Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and congenital malformations

I wholeheartedly agree with Dr.EL-Adl's comment regarding the need
for larger
more definitive studies that are conducted using sound methodology and in
a
timely fashion. This is not just true for SSRIs, but for all medications
likely to be
used by women of childbearing potential. Systematic and rigorous post-
marketing studies of human pregnancy with the most appropriate study
designs
should be the standard. Although getting to clear-cut answers, especially
regarding low risks, and when we usually cannot conduct clinical trials in

pregnancy, is challenging, it is nevertheless in my opinion, worth the
effort.

Competing interests:
see list of sources of grant funding
in the original editorial