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Table 5 Reasons in favour of prescribing antidepressants during pregnancy and reasons against pharmacotherapy during pregnancy.

From: Depression during pregnancy: views on antidepressant use and information sources of general practitioners and pharmacists

 

General practitioners

(N = 130) n

Pharmacists

(N = 144) n

Significant difference between GPs and pharmacists?

What are reasons for treating depression or anxiety during pregnancy with antidepressants?

   

Because the severeness of maternal complaints outweigh possible risks for the child.

124

116

ns

Because depression and anxiety may affect the child's neurological and behavioural development.

28

84

**

Because antidepressants do not increase the risk on birth defects

5

51

**

Other

24

2

**

Not responded

11

24

ns

What may be the reasons for avoiding antidepressants during pregnancy?

   

Because depression and anxiety do not affect the course of pregnancy

13

20

ns

Because depression and anxiety do not influence the development of the child

12

7

ns

Because antidepressants may have negative effects on the unborn child

93

82

ns

Because antidepressants may cause withdrawal effects after birth

44

53

ns

Because antidepressants are not officially registered for use during pregnancy

39

26

ns

Because psychotherapy is as effective as are antidepressants

36

18

*

Other

9

0

ne

Not responded

17

34

ns

  1. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01, ns = not significant, ne = not estimated