Swedish Study: Antidepressants During Breastfeeding Do Not Affect Child’s IQ
A long-term study finds that taking SSRI antidepressants while breastfeeding does not negatively impact children’s cognitive development or intelligence.
New research from Sweden brings reassurance to breastfeeding mothers, revealing that using antidepressants during lactation does not harm brain development or intelligence in children.
Study Details
The study followed 97 mothers and their children over nearly 20 years. All children had been exposed to SSRI antidepressants during pregnancy. Researchers compared those who continued exposure through breast milk after birth with those who were no longer exposed at birth.
Verbal and Cognitive Intelligence
Test results showed no significant difference in intelligence scores. Children not exposed to the medication during breastfeeding scored an average of 109, while those exposed scored 106—a difference considered scientifically negligible.
About SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used to treat depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin availability in the brain. While prior research has shown limited or no impact of SSRIs during pregnancy, evidence regarding breastfeeding exposure was less clear, and this study adds reassurance about their safety for child cognitive development.
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