FDA Panel Questions Kennedy's Skepticism on Antidepressants During Pregnancy

On July 21, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened a panel to discuss the safety and efficacy of antidepressant use during pregnancy. The session, initiated partly in response to comments from Robert F. Kennedy Jr., featured a group of panelists known for their skeptical views on antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Despite the panel's two-hour discussion, many experts criticized the unproven theories presented, which linked maternal antidepressant use to adverse outcomes like autism and fetal alcohol syndrome.

Kennedy, a prominent critic of SSRIs, has publicly questioned their effectiveness and safety, alleging connections to school shootings and addiction—claims that lack scientific support. During the meeting, panelists echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that the overprescription of SSRIs in pregnant women might be problematic. Some proposed that these medications could impact fetal brain development, potentially leading to conditions such as autism or depression, although concrete evidence remains lacking.

The discussion drew attention to broader concerns about mental health treatment during pregnancy. Data indicate that depression and anxiety affect approximately 10-22% of pregnant women, with about 6% taking SSRIs during pregnancy. Medical experts generally emphasize the importance of managing mental health conditions, noting that untreated depression can result in negative outcomes for both mother and child.

FDA Director Marty Makary emphasized the need to address root causes of depression and warned against unnecessary overprescribing, stating that excessive medication may be associated with increased health issues like diabetes and depression. Several panelists, including YouTuber Josef Witt-Doerring, doctor David Healy, and psychiatrist Joanna Moncrieff, questioned the benefits of antim depressants, with some asserting they do not effectively treat depression.

The meeting also touched on political and social narratives, with Kennedy's comments drawing criticism from Congressional Democrats. They argued that spreading unverified claims could discourage women from seeking necessary treatment. Evidence-based guidelines from organizations like the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology continue to support the careful use of antidepressants during pregnancy, weighing the risks and benefits.

Experts from Johns Hopkins and other institutions highlighted the risks of untreated mental illness, including poor prenatal care and risky behaviors. Some researchers pointed out minimal links between specific drugs like paroxetine and congenital defects, underscoring the importance of shared decision-making that considers both maternal and fetal health. Overall, the panel underscored that treating mental health issues during pregnancy remains a critical aspect of maternal and fetal well-being.