A recent FDA panel has drawn criticism from obstetricians and psychiatrists over claims about the safety of SSRIs—commonly prescribed antidepressants—in pregnancy and postpartum, with medical experts alleging the panel spread misinformation.
The panel, led by FDA Commissioner Marty Makary, focused heavily on purported “potential harms” of SSRIs (such as Zoloft and Lexapro), which are taken by an estimated 6% to 8% of pregnant women. A majority of panelists, including psychologists, psychiatrists, and a social work professor, cited studies they claimed showed risks to both mothers and infants.
Notably, Roger McFillin, a Pennsylvania psychologist, suggested women may be coerced into taking SSRIs and questioned whether depression is overdiagnosed in women. “Are women just naturally experiencing their emotions more intensely? And those are gifts. They’re not symptoms of a disease,” he said during the panel.
Psychiatrists, however, emphasize that depression and anxiety diagnoses follow strict criteria—requiring five or more specific symptoms, not merely “overly emotional” feelings.
Leading medical groups, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), have rejected the panel’s claims as misleading. Dr. Christopher Zahn, ACOG’s chief of clinical practice, criticized the panel’s reliance on “poor-quality evidence,” noting many cited studies used inappropriate control groups.
“It’s like comparing apples and oranges,” he said, explaining that well-controlled research shows most SSRIs are safe for pregnant and postpartum women.
The only consistent risk identified is temporary withdrawal symptoms in newborns whose mothers took SSRIs in the third trimester, which resolve within days.
In response to criticism, Andrew Nixon, a Health Department spokesperson, called claims of the panel being “one-sided” “insulting” to panelists.
Experts stress the dangers of untreated mental health issues during pregnancy: Dr. Kay Roussos-Ross, an OBGYN and the sole panelist to highlight these risks, noted untreated conditions lead to missed prenatal care, increased substance use, higher rates of preeclampsia and cesarean delivery, and even maternal death—with mental illness a leading cause of such deaths, including suicide.
For women considering SSRIs, experts advise weighing options: talk therapy and peer support are first-line for mild to moderate cases, but SSRIs may be necessary for moderate to severe symptoms, especially when therapy is inaccessible. Ultimately, decisions should be made in consultation with a doctor, balancing risks of treatment against those of untreated illness.
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