Perceptions of pregnant women regarding antidepressant and anxiolytic medication use during pregnancy
Abstract
Objective: The objective of this study was to explore attitudes and decision-making by pregnant women regarding antidepressant and anxiolytic use during pregnancy. Method: An observational study at an outer metropolitan hospital in Brisbane, Queensland. Pregnant women presenting for their first antenatal clinic visit were invited to complete a questionnaire. Participants were asked about current or previous antidepressant/anxiolytic use, influences on drug decision-making and the adequacy of information received. Perceptions were measured on a 7-point Likert scale. Results: A total of 503 pregnant women were surveyed. The background prevalence of anxiety and depression was 30.0% (151), with 9.3% (47) respondents using antidepressant or anxiolytic medications during the current pregnancy. Of these 47 women, 68% ceased these medications during or while trying to become pregnant, most commonly due to potential side effects to the baby (16), health professional advice (8) and symptomatology that was under control (7). While the effect was modest, decision-making was most strongly influenced by general practitioners, family and the internet. Conclusions: Most women cease antidepressant/anxiolytic medication before and during pregnancy for reasons other than stability of condition. This study reveals an unmet need for accessible reliable information to guide pregnant women and their care providers.
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Pregnant women express a strong preference for non-pharmacological treatment because of possible harm to the unborn child.
“Furthermore, pregnant women express a strong preference for non-pharmacological treatment because of the possible harm for their unborn child.24 25”
From Effects of bright light therapy for depression during pregnancy: a randomised, double-blind controlled trial (2020) · cites this paper as [25]
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- Authors
- Kothari, A., de Laat, J., Dulhunty, J. M., & Bruxner, G.
- Affiliations
- The University of Queensland (AU)
- Fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, Australia
- Queensland University of Technology (AU)
- Redcliffe Hospital (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Bruxner, George
- Venue
- Australasian Psychiatry
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Published
- 2018-11-01
- Volume
- 27
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 117-120
- ISSN
- 1039-8562 (ISSN-L)
- 1440-1665
- OpenAlex
- W2899146958
- Cited by
- 20
- References
- 22
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2024: 1 · 2023: 4 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 4 · 2020: 6 · 2019: 1
- FWCI
- 2.62
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Australasian Psychiatry (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- Redcliffe Hospital Private Practice Fund
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Pregnancy and Medication Impact
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Maternal Mental Health During Pregnancy and Postpartum
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine › Cardiovascular Issues in Pregnancy
- Keywords
- antidepressant use during pregnancy, pregnant women's perceptions, medication decision-making, maternal depression, maternal anxiety, drug discontinuation, information needs, prenatal care, general practitioners, family influence, online health information
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Antidepressive Agents, Anxiety, Attitude, Counseling, Cross-Sectional Studies, Decision Making, Depression, Female, Humans, Pregnancy, Queensland, Surveys and Questionnaires, Anti-Anxiety Agents, Young Adult
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