The Star Tribune has published an article regarding the JAMA Pediatrics study over association between autism and anti-depressants. The article states that women consuming antidepressants during pregnancy can result in autism spectrum disorders in the child. However, several drawbacks have been found in the study.

The study states that during late pregnancy intake of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants doubled the chances of having an autistic child. However, the study has been found to have several limitations. First of all, the study did not consider the effect of history of autism spectrum disorders in family and paternal age, as well as intake of alcohol, tobacco or illicit drugs by the pregnant women. The study did not provide clarification over the fact whether the women were having prescribed or non-prescribed depression medication. Furthermore, when autism was diagnosed by neurologist or psychiatrist, the relation between SSRI and autism spectrum disorders did not apply anymore.

Moreover, the author’s of the study did not provide any differentiation depending upon the severity of depression of the pregnant women. Subsequently, it cannot be verified that SSRIs or maternal depression can result in higher rates of autism spectrum disorders. The pregnant women have therefore, been advised to avoid being affected by such misleading and oversimplified reports.

The actual reason for autism has not yet been found, but it is likely to be caused by a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors.