What Is the Link between Drugs and Autism?

Seattle, WAWhen it comes to the health of children, few topics raise as much heated discussion as the link between vaccines and autism. In fact, discussion of any medication in relation to autism, such as SSRIs and autism, can create controversy and fuel a debate. Part of the problem is that there has been a great deal of conflicting literature on the subject of medications and autism. Recent studies on antidepressant use and autism suggests infants exposed to the medications prior to birth are at an increased risk of an autism diagnosis. The end result is that many parents are left wondering what to do when it comes to medications.

One of the most controversial topics of debate is whether there is a link between vaccinations and autism in children. Recent studies, including one published online in PLoS One (2/12), suggest that low-level mercury exposure is not likely to have caused children to develop autism. The study found that the level of mercury in the urine of children with autism was no different than the level of mercury in children without autism.

Certain vaccines containing thimerosal—no longer in use—have been blamed by various groups for contributing to the prevalence of autism. Even though thimerosal is no longer used in vaccines, autism rates have continued to increase, suggesting that the thimerosal is not to blame for autism.

Although there is still controversy regarding the link between vaccines and autism, new studies suggest that there is a link between the use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) while pregnant and having an infant diagnosed with autism. According to the study, published online in Archives of General Psychiatry (5/7/11), infants whose mothers received a prescription for an antidepressant in the 12 months before delivery were twice as likely to have a child with autism spectrum disorder.

That risk further increased when the antidepressant used was an SSRI. To ensure the autism spectrum disorder diagnosis was not linked to maternal depression, researchers adjusted for depression and other mental health disorders. They further noted that previous studies suggest that changes in serotonin levels may have a role in the development of autism.

Researchers stressed that the risk of having untreated mental health disorders must be weighed against the risk of an autism diagnosis. They also recommended that more research be done into the link between SSRI medications and autism.