Postpartum Psychiatric Outcomes Following SSRI/SNRI Discontinuation During Pregnancy
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Reviewed by Dat Tien Nguyen, B.A, ScM.
Translated by Nhi Phuong Quynh Le, B.A |
Posted on February 21st, 2025
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Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are effective for managing depression and anxiety during pregnancy. However, many pregnant women choose to stop taking these medications out of caution. A study was conducted to examine the postpartum psychiatric outcomes associated with discontinuing SSRIs and SNRIs.
In a retrospective cohort study, the health data of over 27,000 pregnant women in Sweden with a history of SSRI or SNRI use prior to pregnancy were analyzed. Approximately half of these women discontinued their medication during pregnancy, while the other half continued treatment. Health outcome assessments conducted 90 days postpartum indicated that stopping SSRI/SNRI use did not increase the risk of psychiatric-related hospitalizations. Notably, women who discontinued their medication required fewer outpatient visits for depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric concerns. This finding may suggest that those who choose to discontinue medication during pregnancy have milder disease severity. A key limitation of the study is its inability to record the specific timing of SSRI/SNRI discontinuation during pregnancy.
In a retrospective cohort study, the health data of over 27,000 pregnant women in Sweden with a history of SSRI or SNRI use prior to pregnancy were analyzed. Approximately half of these women discontinued their medication during pregnancy, while the other half continued treatment. Health outcome assessments conducted 90 days postpartum indicated that stopping SSRI/SNRI use did not increase the risk of psychiatric-related hospitalizations. Notably, women who discontinued their medication required fewer outpatient visits for depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric concerns. This finding may suggest that those who choose to discontinue medication during pregnancy have milder disease severity. A key limitation of the study is its inability to record the specific timing of SSRI/SNRI discontinuation during pregnancy.