Using antidepressants during pregnancy, specifically fluoxetine (found in Prozac and Sarafem), can significantly affect a child's brain development, particularly in the prefrontal cortex, potentially increasing the risk of mental health disorders later in life. The research highlights how serotonin, boosted by fluoxetine, directly impacts the development of synaptic connections in the prefrontal cortex, a critical area for high-order cognitive functions.
