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Studies on Autism and Antidepressants Show SSRIs May Cause Autism

Posted On : Jan-23-2012 | seen (182) times | Article Word Count : 545 |

New studies linking autism and antidepressants have brought a wave of lawsuits against antidepressant makers. Discover more about this link and what to do if you are a victim.
Most people view genetic makeup as the main reason behind autism. An autistic child's neurons and synaptic processes are different because of an anomaly in their genes. What you possibly won't know is there are other existing autism causes you must watch out for. Scientists still study many external factors thought to cause the condition. One of these is the use of antidepressants during pregnancy.

Brief Background on Autism

Autism is a group of neuro-developmental disorders affecting a person's behavior, social interaction, and communication skills. About 1% of the population, or one in every 110 children in the United States, has some type of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Boys are more inclined to develop this condition than girls.

Genetics plays a vital role in the development of autism. Children with ASD either have rare genetic mutations or a rare mix of common genes. A lot of kids with ASD also have other health conditions like tubular sclerosis, which researchers say is also a cause. Other hypothesized autism causes include things like exposure to mercury and lead and excessive vaccination, although studies have not proven a solid link between vaccines and autism. A pregnant mother's health condition or drug intake during gestation can also raise the risk of autism in their offspring.

The Link with Antidepressants

Autism and antidepressants have had a good relationship for years. There is absolutely no known treatment yet for ASD. Doctors handle symptoms in the meantime. They prescribe antidepressants to autistic children displaying signs of anxiety and depression. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are effective at governing the behavior of kids with autism.

Recent studies, however, reveal that the drug that keeps their symptoms in check could be the cause of their disorder. A new study demonstrates the risk of bearing autistic children went up 2.2 times in women who took SSRIs, like Prozac, during pregnancy. People who took it during the first trimester were at the highest risk, raising the likelihood 3.8 times.

Previous research has revealed that individuals with autism have abnormalities in serotonin levels. Serotonin plays a crucial part in brain development. People who have autism either have too much or too little of the chemical. Researchers believe a child's serotonin system mutates when a pregnant mother takes SSRIs early on in the pregnancy. These drugs pass through the placenta and alter the fetus's development. SSRIs treat depression along with other behavioral disorders by managing the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This process is what scientists believe to be the cause of serotonin system mutation.

Taking Action Against SSRI Manufacturers

This new link between autism and antidepressants brought about a wave of class-action lawsuits against SSRI drug manufacturers. You could file a claim if you took antidepressants during pregnancy and bore an autistic child.

You are able to charge manufacturers for design defects under the Defective Drugs Law. Legislation requires pharmaceutical companies to carefully study a drug's side effects. You may sue your doctor for medical malpractice if you can prove your physician didn't warn you regarding these side effects. Ensure you consult a personal injury lawyer focusing on this sort of lawsuit for more information on your options.

Article Source : http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Studies on Autism and Antidepressants Show SSRIs May Cause Autism_138068.aspx

Author Resource :
Adriana Bustos is a doctor who shares different autism causes to patients and talks about the link between autism and antidepressants in conferences nationwide.

Keywords : autism causes, autism and antidepressants,

Category : Health and Fitness : Health and Fitness

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