Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and Congenital Heart Anomalies

There was no difference in congenital heart anomalies in children born to women with different antidepressant prescribing exposure status. However, we confirmed an increased risk of congenital heart anomalies in children of older women and in children of women with diabetes, a body mass index above 30 kg/m(2), and a history of alcohol and illicit drug problems independent of the prescription of antidepressants. Future research in this field must account for these characteristics. On the basis of existing evidence, advising women to stop antidepressant treatment in pregnancy may be counterproductive.