Autism Causes - How Antidepressants Could Be One of Them - By: Adriana Bustos

Most people view genetic makeup as the main cause for autism. An autistic child's neurons and synaptic processes are different as a result of an anomaly in their genes. What you possibly don't know is there are also existing autism causes you have to watch out for. Scientists continue to study many external factors believed 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 that affect 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 likely to develop this condition than girls.

Genetics plays a vital role in the development of autism. Kids with ASD either have rare genetic mutations or a rare mixture of common genes. A lot of children with ASD also have other health problems like tubular sclerosis, which researchers say is also a cause. Other hypothesized autism causes include 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 might also add to the risk of autism in their kids.

The Link with Antidepressants

Autism and antidepressants have had a good relationship for years. There is absolutely no known treatment yet for ASD. Doctors address symptoms for the time being. They prescribe antidepressants to autistic kids demonstrating signs of anxiety and depression. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) work well at controlling the behavior of kids with autism.

Recent studies, however, show the drug that keeps their symptoms in check may be the cause of their disorder. A new study shows that the risk of bearing autistic children increased 2.2 times in women who took SSRIs, like Prozac, during pregnancy. Those who took it during the first trimester were at the highest risk, increasing the likelihood 3.8 times.

Previous studies show that people with autism have problems with their serotonin levels. Serotonin plays an important part in brain development. Those with 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 affect the fetus's development. SSRIs treat depression along with other behavioral disorders by controlling the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This process is what scientists believe to be the explanation for serotonin system mutation.

Taking Action Against SSRI Manufacturers

This new link between autism and antidepressants produced 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.

It is possible to charge manufacturers for design defects under the Defective Drugs Law. Legislation requires pharmaceutical companies to carefully study a drug's side effects. You can also sue your doctor for medical malpractice if you could prove your physician didn't warn you with regards to these side effects. Ensure you consult a personal injury lawyer focusing on this type of lawsuit to explore your options.

About the Author

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

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Adriana-Bustos/208504

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