List date(s) this work was published or aired.
Sep-11
Provide a brief synopsis of the story or stories, including any significant findings.
In what is believed to be the first published examination of a possible association between antidepressant use during pregnancy and a later autism spectrum diagnosis in children, researchers have found that prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) may modestly increase autism risk. Yet the study’s lead author points out that if future research eventually confirms a causal relationship between SSRI exposure and autism, the overall numbers seen in this study suggest that only a small subset of autism cases could be explained by prenatal exposure to SSRIs.
– Case-control study looked at children with and without autism and examined mothers’ use of antidepressants during pregnancy, as well as their mental health history.
– Researchers found that autism risk doubled with SSRI treatment for the mother in the year prior to delivery, and tripled with SSRI treatment in the first trimester.
– Further research is needed to determine whether a causal link exists, although the lead author states that these findings should at least spur risk-benefit discussions between patients and physicians.
Explain types of documents, data or Internet resources used. Were FOI or public records act requests required? How did this affect the work?
Peer-reviewed published study.
Explain types of human sources used.
Interview with key author.
Results:
Researchers found that autism risk doubled with SSRI treatment for the mother in the year prior to delivery, and tripled with SSRI treatment in the first trimester.
Follow-up (if any). Have you run a correction or clarification on the report or has anyone come forward to challenge its accuracy? If so, please explain.
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Advice to other journalists planning a similar story or project.
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