About This Project

The aim of the current project is to investigate the consequences of developmental exposure to antidepressants on the oxytocinergic system. Current research indicates that boys exposed to antidepressants during early development are three times more likely to develop an Autism Spectrum Disorder. Since oxytocin is involved in the regulation of many social behaviors including parenting, social bonding, and "falling in love" we posit an altered oxytocin system may underlie Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

Today approximately 13.4 percent of pregnant and lactating mothers use antidepressants. This is a stark increase from 5.7% in 1999. Accordingly, there is mounting concern regarding the safety of antidepressants for developing offspring since these drugs are present in breast milk. Currently, scientists know little about the effects of antidepressant exposure on offspring. However, potential ramifications include respiratory and cardiac defects as well as autism spectrum disorder.

Although poorly understood, antidepressant use by mothers is linked with autism. Since antidepressants influence oxytocin and oxytocin deficiency is implicated in the development of autism, we hypothesize that altered oxytocin as a consequence of antidepressant exposure may lead to the development of autism.

What is the significance of this project?

The very real and complex decision that depressed mothers face is whether they should begin, resume or suspend antidepressant treatment during gestation and lactation. A mother may favor taking medication so that they can provide adequate care for themselves and their offspring. However, this treatment comes at the potential cost of negatively influencing their child's neurodevelopment. Our work could help inform that decision.

By providing a link between early life antidepressant exposure and the oxytocin system in offspring; practicing physicians, mothers and particularly unborn children will benefit from this research. Mothers and physicians could incorporate this study in their decision–making when determining the optimal treatment regime for depression.

What are the goals of the project?

The primary aim of the current project is to elucidate the link between early antidepressant exposure and later oxytocin deficits, by utilizing a mouse species that engages in many social behaviors comparable to humans. To understand why antidepressants exposure may have such a significant consequence on the development of autism, we will test for differences in neural oxytocin levels in offspring of antidepressant treated and control mothers.

The ultimate goal of this research is to provide necessary clarification about the safety and/or consequences of maternal antidepressant use for developing offspring.This research has the potential to influence how we treat depressed mothers and provide insight in the neurobiological underpinnings of autism.