Certain antidepressants used during pregnancy may cause lifelong mental health issues in children, suggests AU study
KP Singh from the Department of Zoology, investigated the side-effects of newer antidepressants, including Vilazodone (Viibryd), Vortioxetine (Trintellix), and Venlafaxine (Venlor), on infant rats. Their findings indicated that these medications can have detrimental effects on newborns.
The study was published in the esteemed Springer journal Archives of Toxicology, known for its high impact factor. Prof.
Singh emphasized that depression is a significant global mental health issue, affecting 2-20% of Indians, with women being two to three times more likely to suffer than men. Pregnant women are especially vulnerable, with around 10-20% experiencing depression. He stressed the importance of balancing effective treatment with medication safety for both mother and baby's well-being.
To investigate this, Prof Singh's team, comprising his research scholars Pallavi Singh and Priyanka Agarwal, conducted experiments on pregnant rats, mimicking human pregnancy.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025
Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List
Undo
They found that when these antidepressants were given during key stages of brain development (equivalent to the second and third trimesters in humans), the baby rats showed several alarming changes. The study found that using certain newer antidepressant drugs during pregnancy could harm the unborn baby's brain development.
These drugs were linked to smaller brain size and weight in the fetus. Parts of the brain responsible for thinking, emotions, learning, memory and movement were not properly developed.
This includes areas like the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and striatum.
The study found that exposure to certain antidepressants in early life led to reduced levels of crucial brain chemicals like dopamine, serotonin, and acetylcholine, which are essential for mood regulation and mental function. Additionally, the levels of substances that support brain growth were decreased, and the rate of brain cell death was increased.
As a result, the baby rats developed issues such as depression, anxiety, memory problems, and emotional regulation difficulties as they matured.
Prof. Singh's research revealed that antidepressants taken during pregnancy may lead to lasting mental health issues in children, persisting into adulthood. The study found that exposure to these medications in the womb caused changes in brain chemistry and function that endured even as the offspring grew up, suggesting a lifelong impact.
"The young rats developed depression- and anxiety-like behaviours, along with learning and memory problems.
These issues persisted into adulthood, suggesting long-lasting impacts," said Pallavi Singh, the first author of the research paper, which reported these important findings published in top international journals like Elsevier and Springer.
"The key concern of the research was to highlight that the safety of newer antidepressants like Vilazodone, Vortioxetine, and Venlafaxine during pregnancy is still not well understood. More research is needed before these drugs can be considered safe for both the expecting mother and her baby," said Prof Singh.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
35 minutes ago
- Time of India
SOL implements research-based faculty development initiative
New Delhi: Delhi University 's School of Open Learning (SOL) is set to implement a major shift in its academic approach, aimed at enhancing the research capabilities of its faculty. To keep educators updated with the latest developments in their respective fields, SOL will now require its teachers to regularly upgrade their knowledge and skills through active participation in research. The initiative aligns with the National Education Policy, which places a strong emphasis on research, especially in the fourth year of UG programmes. As DU prepares to roll out the fourth year under NEP framework, officials estimate that of over 65,000 students in their third year at SOL now, around 15–20% may opt to continue into the final year. This initiative will equip teachers to mentor students during this transition. You Can Also Check: Delhi AQI | Weather in Delhi | Bank Holidays in Delhi | Public Holidays in Delhi In the first phase, faculty members will engage directly in research activities, allowing them to deepen their subject expertise. They will also mentor students through participation in ongoing research projects, thereby bridging gap between theory and practice. "This will not only enrich faculty members' teaching but will also help students develop a more contemporary and analytical understanding of the subject," said an official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like When Knee Pain Hits, Start Eating These Foods, and Feel Your Pain Go Away (It's Genius) Read More Undo "The initiative is expected to significantly enhance the learning experience by fostering a more research-oriented academic environment." SOL is also organising sessions to train faculty in research-based tools and techniques that can be used to guide students effectively. For those seeking more information, orientation sessions will be held on Tuesday and Wednesday to explain integration of the programme into the teachers' academic responsibilities.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
After Trump's team calls him a ‘Madman' over Syria strikes, Netanyahu out for 3 days with food poisoning
Behind the scenes, frustration is boiling over between Washington and Jerusalem. Trump administration officials are reportedly fed up with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's recent military actions. The fallout comes at a delicate time for U.S. foreign policy. What triggered the anger from U.S. officials? Top Trump officials are outraged by Benjamin Netanyahu 's unexpected airstrikes in Syria, calling him a 'madman' and accusing him of undermining US peace efforts. Tensions are exacerbated by Israel's Gaza church strike and West Bank violence despite President Trump's cordial embrace and chumminess with Bibi, according to Axios. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management Public Policy Healthcare Leadership Artificial Intelligence healthcare Degree Finance Others Digital Marketing Data Science others Technology Design Thinking MBA CXO Cybersecurity Project Management Data Analytics MCA Data Science Product Management PGDM Management Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details "Bibi acted like a madman. He bombs everything all the time,' a White House official vented to the outlet. 'This could undermine what Trump is trying to do," as quoted in a report. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Things Women Should NEVER Wear! Undo What's the latest on Benjamin Netanyahu's health? Meanwhile, Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering at home from food poisoning. According to his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from a case of food poisoning and will continue to perform his duties during the next three days while taking a break at home, as per a report by Reuters. Live Events The Israeli Prime Minister is receiving intravenous fluids for intestinal inflammation and dehydration after becoming ill overnight, according to a statement. "In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there," stated his office. ALSO READ: Anthony Mackie's flop? Critics slammed it, but it's a surprise smash hit on streaming charts How did Netanyahu's strikes impact Trump's peace agenda? US president Donald Trump has made ending foreign wars a top priority. Despite his prior affiliations with al-Qaeda and Islamic extremism, he has attempted to defuse the long-standing tensions between the United States and Syria and give its new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, a chance, as per a report by The NY Post. The war-torn nation is just weeks away from "potential collapse and a full-scale civil war of epic proportions," according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Axios, senior Trump administration officials, including US Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack and special envoy Steve Witkoff, bemoaned Israel's aggressive behavior to Trump and suggested that Netanyahu's domestic politics were the driving force behind the bombing campaign. In response to the violence between armed Bedouin tribesmen and the Druze militia, a minority group that Israel has pledged to protect, Netanyahu approved the bombing of a Syrian envoy that was traveling toward Suwayda. ALSO READ: Elon Musk is back in wartime mode — 7 days a week, sleeping in the office, no breaks Israel accused Syria of aiding the attacks against the Druze, while Syria's government said it was working to halt the violence and restore order, as per a report. Days after Netanyahu's visit to the United States, during which he was greeted warmly at the White House and declared his intention to nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize, Israel bombed Syria. FAQs Why are Trump officials upset with Netanyahu? They claim his surprise strikes in Syria are undermining Trump's efforts to broker peace in the region. What happened with Netanyahu's health? He is recovering from food poisoning and will work from home for the next three days.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Govt hospital near Tirupur awaiting inauguration despite completion a year ago
Tirupur: A 100-bed govt hospital constructed at a cost of Rs 47.56 crore at 15 Velampalayam in Tirupur district is yet to be inaugurated even though it was complete a year ago. Built with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the three-storey hospital features a range of modern medical amenities. "The hospital, initially planned with an 86-bed capacity, was later upgraded to 100 beds to meet the increasing healthcare demands of workers from various districts and states working in Tirupur. Notably, 44 staff members, including eight doctors and 20 nurses, are already appointed to manage the new facility," said Niruban Sakkaravarthi, district joint secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI). "Construction began in 2021 and was completed a year ago. It was initially scheduled to be inaugurated in October last year. However, it still remains unopened. This hospital will serve residents of Avinashi and the northern parts of Tirupur. Currently, people from these areas have to travel to the Tirupur Govt Medical College Hospital for treatment. For better access to healthcare, the hospital should be opened without further delay," he said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo A health department official said chief minister M K Stalin planned to inaugurate the hospital during his visit to Tirupur on Wednesday. However, the event was postponed. 'The CM is expected to inaugurate the facility soon,' the official added.
