After systemically reviewing 164 peer-reviewed studies, new research in Psychiatric Research & Clinical Practice determined that more studies are necessary on mental health treatments during the postpartum period and thereafter.
According to a press release of the study: “A recent analysis funded by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and published in Psychiatric Research & Clinical Practice notes that few studies have examined the benefits of medications for mental health disorders in pregnant and postpartum women.”
“And while many studies have reported on potential harms, the large majority could not separate the effect of medications from the effect of the underlying disorder,” it also stated.
“As a result, it is not clear that these medications caused harms to pregnant or postpartum women,” it continued.
The findings demonstrate how caution should be taken when making particular decisions during pregnancy and postpartum, with an increase in research studies on this concern.
