Can I ever have kids?

[happyhannah31]

So, I just wanted an opinion. I'm only 17, but thinking ahead. Will I "be able" to have kids? I know I physically CAN, but would it be a horrible choice. The reason I ask is because, first off, I take Paxil and am quite dependent on it (60 mg daily) and all they show are those antidepressant commercials for birth defect babies. So if I did want to get pregnant I would have to get off it, right? And that would probably make me like a bagillion times more at risk for postpartum, and I would want to hurt myself or the baby of course! And even if I did get off, I also have bad chronic Lyme disease, and I know that can be passed to your children and I would hate for them to go through that :( so if I decided to try and adopt a baby, would they even approve me because I take an SSRI and have a "mental disorder"? Is it hopeless? :(

[RubyWitch]

I am very relieved to read that you are "thinking ahead" about having children. It has nothing to do with the fact you've been on antidepressants since you were 6 years old. Many women on antidepressants have children, either by going off the med while their pregnant or through adoption. Both are viable alternatives, but unless you get under the care of a psychiatrist, and until he/she deems you fit, I don't believe you should ever have children. I base that rather nasty assesment on your own words:

"So if I did want to get pregnant I would have to get off it, right? And that would probably make me like a bagillion times more at risk for postpartum, and I would want to hurt myself or the baby of course!"

I believe you should be "thinnking ahead" to how you're going to overcome your deep-seated depression, not wondering if you'll get so depressed you'll hurt yourself or the baby........."of course!"
That sentence sent chills up my spine.
Greenlydia
  
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TO: jcook

While there is some fairly new research being done on the possibility of some kinds of anxiety being inherited or very specific gene combinations from both parents that might predispose someone to anxiety, there is nothing concrete as of yet. And there is certainly no scientific evidence to back up your statement that it is "passed from mothers to their kids."

I have included a statement from some of the research I've been following  on this subject and have included my sources if you, or anyone else, would like to read about this very interesting theory..................
Peace
Greenlydia


"So at the moment there is some evidence of genetics playing a part in some anxiety related conditions. However the evidence isn't completely clear and our best guess at the moment is that genetics can in certain circumstances play a role in anxiety related conditions. Our best guess at the moment is that the majority of anxiety related issues are psychological or medical with a very small number of anxiety issues being hereditary."
  


References

Hendricks, T.J. etal (2003) Pet-1 ETS Gene Plays a Critical Role in 5-HT Neuron Development and Is Required for Normal Anxiety-like and Aggressive Behavior. Neuron, Volume 37, Issue 2, 233-247, 23 January 2003

Gehrman, P., etal (2009)  Heritability of Insomnia in adolescents: how much is just depression and anxiety? Abstract presented on June 8, at SLEEP 2009, the 23rd Annual Meeting of the Associated Professional Sleep Societies.

Goenjian, A.K. et al (2008) Heritabilities of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression in earthquake exposed Armenian families. Psychiatric Genetics. 18(6):261-266, December 2008.

Murphy, D.L. etal (2008) How the serotonin story is being rewritten by new gene-based discoveries principally related to SLC6A4, the serotonin transporter gene, which functions to influence all cellular serotonin systems. Neuropharmacology 55 (2008) 932–960

[j17c27]

I read on one of your other posts youve been on Paxil since you were 6?? jeeze thats a long time.  Why dont you try getting off meds if your worried about it in the future! You have no idea what life is like not relying on meds! If you cant try and tackle anxiety without chemicals then your anxiety wont get better.  I mean if youve suffered anxiety for a while and then went on pills youd at least know how to deal with it but you were only 6? Thats crazy! Dont worry about kids. I know that you cant join the peace corp if your on an SSRI which was a big shocker to me.  I dont know about adoption but dont be suprised cause its a long process. A long process you dont need to worry about.  But i kinda understand what you mean, becuase Ive thought about never having kids because i have horrible anxiety and anxiety is passed down through mothers to their kids.  

[CassCore]

First of all calm down. I know how it is to obsess over something because I just came off of 100mg of Zoloft so that my husband and I could have a baby. I worried about similar things (I once worried I would never be able to go swimming again because I couldn't use a tampon, of course I learned and am fine). I haven't conceived yet, but coming off of the medicine was easy for me because I knew there was a bigger goal at hand. And I want to keep my future babies safe. As for adoption...so many people are on SSRI's I doubt it would be a problem as long as you can prove a stable home and happy family for a child. Just try not to worry about it and maybe in a few years when the time comes you'll be better! Are you in counsling? That may help you! And you can always talk to your doctor about alternative medicines that could help you during pregnancy. BUT like I said...cross the bridge when you get to it! You have a lot of time.