Story perspectives

Study Finds No Autism, ADHD Rise from Antidepressants in Pregnancy

5/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

Dr Wing-Chung Chang’s meta-analysis of 37 studies (?600,000 exposed and 25 million unexposed pregnancies) found no autism or ADHD increase after adjustment.
Unadjusted data suggested a 35 % higher ADHD risk and a 69 % higher autism risk, which disappeared after controlling for confounders.
Professor James Walker warned that women with moderate or severe depression should not stop medication in pregnancy because untreated depression also endangers mother and child.

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Story summary

Dr Wing-Chung Chang’s meta-analysis of 37 studies (?600,000 exposed and 25 million unexposed pregnancies) found no autism or ADHD increase after adjustment.
Unadjusted data suggested a 35 % higher ADHD risk and a 69 % higher autism risk, which disappeared after controlling for confounders.
Professor James Walker warned that women with moderate or severe depression should not stop medication in pregnancy because untreated depression also endangers mother and child.