Antidepressants can be very helpful for people with depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors ( SSRIs ), a type of antidepressant, may help people recover from a stroke.

Untreated mental disorders are linked to newborn complications in pregnant women. But taking psychiatric medication has risks too. Again, the old question: What, then, to do?

Pregnant women with depression have tough choices to make. Do they treat the depression with medication or skip the meds? How might either choice affect their baby?

One of the concerns about taking antidepressants while pregnant is the possible effects on the baby. Surprisingly, these medications may help a baby's language development.

Hot flashes can get in the way of social activities, work, and sleep. Help managing hot flashes can improve quality of life.

Pegylated interferon-a drugs used to manage hepatitis C can cause major depression. Preventative use of the antidepressant, escitalopram or Lexapro, may be the solution for some patients.

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessive thoughts and behaviors.  Patients may be prescribed escitalopram  (often sold as Lexapro ), an antidepressant, to help with some symptoms.

Much is still uncertain about what drugs are safe while pregnant, so deciding what to take or avoid may require a tradeoff. Such may be the case for a common group of antidepressants.

Expectant mothers with depression or anxiety may debate whether to continue or cease taking their mood meds during pregnancy, and it appears their babies are likely affected either way.

With the massive differences in the human genome, prescribing medications can be tricky.  Fortunately, a new discovery may help doctors customize your medication by blood test.