Prenatal exposure to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and social responsiveness symptoms of autism: population-based study of young children†

Prenatal SSRI exposure was associated with autistic traits, but not with affective problems in childhood. Prenatal depressive symptoms without SSRI use were also associated with autistic traits, albeit weaker, and were also associated with affective problems in children.

Studies of antidepressant medications with child developmental measures are sparse and conflicting. Although the current study findings add to previously published case-control series, they do not prove a causal relationship between SSRI exposure in pregnancy and autistic symptoms. Further long-term drug safety studies are required.