with SSRI antidepressants and compared them to a control group.
Previous studies have shown a slightly increased risk of autism and ADHD in children of mothers who have been treated. The new study also found a slightly increased risk, but the researchers believe that this is likely due to factors other than the drugs.
Children whose fathers took antidepressants during the pregnancy were also more likely to have ADHD and autism. This suggests that genetic risk, rather than the drugs, explains the increase.
The study was published in Lancet Psychiatry.
